Lompoc Attractions

Santa Barbara County

Location and importance

Lompoc, not far from the mission station known as La Purissima Concepcion, lies in the valley of the same name, which has its origin in the language of the Chumash Indians who once lived there and, roughly translated, means "mussel mountain". Lompoc is only 10mi/16km from the Pacific coast, and can be reached via the U.S. 101.

Until a few years ago Lompoc was one of the important flower-growing districts of California. Today the area used for horticulture has shrunk to only 1,600 acres/646 hectares, as many individual houses have been built here to accommodate the families of those employed at the Vandenberg airfield only a few miles away. The flower festival is held in June every year.