Lompoc Visitors Guide

Lompoc Valley Visitors Guide 20 L a Purisima Mission is nestled just on the outside of Lompoc’s city limits. As guests arrive to the mission they are welcomed by dirt trails which transition visi- tors from the modern world into California’s mission past. Guests from all over the United States and World make their way to La Purisima Mission to learn and observe Cal- ifornia’s historic mission past. Today, La Purisima Mission operates as a California State Historic Park and is consid- ered to be the most fully restored mission in the chain of the 21 missions of California. The backdrop of the Burton Mesa Chaparral provides the grounds with breathtaking views and a feeling of authenticity. Alongside the authentic setting, several times a year guests are invited to participate and observe in Living History programs. On Living History days the grounds come to life as volunteers wearing mission era clothing demonstrate mission crafts including; Blacksmithing, Candle Making, Weaving, Pottery, Adobe Brick Making, traditional Chumash games, tortilla and bread making. Additionally, the mission grounds offer approximately 25 miles of scenic trail. The mission grounds provide a picturesque landscape for bikers, hikers, bird watchers and horseback riders. Wild and plant life are no strang- ers to the mission grounds and trails. Visitors can capture stunning views of native plants and animals especially in early spring when blooming wild flowers are in view and the return of the Cliff Swallows. Free guided tours are conducted every day except during Special Events or Living History Days. The tour begins at the Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m., and generally lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Self-guided tour maps are available for $1 at the entrance station, visitor center and the mission gift shop. Visitor Center The visitor center is a great place to begin your adventure into the past with a touch table, stunning exhibits and movie station depicting the layers of history found at La Purisima Mission State Historic Park. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. / Mondays 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. School Tours Guided tours are available for schools and groups of 10 or more with at least a two-week advance reservation. School groups, kindergarten through twelfth grade, are not charged an entrance fee when advance res- ervations have been made. Details are available on the Teachers page. History Overview Misión La Purísima Concepción De María Santísima (Mission of the Immaculate Conception of Most Holy Mary) was founded by Father Presidente Fermin de Lasuén on December 8, 1787 and was the 11th of 21 Franciscan Missions in California. During the Mission's early years, several thousand Chumash Indians were baptized into the Catholic Church; over 100 large and small adobe buildings were built; a water sys- tem was developed; crops and livestock were raised, and La Purisima grew and prospered.