The Perfect Weekend in Lompoc on California’s Central Coast

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

It’s great how much your kids enjoy hiking! They seem to like being outside as much as you 😊

[@californiathroughmylens]

They really do love being outside, we go hiking all the time haha

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

@ one of my favorite things to see in your videos is when you all are together making new memories

[@justingagner6200]

Thanks for the video! I live in Lompoc with my wife and two kids and it's always nice to see our town from someone else's perspective.

[@californiathroughmylens]

It’s such a beautiful little town, we had a great time! Really want to come back for a rocket launch

[@KurtfromLaQuinta]

Love the “train station” at Surf. Only in California do we have a train stop on the ocean. 😊

[@pelon103]

Dude, I’ve been watching your videos for years and anytime I need to research a national park or some other cool location in California, your channel is at the top of the list for videos to watch!! So it’s so awesome for you to make a video of my hometown!! Thank you for doing it justice 🙏🏾 I’ll invite you out for a beer next time your in town 🍻 keep up the good work!

[@lifeonswezeastreet]

We love Lompoc. (And you said it right!) So many great places to visit.

[@californiathroughmylens]

I had to research how to say it to make sure! haha

[@WesShoemaker]

Just found this great channel when this video was recommended to me, and I clicked JUST to see if they pronounced it right! LOL I did the 545-mile AIDS Lifecycle charity bicycle ride this past summer. Lompoc is one of the camping spots along the route. The mayor of your town, Jenelle Osborne, was very gracious and kind, and even came to camp that evening to speak to all 3,000+ of us on the ride. (The only mayor to come speak to us in all the 7 towns we camped in along the way, I might add. Left a great impression.) She was SURE to let us know the correct pronunciation! :-) Such a beautiful area! Looking forward to coming through again on the ride this summer. 🚲

[@Ms.Laterholmes]

I was born here at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Glad you pronounce Lompoc, correctly.😂❤

[@katherinespencer2633]

I’ve been to Lompoc and to the Mission.. it was beautiful. In entered the Mission and felt that this is what heaven looks like. I’ve never forgotten that moment.

[@alniedrich1245]

Awesome video! I lived in Lompoc from 1966-74 and recall a number of missile launches. Jalama beach is indeed a great place, my favorite beach in California. This video brought back a ton of memories.

[@leeoconnor7218]

La Purísima Mission was my 8th grade mission project. I never get tired of going there.

[@californiathroughmylens]

That is awesome, what a good choice as there is so much to see!

[@KurtfromLaQuinta]

The best mission in California is San Antonio de Padua up on Hearst property.

[@leeoconnor7218]

@@KurtfromLaQuinta Isn't San Antonio de Padua in Fort Hunter Liggett? It is also a great mission.

[@johnpurdum8126]

It's nice to see our area through the eyes of a visitor. I live about 20 minutes north of Lompoc and it was refreshing to hear you pronounce Lompoc and Nojoqui Falls correctly. Glad your family enjoyed the weekend.

[@5wheels521]

So nice to see Lompoc. My grandfather used to work at Bodger Seed, he loved the flowers, ❤

[@williamzavlaris4054]

Great getaway. Can't believe how big the kids are getting but still as cute as ever. Love the donuts at the end of the hike. It would work for me. Wishing you continued fun and safe family adventures and thanks so much for taking us along. Best always!

[@YvetteCope-q2n]

Thank you for sharing. Lompoc is a hidden gem! It is a gorgeous area and an amazing community! I have lived all across the United States and this is the best!

[@musclecarczarig4003]

Jalama beach is a great place to camp and surf. I can't thank you enough for showing the Jalama burger!

[@carolnichols8971]

So happy to see this video. I grew up in Lompoc *Vandenber Village), moved away a long time ago, and it was great seeing it as a family weekend getaway.

[@Twobarpsi]

Halama Beach was incredible!

[@KurtfromLaQuinta]

Way too crowded in the summer.

[@Aqualung1956]

Another fantastic adventure thank you! I grew up in Orange County, although have not lived there in 35 years. When I want to see California videos, you are at the top of my list!

[@migegomez9926]

I been watching your videos for awhile now never thought you'd come to lompoc... that's awesome and glad you enjoyed.

[@Borbolatot]

Growing up in Lompoc was the best! Thx for sharing our beautiful town :)

[@petuniasevan]

Thanks for the video. I haven't been to Lompoc since forever (the 1970s) but I still miss the central coast; heck I miss a lot of California. I really enjoy your travels.

[@ericaustinyee]

The creature in the kelp/seaweed is a kelp isopod

[@robertbeamer7279]

Great place and well captured here, Josh. I used to teach at the federal prison and loved it. Also grew up surfing (and camping) at Jalama. Amazing drive to and from SB. 🙏

[@travelertrome8449]

As a Santa Barbara resident, I really enjoyed this video. You hit a lot of great spots! Melville is an excellent Winery. My wife is a member of Stolpman Winery, which has a location in the wine ghetto. Near the waterfall is also the Santa Barbara Blueberry Farm where blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are available to pick. 😎

[@Kaesie111]

I am so overwhelmed with all these new videos! Thank you sooooooooooo much!!!

[@mmartin0101]

I always love your videos. Thanks.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you like them!

[@ChrisW-17]

Very nice to see you out with the whole family on this adventure, Josh. As a fan of California history, La Purisima is definitely my favorite mission. You can also see the ruins of the original mission on the far south end of Lompoc. There's a few walls left in a neighborhood up against the hills. Also, for film buffs, theres the Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes Center a out 30mi north of Lompoc. They have salvaged relics displayed from the set of The Ten Commandments that was filmed in the sand dunes out to the west.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Great point! I visited the old ruins when I went year ago and then forgot for this trip!

[@jasonschwab807]

Aw man, we love Melville. Our absolute fave pinot of the area.

[@lornahardin4563]

Beautiful weekend. I love all your food choices too, and your kids are so good.

[@ahjwille]

You should make a T-shirt (clothing line) with "Amy's living her best life" printed on the front. That seems to be your catch phrase for Amy. Love your videos.

[@lynelljansen8057]

oh the coffee flight looks amazing. And I loved all the murals. great video. visit Simi Valley someday. 😀

[@TheDaubSquad]

So great to see you sharing adventures with your kids. We try to do that, too.

[@TimHunold]

Until about 5 years ago the ONLY thing I knew about Lompoc was the prison. But I'll be driving through it on my twice a tear LA - Portland trip and I'll check some of this out if they let my puppy in :)

[@jeanniecrawford-lee7246]

Glad to know about Lompoc! Thanks.

[@californiathroughmylens]

I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@josephregallis3394]

I can see the space launches from my driveway here in Port St. Lucie, FL. They launch at the Kennedy Space Center. I think you have a wonderful family with your wife and two kids. You have it all! I have a Chinese friend who also lives in L.A. and I want to come out there to California again some day to visit. I am sad about the fires you all have delt with and are still experiencing. I hope that ends soon and you all get to recover quickly! Thanks for the video.

[@DyanK614]

Great family getaway-looked awesome. I love your kids’ rating system- quite unique!!

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha I never know whether it is good or bad (100 and a 15?) LOL

[@theathjr]

Ahhh. I remember that sandy hike at La Purisima Mission back in the day on my son’s 4th grade mission trip. I made it halfway up🤣

[@bencuraza6503]

I live a hop and a skip from the.Video Sites. Thank You for Showcasing the / Our Coastal Central Coast❤❤❤

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@PortersPortfolio]

Thanks for showing me Bodger Trail. We go to Lompoc after our Thanksgiving trip to San Diego every year from the Bay and stay at The Embassy Suites but that Hilton looks nicer. We also do Buelton and feed the Ostriches/Emus and then into Solvang. Now we can check out the places you showcased in this vid! Happy travels! I forgot, I go to Dark Water. All handmade wines and no shortcuts in the fining process. I always see Montemar but never go, we will now!

[@RMSinLA]

Excellent video as always.

[@MCW1955]

Our California is so beautiful, I look forward to making California Great Again!!

[@Hummingbirds2023]

I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your videos and you and your family and of course your Dad. Today Jan. 26, 2025 in the high desert its cold and cloudy today, I love it sunggle weather! SO I spent the afternoon and evening watching your videos! My grandparents always traveled on their vacations, he took slides we all watched after they returned home, very happy memories!! I own those slides now. He took movies too. He loved photography too. I just wanted to say please keep up the WONDERFUL JOB you do. I really love watching everywhere you go and the restaurants you choose are really nice!! Thank you for making my day so happy and enjoyable!! You are a huge blessing! Hello to your Mom and Dad, beautiful darling wife, beautiful twins and yourself!! Happy New Year 2025 too! May God always bless you all! ❤ 🙏🇺🇸📸📷l

[@EdCook-f4q]

You no doubt have many people who watch your vlog that are golfers, so I feel it's worthwhile to mention a particularly beautiful course in Lompoc. Many golfers either know about it or have heard the name. In any case, I highly recommend playing LA Purisima. Cannot imagine anyone not being glad they took the time to play if in the area. I have never talked to anyone who has played that didn't rave about it. It is close to Vandenberg AFB where many rockets are launched as you alluded to in your video. I had the good fortune of being out on the curse when one was launched. We were literally directly below it. The fire out the tail and the sound that was deafening was something I will always remember.

[@thedustycatstravels]

Hi! Totally great job! I live close and lived in Lompoc. I’m going to take my grandsons on your tour 😊😊you hit a place I’ve never been. Love the channel ❤

[@rickazca774]

Love that area. Haven’t been there in years, but thanks for taking me along on your trip.

[@william2william]

Rocket launches at Lompoc (Vandenberge SFB) are great, especially for kids. The winter months are the best time to go to avoid the fog. Launches that occur between 10 am and 4 pm (winter months) are the best times to avoid the marine layer. A launch can get delayed for hours, days, or weeks so have other activities planned.

[@ElDrewski]

Went camping at jalama best experience.. thanks for showing this

[@californiathroughmylens]

That is awesome, I really want to do that in the future!

[@richardbergmark6722]

Excellent! Many good memories.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad it brought back good memories!

[@jphan21]

Thanks for another great video. I’ve been to Lompoc twice but only to spend the night on a return trip home from So Cal. Now looking to plan a weekend getaway! My husband really wants to see a rocket launch too, no luck so far.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Oh man, I hope he can see it. I was so excited to see it when I was there, I could barely sleep the night before, and then it didn't happen haha

[@SantaCruzben]

Thank you for the great video ! 🙌

[@dw908]

Great video. I've avoided turning down to Lompoc on the rare occasion I've been in that area, only because I didn't know much about it. Will definitely make a stop if I get the chance.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Makes sense, it is often overlooked by Solvang since it is a little ways off Highway 101 but we had a great time

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Lompoc is fun. Alana beach is incredible. But hands down my favorite spot for sunset photos is sand dollar beach at low tide. I try to time my trips to Big Sur when there is a low tide that falls around sunset. I’d send you a picture to show you what I mean. It’s so incredible with all those rocks and tide pools. Didn’t know there was a waterfall near Lompoc. I need to check it out next time. Thanks for posting.

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Pizza in hotel rooms - been there, done that with my niece's twins! Look for Transcendence Winery in the Ghetto - friend's cousin. Jalama burgers are the BEST! We have camped there several times & once ran out of propane, so we ate burgers & their breakfasts - YUM!

[@Ms.Laterholmes]

San Juan Bautista has a beautiful mission as well

[@william2william]

A few other places close to Lompoc that are worth a visit. Guadalupe Dunes National Wildlife Refuge - a 12-mile-long beach with large sand dunes. 36 miles from Lompoc. Pismo Beach Pier - a whale watching site at downtown Pismo City along Pismo Beach. 48 miles from Lompoc. Solvang - the small town modeled after a Danish village. 21 miles from Lompoc. Surf Beach / Ocean Park - two public parks at the end of Ocean Ave. 10 miles from Lompoc, near the rocket launch sites.

[@patsalas5170]

We were at Ocean Park last Wednesday...it is closed...the road to the parking lot has flooded...but we stop there every month on our way home from Morro Bay...we spent time at surf beach... gorgeous weather ❤

[@supersquirrel4755]

1:38 Yaaay Amy!!

[@Smallbusiness0007]

beautiful!

[@californiathroughmylens]

It's a great little town!

[@darinhem5659]

The kids have the coolest footprint 👣

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha they will be happy to hear that!

[@homeworkfive5040]

na-ho-kee is how i’ve heard it pronounced. good looking burger. thanks for sharing.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Aww ok, yea I am not 100% sure on the pronunciation, I tried to find the answer before and that's what I was told

[@victorylee5381]

Lovely

[@patsalas5170]

❤ we love Lompoc...and Jalama Beach...we pass through there every month on our way home from Morro Bay..that donut shop is the BEST...on your next trip explore the original site of the mission on the other side of town it was moved to current location after a big earthquake..also check out Ocean park by the Santa Inez river..Amtrak travels over the river into Vandenberg SFB.,.on your way south take the 246 into buelton and between there and solvang is the ostrich farm 😂...then the 154 past Cachuma lake into santa Barbara ❤❤ happy travels ❤❤❤❤

[@aatt3209]

Thank you for the list of things to do in Lompoc, I am heading to this town very soon from a local who has not visited Lompoc.

[@californiathroughmylens]

I hope you have a great time!

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Jalama Beach campground used to be a first come first serve place. Now you have to put in reservations months in advance. Growing pains.

[@MrsOveata]

Good for you. You pronounced Lompoc correctly.

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha thanks, I made sure I double checked haha

[@BobJP77]

I hope that you and your family are ok. Those wild fires in California looks like Hell has come to L.A/Hollywood.

[@karlstriepe8050]

"This is quite hard work, isn't it?," says the daugher at 6:39 in the video. Gotta love the "Peppa Effect."

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha 100% she loves Peppa 😂

[@hankgs]

Next door to Melville Winery is a SUPER COOL winery/tasting room called BABCOCK Winery

[@karlstriepe8050]

Cool vintage shop too, but their wine, while still great, is not as good as Melville.

[@sovereigncosmicwildman]

Did you see any teepee stick structures on Jalama? been wanting to scope that beach out

[@kokomo23love]

Went here 2x to do tandem jump. I’d like to go back and do these spots.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Oh wow, that is a unique way to see Lompoc for sure!

[@WallhackYT]

"2 years in Lompoc .. I'll die before I go back"

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha I had to look that up, I don't remember that part of Fast and Furious

[@miriammitchell9677]

Aww man Josh this is awesome too!! I’m from Tampa but when I make my annual pilgrimage to California now I have to stop by. I have to ask, heyou said the burger was good. Was it better than In-N-Out Burger?😂

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha it is hard to beat In-N-Out, this was more a classic burger though so it was a little more substantial than In-N-Out is haha

[@milesmayhem5440]

City of Lompton.

[@grif13]

Very nice vid. Thank you. I have always pronounced it No Joke Kee. Any native experts out there?

[@cpk805LM]

Maybe not a true native but graduated from UCSB in the late 70's and stayed to raise a family in Lompoc. Everyone around here pronounces it the way Josh says it on the video so I'm going to assume that is the correct one. For us, pronouncing it "No Joke Kee" was in mostly just in fun. ☺

[@grif13]

@cpk805LM I stand corrected. Thank you.

[@williamtsol636]

👍

[@felipemedina3822]

That was a Mr. Plankton..

[@eichlerike]

There is no downtown in Lompoc

[@schaffermatt]

I was surprised to learn that it’s pronounced “Lom’-poke” instead of the way the Three Stooges pronounced it, “Lom’-pock.” They’ve always been one of my dependable references for correctness. 😉

[@Tom-jy3jd]

Very nice, buy the wife some new pants.

[@homeworkfive5040]

you can crawl in through that hole at the bottom of the water fall

[@californiathroughmylens]

Really??

[@homeworkfive5040]

@@californiathroughmylensyes it’s a cave the size of like a closet

[@artblakey4159]

Josh, when the heck did you get kids😅

[@koostory1776]

Tio wasn’t allowed outside when living at LOMPOC…. 👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾

[@jonmacdonald5345]

Haha I'm sure he got some yard Time 😂

[@wendypederson243]

Ok. So first stop you went to drink wine then drove with the kids in the car? smh

[@mmess65]

Before the Federal Prison, Lompoc was nice, safe, quiet town! Now it's "not so nice" 😢

[@konaGLACIER]

For evdr dead to me n forever mummified