I found the town of Lompoc a bit trashy, but it was 4th of July and I had fireworks so I was happy, and so were the rest of the drunk firework setting-off families. I really want to take a good chunk of time off and do a real drive up the coast with no destination or time constraints, just wandering and exploring and taking in the majestic views. We drove the 1 instead of the 101 the last time we went to Jalama and it was gorgeous. We stopped off in Carpenteria & Summerland to get gas and do a bit of exploring - see the views and the beaches. I would be so satisfied if I could do that all the way up the coast. Summerland is the most adorable little thing -, antique shops, surf boutiques, summer cottages on a hill, with the most badass liquor store gas station combo. I found a $100 bottle of mezcal in their damn gas station! Thanks for the advice. I cant wait to explore. I'll definitely reach out to you when I get my time off request approved. It's going to be a bit though. Maybe in the spring :/