Visitors Center is closed due to Covid, but don’t let that stop you from visiting this beautiful state park that includes the old mission buildings. Self-park for $6 ($3 handicap) and then take your time strolling about the gorgeous grounds. There are very few people during the week, which makes for such a peaceful, unhurried self-guided tour utilizing the free info brochure that you can find on the visitors center door (honestly you can do without the pamphlet, even). If you have the energy, climb up the hill to the large wooden cross that affords a stunning vista of the bucolic valley and be reminded of all the earthly splendor that we still are blessed with in these trying times.

We made a quick pit-stop and it’s seems to be a great place to visit. Come prepared with casual or comfortable attire and bring snacks! They have picnic benches... they have some animals and it’s very clean. Great place to visit with lots of history.

Would have probably given five stars if the buildings were open. Still an enjoyable way to get in a good walk and soak up some history.

Cool place to absorb California History and get closer to God. Much larger Mission than most, very spread out grounds. Complete park where hiking around is also an activity here.

Another great find of a mission that looks amazing and just how you would expect it during that time. Amazing well kept under the idea that missions seem to do better when out of big cities. This one is covered by the state parks hence the great maintenance. There is a State museum as well as one in mission. The garden grounds are spectacular and do for good walks. The Bell wall has a great red hue in stark difference from the white of the other buildings. Walking up to the mission you get this great sense of history.Definite visit.

Such a great place to visit and walk around. Lists of trails, some way safer then others. Domestic animals and wild animals to see.

Love going for walks in the morning and seeing the animals they have there and exploring there reserve

Great fun! Near enough (for me) to walk to. Gorgeous paths, especially by the spring, which has water year round. In non-Covid times, they had re-creations of Mission Life going on.

This State par is huge. The old buildings are nice . There are lots if trails. This park is worth visiting while in Lompoc CA

So heading out to our last home game in Oakland we decided to drive out and make a stop in a Mission or two, or so we thought. Well this is going to be #5 for us now.They do charge $6 for the parking but since its a historical landmark you can use this parking pass anywhere else you go in California as long as its on the same day. We made a stop by the visitors center first and got a tour map for a $1. They also have a lot of historical information there, so dont forget to stop by the visitors center.Once you are done there you can start your walk to the actual Mission. Be careful of your surroundings, they do have poison ivy around but they do have signs too so if you have little ones watch their little hands. If you are planning on seeing the whole Mission you will not be done in 45mins, shoot I dont even think an hour covers it unless you plan on running through the whole thing. This one is a big one. There was no way we were going to a different Mission after we were done with this one.Every room here had a purpose and they have it nicely stocked on how it looked back in the day. Its very well detailed. Once you finally finish All the rooms you can walk to the garden, there is a little pathway (where mind you we got lost for a bit, see what happens when you follow other people) that leads you to a very small spot of where the Chumash people were living at.We both loved seeing the history of this Mission, I would say give yourself enough time to go through everything dont rush it. We wouldnt mind returning to do those hiking trails one day.#11 of 21

Its beautiful. Even though the buildings are currently closed because of covid-19, you can still walk around and soak in the history and enjoy a wonderful walk in nature.

Its a really great place to experince nature and view the ways of some native american tribes. The temple is amazing.

This mission truly gives you a real feeling of how life was during the establishment of Missions in California. It is very well kept, clean and accessible. The museum at the entrance provides great history for a better understanding during your building exploration.

Lots of history and knowledge. Perfect place to take a stroll with the family or just the spouse.

If it was opened it would have been better,but even like that I learned alot.

Some animals disappear but nice views

This is by fast the best mission I hand visited. It is also a state park which I didnt know. They hand plenty of things to see. They also have hiking trails of you like hiking. They hand animals there as well. Which is always nice. They have 2 donkeys, 2 horses, a goat, some sheep, a long horned bull, 2 pigs, a beautiful turkey and some chicken also many quail. You need to go kind of early or with some time so you get to see the whole mission with time. They have a picnic area and a visitor center which is pretty neat. They also have a quaint little gift shop, you can purchase a Mission Passport to stamp or plane sockets for each mission youve visited. I purchased one myself it was only $3 which is cool if you like the memorabilia. Its free to entry but about $6 for parking. There is alot of walking here so be site to take some water if not yoh can purchase some for $1 at the gift shop.

This is a great place to take the family ! I really enjoyed myself !

A wonderful place to learn a little California history and enjoy the beauty of nature! State Park with paid parking (or park across the street) and a good visitors center.

Amazing place with historic facts on early mission life of Native Americans and missionaries.

I love it, it was 12 years that past before i came back to visit

Amazing historic buildings,A lot bigger than imagined beautiful trails.

Pat Lower Brady, Terry Riddlesworth and I spent an hour or so here today following the path of different kinds of Chocolate through the various rooms at the La Purisima mission. (Hey, its just a good excuse to go to the beautiful Mission grounds, right?) We happened upon our friend Ethel Ahrendt, too! Not a bad way to spend an afternoon . . .

Beautiful museum. It gives you a real sense of past mission living.

La Purisima State Park is a great place to spend a few hours delving into California Mission history. Due to historical events, this not a consecrated mission, but rather a state historical park. Nevertheless, it is a stunning WPA reconstruction of the original mission. This is well worth the trip for the historical accuracy and presentation of California Mission. Included in the viewing are living quarters for the staff, how they ate, how they prayed, and how they performed everyday tasks. If you are in the area, this is a do not miss stop.

Its picturesque. From the buildings and gardens to the animals and hiking trails. If you stay on the lower trail its stroller and wheelchair friendly.

You can really imagine life at the time of the actual mission. This is well worth a stop

I had never been to a real mission before.Not only was it authentic but big.Great animal population.And the olive trees were divine.Very forth it!!!!!!!!!!!!

La Purisima Mission holds many memories for me as I have visited this historic park since I have been a child. The grounds are beautifully maintained and you feel like you are stepping back into history! Be sure to check the website to see if there are any events scheduled around the time you are wanting to visit!

Beautiful grounds for leisurely hike!!

Great place to visit, if youre for a quiet place to be this is it to relax your mind and Soul .

True feeling of the mission life back in the day. This is not an active church so is more historical than the other 20. Farm animals in pasture, quiet with swallows flying, it was serene. Pay only parking fee and self guide a tour of the site. Beautiful.

One of the favorite missions that I have visited. Well-maintained has a great visitor center with many educational displays. The grounds are expansive and well-maintained.

Another great historical state park, beautiful restoration, educational, take a lunch enjoy the gardens & hiking trails

Great historical landmark. Great for a family outing.

Loved it. Fun to walk around and enjoy nature.

One of the biggest missions to check out in California this is a great place to see if you like historical buildings. My recommendation is to check ahead of time to see when the free tours are as their guides have tons of great info on the many buildings you will visit. Compared to other missions that are still active churches, this mission is special because its a state park so its a very different kind of stop. Pretty the parking then away you go. Very cool. Just be aware there is a little more walking then normal with this mission.

A good place to visit and learn some history of the USA a.k.a. Mexico

Amazing place

I went here twice during the La Purisima day when they show how people used to live in the past. My kids got to try making wine by pressing grapes down with bare feet. It was fun experience and also we got to eat fresh made bread with jam and freshly made butter. Fun stuff. Definitely recommend it :) One of the best field trip!

Very serene and calming feeling as we explored the compound. So many areas to meditate and be reminded of Gods presence. It was a great distraction from our visit to the Danish town.

One of the greatest missions. rebuilt by soldiers of usa,and has a very nice museum with models and videos. US soldiers abandoned the mission after the attack on Pearl Harbor to join the WWII

Nice open place with fun stuff to explore for kids.

Beautifully restored mission. Went here in the middle of the week, recommend the 1pm guided tour (free of charge). Our guide was highly knowledgeable and super friendly. Only $6 per car to get in and they have open picnic areas in case you want to pack a lunch.

A beautiful July 5th at the La Purisima Mission horses, donkeys, chickens and lots of birds flying around. A lot of history in those buildings.

I love this historic mission. I have been to several missions and this one has been much more interesting than others. They have farm animals such as sheep, goats, donkeys, pigs, turkeys, chickens, one bull, two old retired horses and donkeys. When you attend mission life days the whole place is busy with activities of early mission life. You can sample foods, explore the buildings and speak with docents. They do activities which can vary from candle making to hide tanning to arts and crafts. It can get very warm here and there are water fountains. I recommend packing a lunch and utilizing one of the picnic tables around the misson for lunch. There are several hiking/horse trails and a nice mild path that circles around the back of the mission and is about a 3 mile walk. You can see a variety of wildlife here mainly quail, squirrels, bunnies, lizzards and hawks. You may also see snakes, cayotes, bobcat, deer and mountain lion (very rare and usually up in the mountain trails, I have yet to see one in the 28 years of going there.) There are rangers on site and they are very helpful.

Good place for a hike, picnic, tour the mission.

One of the best mission to learn part of California history. Mission is part of the California state park. Parker ranger and docents where very knowledgeable. Kid friendly, Great place to take a walk or hike.

Second time at the state park. The scenery is breath taking in every way.

Beautiful! We had great time walking around. The museum and gift shop are a must, of course.

Didnt know u have to pay a toll to park. Environment educational and beautiful

It was awesome. Beautiful place..really clean..great people..

Beautiful historic site with animals and a garden

Its was peaceful, beautiful and worth the 6 dollars parking. I would definietly visit again.

Great look at California history, with the landscape much the same as it was in 1860.

Great fun chaperoning field trip. The docents and rangers where very helpful and knowledgeable. The kids got to ground corn, help make adobe bricks, see a potter and blacksmith in action. An awesome day.

A wonderful place to visit. The physical mission is only part of the story. There are animals to see, trails and paths to hike and a museum visit.

Beautiful place to go to hiking, walking and enjoy with your family, friends. I recommend this place to past a fun and know about the spanish mission in California conquest..

Amazing vintage finding. You can see vintage old things kept in their old rooms, church. I like as I am interested to watch ancient history.

Such a great place to walk around, love the mission, and the surrounding area! Wonderful place for a long walk, lots of trails, and places to discover..

Such an awesome piece of California history. We spent 2 hours on our own, then took a 1.5 hour guided tour. A must see!

The mission has many hiking trails. Picnic table and clean restrooms. Biggest mission I have visited.

Nice place to go for a walk and learn some history, or you can hike up some trails. You can even enjoy Picnics if that what you like to do... plenty of benches.

Awesome place! Love the open space

Its a nice place to wander around and explore. Lots of trails.

Had a wonderful time here with my daughter and her BFF.

Hands down best Mission I have ever been visited. We took the free guided tour in the afternoon and it was perfect the host was amazingly detailed in letting us know the culture and history of the place. We took a group of girl and truthfully I was a little worried they would be bored but all enjoyed it great place to visit! Highly recommended

Fantastic trails for the horses. So lucky to have them available to us!

Had a great time looking at nature, the animals and history.

Good history here. The gentleman at the visitors center was very kind and helpful. The mission was up kept and clean.

Its nice, but it would been better if they had snacks to buy or drinks, and thers none of that. Maybe coffee shop but unfornatly theres nothing and it was very lonely the mission its peaceful I will go back and take my own things to eat and drink. Check out the museum in the visitors lobby they have lots to check out in there.

Only received a 3 because could not enter building structure. Covid

If you like History. Must visit the Mission. Amazing architecture from the past

So much fun the folks that work there are great

Parking lot is open!

This is a really nice place to take your family and friends

Great place to take the kids, look around at the mission, check out animals, hike back behind the mission. My kids and I have always loved going out to the mission when weve needed something to do.

A favorite amoung the Missions. Uncrowded and delightful trails to enjoy. Lots to learn and see.

Ive been going to this place on and off since around 1970. While it has changed significantly over the years, it is still a good place to visit for a few hours and learn about Lompoc history. The original mission was destroyed in a major earthquake on December 21, 1812. There are still ruins located at the original site.The current site was set up in 1935.There are lots of things to see and do here.

Was expecting to much, I think. So much more they can do to make it better. Cant hold a candle to Floridas missions/ parks.

Worth a visit! All the employees were very friendly and excited to share their knowledge about the Mission.

Only reason review marked low is the Covid. Could not check out everything

The largest mission Ive been to. It is definitely a small hike to get to everything on the self-guided map ($1), so a few hours should definitely be budgeted to explore it. An interesting and educational landmark of Californian/Spaniard/Mexican interests and history.

I love the trails here

This is one of the best treasure on the country

Love it here. The was a wedding taking place and the garden was being decorated for it. Absolutely lovely!. Unfortunately were couldnt visit the church because of the wedding but the was so much else to see.

Its about 3 miles up to the cross but only 1/3 of a mile down. Damn near died but great view.

This is a wonderful park.

This has been my favorite of the missions Ive visited. It is nestled in hills, and it really feels like one is stepping back in time. It was the most affordable to visit, as well. The day we visited, there were many volunteers dressed in period costumes and hosting demonstrations: tortilla making, brick making, wool spinning, weaving, and candle making. The kids got to experience these hands on. This mission felt like a living museum, rather stale one. Definitely, well-worth the visit!!!

Some people say it is haunted but I think it is the best mission that I ever knew. Thanks so much!!!!!!!

Great place very big. The visitors center is very new and modern.

This is the most intact mission I have visited in California. The buildings, the trails, animals, the gift shop and even a learning center!! Its all so inviting and you can easily be there all day. I loved being here.

Super cool place! Learned a lot and the staff was awesome.

Beautiful place...historic

Really fun if you want to see the ways of the ancient natives who attended the missions + hiking for those who love the nature

Neat place we got here close to closing which we would have had more time to explore

Beautiful and educational mission.Yes, it is a rebuilt compound but it is easier to get a sense of life on a historic mission here than by visiting Mission Santa Barbara or Mission Santa Ines, which are worth a visit in their own right.

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Probably my favorite of all the missions. Very nicely restored and beautiful, quiet grounds with scenic countryside all around. They have kept it quite authentic. You really get a feel for how people lived back then. Highly recommend.

Best kept secret (thats not a secret?) This mission is clearly not as traveled as others, so much of it stays nice and not too many people when you go visit. Simply beautiful!!!