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The Lompoc Museum and the Lompoc Valley Historical Society joined forces to furnish the Artesia School House. Built in 1876, Artesia School was Lompoc's first country school, named after nearby artesian wells. It was in use as a school until 1960. It had been built 4 miles west of Lompoc on Central Avenue facing west. Brisk west winds kept blowing the doors open, so it was turned around to face east. Later it was moved to the corner of Central and Artesia Avenue. In 1972 it was moved to its present location in the 100 block of West Chestnut Avenue and restored by the Lompoc Unified School District.
VBG
The largest space launch site on the West Coast, where SpaceX launches Falcon 9s every 3-4 days or so. Popular viewing spots include Surf Beach (best views but very limited parking), Ocean Ave and, if the fog rolls in, Harris Ridge Rd in the hills above the city. As of 2026, tours of the base are not available for civilians.
Models, exhibits and memorabilia about Vandenberg's pioneering role in missiles and satellites, focusing heavily on the 1950s and 1960s: Atlas/Titan ICBMs, the Corona spy satellite program, and more. In 2025, the museum was located to the old Marshallia Ranch outside the base perimeter, meaning it's now open to all. Opening hours are limited and complicated, check website or contact the museum ahead of time to confirm.
La Purisima Concepcion de Maria Santisima, California's Lost Mission
Commissed by Father Fermin Lasuen in 1787 as the eleventh California mission. The most complete restored mission, which was built from 1813 onwards after the original buildings south of Lompoc were destroyed in earthquakes in 1812. A large cross constructed in 1912 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the founding of La Purisima Mission & 100th anniversary of its destruction can be observed on the top of the hill behind the Veterans Memorial Building. Is unusual in several respects, including the fact that is one of two missions managed as a State Park rather than an ecclesiastical institution (after its restoration by the Civilian Conservation Corps, completed the day Pearl Harbor was bombed), and that it is painted pink instead of the more common white.
The museum was built in 1911, as a Carnegie Library and served the community as a library until 1968. The Museum focuses on the archeology and history of the Lompoc Valley and Santa Barbara County, by maintaining exhibits, a research library, and sponsoring public programs.
Stunning surf beach and campground just south of Vandenberg SFB. The shop here is mildly famous for its old school "Jalama Burgers". Getting here requires a 20-mile drive down a twisty mountain road, but it's worth it.