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La Purisima Mission State Historic Park
Rating Details »
Categories: Parks, Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Museums
2295 Purisima RdLompoc, CA 93436
(805) 733-3713
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
16 reviews for La Purisima Mission State Historic Park
When you first pull in you just see a big visitors' center and a couple of small mission-style looking buildings. The place, at the end of Summer, was sort of dusty and desolate looking.
The center gives the history of the missions, and a lot of information on the rebuilding of La Purisima. There was a huge effort to keep every detail authentic, right down to the surprisingly vibrant color scheme.
When you walk across the footbridge and through the trees, you see the totally unexpected huge and colorful buildings and large corrals filled with animals, including an imposing long-horned steer.
Most missions are only partly rebuilt, usually just the chapel, maybe the adjoining building and a wall or two. La Purisima, though, was fully rebuilt, down to the last out-building and so it is the only mission that is full-sized, really a big place.
Because of its still-remote location and park status, you get a sense of the desolate vastness of the mission lands. Most other missions are now in urban areas and the few remaining buildings are no indication of their original size and scope.
This is not an urban park. There are miles of trails, complete with warnings of mountain lions and rattlesnakes. We saw many hikers and joggers sweating it out, so it is a popular place for the locals as well as visitors. I did climb the hill behind the mission and got a different view from there. It would be interesting to hike up the other hills to get another perspective.
This is a great place for active people who enjoy long walks. I suggest coming early with a picnic lunch and making a day out of it. It is simply too big for the quick walk-through of some other mission experiences.
It is a state park and so it is totally secular. Masses and wedding are not held here.
One thing that struck me was how this place must have smelled when it was going full blast. Tens of thousands of animals, their manure and the slaughtering process must have been pretty pungent. Vast pots of fat being rendered down for soap and candles must have smelled like McDonalds when the fries were good...
There were wood-fired kilns going full-blast firing pottery and tiles, many latrines, hundreds of sweaty people in clothing that wasn't washed that often.
Every room had a wood stove and people cooked their own meals (except for the high-rank people). There were no chimneys, so they must have just opened the doors and windows to let the smoke out. Tallow candles burned everywhere and these likely didn't smell like fruit or spices.
Every mission had a tannery, usually located some distance away actually, so that must be a really stinky process.
Maybe that was too much information...
This is a great and must-see mission. It is out of the way, but you can also pair it with a visit to Solvang and the mission there, only twenty miles away.
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3 stars only because I love missions. From far away and in books, this mission is beautiful. The church inside is gorgeous as well. The rest of it.....made me very very cranky.
I had never been to the mission before. In fact, I didn't even know it was so close to Buelton. I saw the sign on my way to Andersen's and decided to make the 16 mile detour.
Here is why I did not like it...
1. I was wearing a dress and flip flops, which was not great for walking through the dirt field to get to the mission.
2. There was no one to pay for parking, just little envelopes to fill out with your car info (you put the stub inside your car for proof) but no pen to fill said envelope out.
3. There were sooooo many flies I thought I was in Mexico.
4. The only people around the place were two guys in Raiders jerseys digging holes near cow hides. They kept staring at me, which was really uncomfortable. My dress was not inappropriate at all, so they were just pigs.
5. Bird poop alllllllll over the buildings.
6. Dead baby bird on the walkway that made me vomit into my mouth.
7. I swallowed one of the aforementioned flies.
8. Lots of poison oak.
9. We saw a snake come out of a gopher hole.
I am sure this place is lovely, and I was judging it too much, but after visiting beautiful missions in San Diego, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara, etc......this just is not to par.
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I have been to this mission so so many times. Aside from the scenic trails, buildings full of things that tell about the history of the mission, and the animals, there are two fountains that are just beautiful. The long hall the makes for the perfect photo.
But my absolute favorite thing here is the acoustics in the chapel. If you ever have the nerve when people are there or find it empty, try singing a few chords in there. It is stunning the sound that you can make there.
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I get a sense of nostalgia and a generational appreciation when I go here. You see, there are only three reasons to go to Lompoc (pronounced Lahm' poke):
1.You have relatives who live there.
2.You stop there on the way to wineries.
3.You want to see the most authentic mission in California.
With my grandparents living only a few miles from the mission, as a child it was THE place to go whenever we would visit. My grandparents used to take me here and this past weekend, when we came up for a visit after Grandpa had shoulder surgery, my parents took my children. My father is too cheap to pay the $4 to park so we parked on the street and walked in. I remember running around this place and getting dirty, chasing chickens and petting goats. Now my kids enjoy running through the buildings and seeing the animals. My 4 yr old son has no idea what it is but that's OK because it's a pretty fun place and he got a shell that sounds like the ocean in the gift shop.
As the kids get older, I'm sure they'll understand what the mission system was all about and form their own opinions, and hopefully after visiting other missions they will agree that this one is the best of them all. It may not be the cleanest or in the best part of California, but it's definitely the most authentic recreation and holds a special place in many people's hearts.
If you can, go on one of the special days to see what it was like 200 years ago (http://www.lapurisimam... ). Perhaps you can time your trip to also go to the Lompoc Flower Festival in April. (http://springartsfesti... ). This used to be huge when I was a kid. The entire valley was covered in flowers. Or maybe a side trip to Solvang for one of their festivals (http://www.solvangusa....).
To support the park, please don't be cheap like my dad; pay the $4 to get in. Also buy some trinkets in the gift shop to remember the place and take lots of pictures.
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La Purisima reminds me of two things:
One, the fact that the missions are VERY, VERY different. This one is extraordinarily awesome in a ridiculously unique way, which brings me to to the second fact.
The separation of church and state in the U.S. brings with it some interesting developments.
Now that La Purisima is a state park, there is no church, but a series of restored buildings rebuilt during the Great Depression. The great trade-off, however, is that it exists on a freaking hugely awesome expanse of land PERFECT for a two hour hike, in the bright California sunshine. It is freaking awesome, and you need to go. Looking at contemporary plant species while traipsing in the hills north of Santa Barbara is a great day--and a wonderful date idea, you adventurous,outdoorsy types.
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Do yourself a favor, and go visit this Mission.
Then do the world a favor, and give them as much money as you can spare. They need it.
Also, write Schwarzenegger a letter to tell him not to close this State Park. Actually, they shouldn't be closing any of them. But if only one could remain open, it should be this one. I cannot believe it's on the list of parks to be closed. Truly sad.
I had a terrible history teacher in high school. Consequently, I wasn't interested in history at all. I wish I had been taken to a park like this. Learning how people lived two hundred years ago, so far from civilization, is incredible.
Plus, I saw a guy hammer a nail into shape.
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Most of the other reviews have this place pretty much covered, so I'll add my 0.02 and move on:
1. This looks like a great place to go running - I saw quite a few people here for their morning workout. It's scenic, quiet, lots of dirt trails, just perfect. Annual parking is only $125 too.
2. We were in the area to do some wine tasting, but this seemed like a good diversion since wineries don't open until 11. I'm not really into history, but this place offers a lot to look at! Gardens, animals, and lots of buildings with stuff inside. Very cool.
3. If you're in the area you should stop by. At least once. It's only $4 per car, and might not be open forever...
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La Purisima Mission was the eleventh mission of the twenty-one Spanish Missions established in what became California. Mision La Purisima Concepcion de Maria Santisima was founded on December 8, 1787 by Franciscan Padre Presidente Fermin Francisco Lasuen.
MISSION FOUNDED
Misin La Pursima Concepcin De Mara Santsima (Mission of the Immaculate Conception of Most Holy Mary) was founded by Father Presidente Fermin de Lasun 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 system developed; crops and livestock raised and La Purisima grew and prospered.
MISSION DESTROYED
The year 1812 in California was known as "El Ao de los Temblores," or "The year of the Earthquakes". A major earthquake struck La Purisima on December 21, 1812, destroying many of the Mission's structures. Aftershocks and drenching rains damaged La Purisima beyond repair.
MISSION RELOCATED
Father Mariano Payeras, then in charge of the Mission, requested and was granted permission to rebuild four miles to the northwest in "La Caada de los Berros", the Canyon of the Watercress. This new site had several advantages: a better water supply, a better climate, and a closer and safer access to El Camino Real, California's main travel route.
MISSION COMMUNITY
In a few years, La Purisima once again became a thriving community with approximately 1,000 Chumash Indian Neophytes (converts) living on Mission lands. It became a school and training center for the inhabitants as well as a great ranching enterprise. At times over 20,000 cattle and sheep roamed the hills along with hundreds of horses, mules, burros and other livestock. The padres developed shops for weaving, pottery, leatherwork and other crafts in addition to organizing and administering the religious activities of the Mission settlement.
MISSION SECULARIZED AND PROPERTY SOLD
In 1834, the order to secularize California's Missions was enforced. Mission assets were to be civilly administered, landholdings divided up among the inhabitants, and the neophytes released from supervision of any type. In 1845, La Purisima Mission was sold to Juan Temple of Los Angeles for $1,000. It subsequently changed hands and uses a number of times prior to the close of the 19th century.
RUIN TO RESTORATION
Buildings and other features of the Mission eventually collapsed from weather and long neglect. In 1933 when the property was given to public ownership by Union Oil Company, the Mission was a complete ruin. Preservation and reconstruction of the Mission complex began in 1934 through efforts of the County of Santa Barbara, the State of California, the National Park Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps. Under direction and labor from the latter two organizations, buildings and grounds were restored and furnished to appear as they had in 1820.
MISSION NOW A STATE PARK
At present, the mission is within La Purisima Mission State Historic Park, an area of 1,928 acres - a small but most important portion of the original 300,000 acre mission property. Ten of the original buildings have been fully restored and furnished authentically; other structures have also been restored including the historic aqueduct and water system. A five-acre garden shows native and domestic plants typical of a mission garden, while mission-type animals such as burros, horses, longhorn cattle, sheep and goats are displayed in a corral located in the main mission compound. In addition to the historic buildings there is a picnic area and approximately 25 miles of hiking trails.
I really loved this historical site. It is really a self-guided tour that is pretty relaxing. It is truly amazing to think back about how people lived in this mission. The self reliance in such a dangerous place. The site is nicely maintained without any unecessary fluff. Give yourself about 60-90 minutes or more to see everything depending on how much your individual desire.
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This Mission freaking blew my mind! I'm so glad I drove twenty miles out of my way just to go here -- the place is huge and beautiful, my only regret is not being able to spend a whole day there.
Like I said, the Mission grounds are HUGE. There are two different chaples, bedrooms, libraries, stables, graineries, storage areas, separate adobe houses...it just keeps going! And after you are done going through the actual buildings, there's tons of stuff to see outside, like tallow vats and ANIMALS!! Chickens, turkeys, adorable little piggies, horses and huge cows.
Yeah, this place just amazed me. I'm so used to Missions in the Central and Northern Bay Area being tucked in residential or commercial areas in cities, it was really nice being at a pretty authentic feeling Mission out in the middle of nowhere. I definitely want to go back this summer when they do historical re-enactments and stuff like that. I'll totally nerd out.
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What to add ... we had a great time exploring the mission. I was amazed by how much land there was. Perfect for family picnics and hikes. We were able to get an idea of what it would have been like to live there while it was an active mission. Boy, I am glad I live at this time and not back then. :) The chapel was beautiful. A perfect place to spend time between winery visits.
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This is the best of all the California Missions we have visited, and we have been to most of them. The difference is that this is more of a recreation as a state park. The mission is not original, but reconstructed on the original site, and is presented as an actual working mission as it would have been 200 years ago.
The have costumed docents that are very knowledgeable and act "in character" as they do at say Colonial Williamsburg. There are crops and animals in this working mission as will as artisans who make pottery and iron work.
If you only see one mission, this is the one. A definite must see.
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La Purisima Mission is within walking distance of my boyfriends dads house (and where he grew up), and I love going there every time we visit. It's so beautiful and almost never run into anybody (which is nice). I like the animals and wandering around looking at the herb garden labels :)
Anyone else from Lompoc? I mean, did anyone else spend their formative years in this darling Central Coast hamlet? No? Then allow me to educate you: if you go to school in California, you will study the missions. If you go to school in Lompoc, you will study the missions so hard because you will take near-monthly field trips to La Purisima, you will build dioramas of "Mission Life," you will visit other neighboring missions and scoff at their inauthenticity, you will go to Mission Days and eat tiny hot fresh tortillas made by your friend's grandmother wearing a funny costume and wonder why no tortilla has ever tasted so good (later realizing that no tortilla will ever taste so good again, damn you ethnic background), your parents will bring you and your friends and your collective dogs to the mission so everyone can run around, you will have sunrise services every Easter at the mission, and by the time you are in high school and no longer allowed to play outside as part of your education, you will be able to navigate the mission grounds with your eyes closed.
In the mornings it is almost always foggy. The afternoons clear up nicely. Sound familiar, San Francisco? "Lompoc" is a Chumash word, actually, meaning "still" or "stagnant" water, depending on how cut off from the world you're feeling that day.
Suffice to say that going to La Purisima will give you a much better idea of true mission life than those gussied-up missions in Santa Barbara and San Diego, say, with their neatly mowed, bright green lawns and aseptic buildings. At La Purisima you will always get dirty, just like they did in the eighteenth century!
There is a way to get up into the bell tower and ring the bell, but it's been almost 10 years since I left and I don't remember how to do it anymore. I miss it now, but I will tell you at age 12 I hated it. If you have children that you must bring with you, force them to go into no more than two buildings that bore them; then agree to meet back at the gift shop at whatever time, and set them loose. You'll have a much better visit when little Gingerly and Fauntleroy are off playing with the sundial instead of whining at you that it's hot and boring and dusty and no one cares about what clothes they wore I want some juice.
If they're prompt you can buy them a couple of those spiny dried seed pod things they fashion into bugs, and take bets on who makes who bleed first.
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open daily from 9am to 5pm
$4 per car
go back in time to the world of the 1780s with a visit to this old mission that's turned into a state historic park.
several staged and furnished rooms that have been restored to tell visitors the story of the people who once used to live and work on this land of 1860 acres. they had gardens to grow in as well as livestock they took care of.
the mission is a place where the colonial spaniards and the native chumash people lived and worked...
this mission is an excellent place to bring children where they can walk around and explore for themselves... there's chickens, turkeys, pigs, horses, cows, goats, sheep, and donkeys as well as a picnic area. there's also hiking trails if you want to explore beyond the actual mission grounds.
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This is an unbelievable place, whether you're into history or not. The mission grounds don't contain just historical renderings of old mission life, but also extensive gardens, an amazingly advanced aquaeduct system, and many animals (horses, burros, sheep, longhorns, turkeys ... you name it). If you go there around dusk, you'll be able to see the deer come out of the woods. But no matter when you go, take a camera!
This mission was also used as a set for a scene from the movie _Seabiscuit_.
this is my favorite mission to visit. there usually isn't that many people there and it is a trip back in time. it is quiet and self-guided. it is truly a gem in the mission chain that is overlooked and underappreciated