Greater Lompoc - Lompoc, CA

The Chumash Indians were the first settlers in Lompoc Valley. Europeans established the La Purisima Mission in 1787, which was later destroyed in an 1812 earthquake. A rebuilding project started the next year, and the mission proudly became a state park after its restoration.

Lompoc was incorporated on Aug. 13, 1888. The city quickly served as a shipping point for incoming supplies and outgoing agricultural produce until the turn of the century. In 1901, Lompoc experienced tremendous growth when the coastal railroad between San Francisco and Los Angeles was completed.

Known as the "city of arts and flowers," the town takes pride in the Lompoc Valley Mural Project. The stunning pieces of art located throughout Lompoc make the locale a major mural city in the nation. To preserve the area's rich history, the Lompoc Musuem focuses on archaeology.

Each February, the City of Lompoc hosts an enchanting father-daughter dance.

For popular choices in chain restaurants, head to Highway 1. Pick up a hamburger or grab some fish and chips when hunger calls.

To eat like a local, stop at Scratch Kitchen & Wine Bar on North H Street. Scratch puts its own spin on things, and locals liken its fare to soul food with a twist. This place serves local wines with meals or at the bar, so you can get the complete area experience. The great food and friendly service here make it a popular place to have parties as well. Bravo Pizza on West Central Avenue stands out as a top pick. Order a personal pan pizza with ham and pineapple, or try the sausage and jalapeño combination. Locals appreciate being able to order great pizza for under $5. To satisfy big crowds, Bravo sells the enormous Bravo Grande, a rectangular-shaped pizza with the restaurant's signature fresh ingredients.

To hit a fantastic sports bar, head over to DJ's Saloon, located on East Ocean Avenue. Known as the go-to place for dancing on Friday nights, DJ's doesn't leave the rest of the week out of the equation. Locals favor the dart tournaments and karaoke paired with the alleged "cheapest drinks in Lompoc." Live bands and skilled DJs play music that gets the crowd pumped, so drop by for a memorable night.

A large number of residents use public transportation in Lompoc. Although most own personal vehicles, many locals take advantage of the City of Lompoc Transit buses. COLT conveniently services the region and caters to cyclists by allowing bikes on board. Locals can ride to Santa Barbara or Wine Country with ease.

Drivers value Lompoc's easy access to Highway 1 and Highway 246, two main thoroughfares. Plentiful parking remains free throughout the city. To hop on a plane, travelers just head 1 mile north to the Lompoc Airport.

Pedestrians enjoy Lompoc's relaxing scenery and frequently walk around town safely. The beautiful coastal town has several bike clubs and cyclists. Bike riders make use of the city's bike lanes.

Uber provides ride-sharing services, while several taxis service the Lompoc area as well.

Jalama Beach County Park invites visitors to camp out on its sandy shores. Park an RV, or load up your camping gear for a weekend of adventure on the Pacific Ocean. Bring your surfboard and catch some waves, or fly a kite in the breeze. Rub elbows with Lompoc locals, and make new friends as you watch for dolphins. A perfect locale for families and pets, Jalama Beach creates a small-town sense of community. Patrons enjoy all-day parking for $10 per vehicle. The park hosts no annual events, but activities abound year round, and Jalama Beach Store and Grill opens every day to meet your recreational and gastronomic needs.

Pack up your hiking gear, and head to Lake Los Carneros County Park in Goleta, found 10 miles west of Santa Barbara. Enjoy the 46-mile road trip to this fascinating nature preserve and bird habitat. Numerous trails web across the park, providing visitors with a serene hiking experience. Centuries-old oak trees stand in the rolling meadow leading to a peaceful lake. You can't miss Los Carneros' highlight — Stow House found at the trailhead. This Victorian home, built in 1872, brings historical charm to the small college town. Bring your children and leashed dogs for a day of recreational leisure. Los Carneros provides parking.

Lompoc residents enjoy a significant savings on housing compared to upper-scale Santa Barbara. With 74 percent cheaper housing costs in Lompoc, locals pay a median cost of $895 for a one-bedroom residence. Comparable quarters in Santa Barbara average $1,900. This contributes to Lompoc's lower cost of living, which hovers around 52 percent less.

Bus riders pay an affordable cost for public transportation. A ride to the city center costs $1.25 base fare, with monthly passes available for $40.

Drivers pay about 22 percent above the national average for gas. At a local pub, a pint of beer runs roughly $3.50.

A selection of stores lies along Highway 1, also called North H Street. Residents have Vons grocery, Lompoc Asian Market, and 99 Cent Only for choice items. Every Sunday, locals head one mile outside the city to the Vandenberg Village Farmers Market. Located on Burton Mesa Boulevard, the market sells locally grown produce and other food items. The farmers market runs year round from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You find Mission Plaza on the corner of East Central Avenue and North H Street. Here, shoppers can stop by Ross Dress for Less for bargain goods. Scour the racks for discounted Nike gear, or look through the housewares department for a decorative vase.

Take a trip to Santa Maria for more shopping choices. Found 26 miles north of Lompoc, the Santa Maria Town Center on Town Center East features regional favorites like Apple Tree Clothing. Check out Macy's for a new pair of Joe's jeans or a Kate Spade handbag.