Fall adventures in Lompoc, CA

With temperatures cooling down after summer, there is no better time to explore the adventurous side of Lompoc, California.

There is a wide array of exciting activities to get the adrenaline pumping this autumn from skydiving, horse safaris, kitesurfing, and more.

Skydive

Lompoc is home to the highest drop zone on the west coast. Skydive Santa Barbara‘s 18,000-feet tandem jump gives you a 90-second free fall, and more parachute time to take in a birds-eye view of the Pacific Ocean, the hillsides, and local vineyards. This jump is from such a high altitude, you not only are required to have supplemental oxygen to do it.  If you wanted to jump from any higher, you’d have to join NASA or the military.

If skydiving from 18,000 feet (that’s nearly 3.5 miles) is too high, Skydive Santa Barbara also offers a 13,000-feet tandem jump, or even an 8,000-feet jump. If you want to take your love of skydiving to a whole new level, Skydive Santa Barbara also offers Skydive School that includes 4-6 hours of ground training, 7 assisted jumps, and finishes with your first 13,000-feet solo jump.

Fully recognized by the FAA, Skydive Santa Barbara has facilitated over 300,000 jumps since 1997.

Hiking and horseback riding

For adventures on the ground, go back in time. Founded in 1787, La Purisima Mission in Lompoc is the most extensively restored of all 21 missions in California. Trek through the 25 miles of trails in the 2,000-acre State Historic Park surrounding the mission, whether on foot or horseback, and envision life here 200 years ago.

Go Wild with horses, burros,and more

Witness wild horses and burros at the Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lompoc.  Over 400 wild horses and 29 burros call this protected habitat home. For a group of four or more, create a personalized adventure with sanctuary volunteers and staff.

The 5,000-acre Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve is a habitat protecting Burton Mesa Chaparral, which only grows in the sandy soils of the Lompoc Valley. In addition to rare and endangered plants finding their home there, you can spot many different species of animals as you explore the terrain. There are coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, deer and snakes. The birdwatching is also excellent. Plus, you’re likely to encounter the reserve’s famous endangered kangaroo rats. To protect the ecosystem at the reserve, motorized vehicles, bicycles, and horses are prohibited.

Jalama Beach

Located a 30-minute drive from Lompoc, Jalama Beach is one-stop for adventure seekers. Fish for perch, cabezon, kelp, bass, and halibut. In fall and winter, you can also spot grey whales and dolphins migrating to their breeding and feeding grounds.

Plan your visit to Jalama Beach for low tide for so you can access the tide pools and beach caves. Low tide is also the best time for the wet and windy hike along the Point Conception: De Anza trail. The eight-mile out-and-back hike peaks at the historic Point Conception Lighthouse.

Jalama Beach is also a popular spot for surfing and kitesurfing. Though they are less extreme in fall and winter, winds on the beach are very unpredictable. Jalama Beach is best left to expert-level kite surfers.

Medium tide produces the best conditions, but it can still be a challenge to surf at Jalama Beach. Early morning riders have the best opportunity to catch a wave.

At Jalama Beach County Park, a day use pass is $10 per vehicle. The Jalama Beach Grill is onsite and open daily for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. Their Jalama Burger is a famous must-try.

Scenic country drives

Lompoc’s location off the 101 freeway means there’s no shortage of scenic drives to enjoy in and around the city. If you’re headed to Jalama Beach, you’ll enjoy a twisting, turning 14 mile drive of hillside canyons, seasonal wildflowers, and views of local farms. North of Lompoc, Hwy 246 takes you through the picturesque vineyards and wineries that make up the Sta. Rita Hills Wine region. Stop in for a tasting or pick up a souvenir at one of the many wineries on the hillside.

Adventures in winemaking

When autumn rolls around, it’s harvest time for the vineyards and wineries in and around Lompoc. The wineries buzz with activity and excitement as the grapes come off the vine and go into crushing and pressing. Fermentation is next, and can last from 10 days to over a month, followed by clarification, filtering, and fining. To experience fall winemaking for yourself, visit Melville Wines for the  Harvest Hands event. Book a tasting at Longoria Wines in Lompoc, where you may catch a glimpse of the winemakers in action.

Splashy fun for kids

For families with kids, the Lompoc Aquatic Center is just the ticket. One of the largest indoor waterparks in the state, the Aquatic Center is an affordable adventure for the whole family. Adult admission is $6, Children over 2 cost $5.50 each, and under twos cost $2. Enjoy the Activity Pool, which features two 125-feet water slides, a shallow lap pool, and an interactive AquaPlay Center. The AquaPlay Center has twin waterslides, water cannons, cargo nets and the famous “bucket.” There’s also an outdoor picnic area with tables if you bring along a meal or need a place to relax.

For more info, visit: www.explorelompoc.com 

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