If you’re not ready to give up on summer, hold onto that warm-weather feeling a little longer in Lompoc, California.
Situated on California’s Central Coast, Lompoc is a great base for outdoor adventures. One standout is the 5,368-acre Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve, a stretch of maritime chaparral between the Purisima Hills and the Santa Ynez Mountains. The reserve supports diverse wildlife — bobcats, mountain lions, badgers, deer, endangered kangaroo rats and numerous bird species — and offers marked trails ideal for hiking and nature walks.
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For wildlife lovers and photographers, Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary is a must-visit. This protected refuge spans roughly 1,500 acres and is home to more than 400 wild horses and burros. The sanctuary focuses on care, education and conservation, and offers a variety of experiences you can book in advance: private tours, photo safaris and herd immersion sessions, plus workshops that include animal communication, nature listening with the Council of Horses, and Reiki for animals.
If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, consider a tandem skydive with Skydive Santa Barbara. Options include 8,000-, 13,000- and 18,000-foot jumps to suit different comfort levels. For those who catch the skydiving bug, Skydive School offers a structured progression that includes several hours of ground instruction, assisted jumps and a solo 13,000-foot jump once you’re ready.
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Beyond wildlife and skydiving, Lompoc offers a variety of other outdoor and cultural activities. Ride horses along 25 miles of trails at the historic La Purisima Mission, founded in 1787. Head to Jalama Beach for fishing, whale watching, surfing, kiteboarding and exploring coastal caves. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tastings at Longoria Wines and participate in hands-on harvest activities with Melville Wines’ Harvest Hands program, which gives visitors a chance to experience winemaking during the grape harvest season.