VANDENBERG AFB WELCOME CENTER (NOW VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE)

Introduction

Welcome to Vandenberg AFB (now Vandenberg Space Force Base) in the heart of sunny California. The one thing you will certainly not have to worry about here is the weather. It’s extremely comfortable on base all year round. The sun is out the majority of the time and the skies are blue. The base itself covers 22 square miles. Almost 4,000 people live on base and over 15,000 servicemen and civilians work here. And there’s plenty to do around Vandenberg, so don’t expect to get bored at all while you’re here. There are countless possibilities for entertainment or quiet contemplation just outside of the base. This is truly a place that has it all. Find out all you need to know about what you’ll be in for by reading our Vandenberg Space Force Base in-depth welcome center guide.

1. Where Is Vandenberg Space Force Base?
2. Google Map View
3. Getting There – Directions to the Base
4. Entering Vandenberg Space Force Base and Base Amenities
   • Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
   • Vandenberg Space Force Base Visitor Center
   • Vandenberg Space Force Base DEERS Office
   • Vandenberg Space Force Base Gate Hours
   • Vandenberg Space Force Base Commissary
   • Vandenberg Space Force Base Exchange
   • Vandenberg Space Force Base Barber Shops
   • Vandenberg Space Force Base Post Office
   • Vandenberg Space Force Base Finance Office
   • Vandenberg Space Force Legal Office
   • Vandenberg Space Force Base Library
   • Vandenberg Space Force Base Hotels
5. Where Should I Live Near Vandenberg Space Force Base?
6. What Schools are Near Vandenberg Space Force Base?
7. What’s the Weather Like in Vandenberg Space Force Base?
8. Things to Do Around Vandenberg Space Force Base

Where is Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base)?

Vandenberg Space Force Base

747 Nebraska Ave Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437

Phone

: 1 (805) 606-1110

Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Map

Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Directions

Santa Maria Airport

The closest airport to Vandenberg is the Santa Maria Airport. From here, it’s under a 20-minute drive to post. So take a cab or pick up your rental and take an easy drive in. Santa Barbara Airport is a little over a half an hour away if you need to consider another option.

Lompoc-Surf Amtrak

The Lompoc-Surf Amtrak station is located on the grounds of Vandenberg AFB. It makes getting here by train an exceptionally convenient way to travel, if you’re coming from somewhere convenient to a railway.

Greyhound

Greyhound stops in Santa Maria, which again, is under 20 minutes away from the base. So if you aren’t far enough away to fly or you just don’t want to get on a plane, taking the bus in is pretty convenient, too.

Driving Directions

From the North

1. Take I-280 S 2. Take the ramp onto US 101 S 3. Take exit 166 for Union Valley Parkway 4. Turn left onto Orcutt Expressway 5. Turn left onto CA-1 S 6. Take the ramp on the right to Lompoc/Vandenberg AFB 7. Follow the signs to Vandenberg

From the South

1. Take US 101 N 2. Take the exit toward Ventura/Ventura Fairway 3. Take exit 132 for CA-1 toward Lompoc/Vandenberg AFB 4. Continue on CA-1 and follow signs to Vandenberg

Vandenberg Space Force Base Transportation Office

The very best way to make sure you’re planning correctly for your trip is to reach out to the transportation office on base. They’ll help you sort through your options and figure out the best way to get to Vandenberg and assist with a number of other details as well.

Vandenberg Transportation Office

1221 California Blvd Building #11777 Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA 93437

Phone

: 1 (805) 606-1848

Entering Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) and Base Amenities

Make sure to have your ID ready at the gate, and your vehicle registration. If you’re arriving in a rental, then the rental agreement will suffice. Your family members will need their IDs or military dependent ID cards if they have them. If not, they’ll need to get those as soon as possible.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Make sure to report to your unit and get familiar with the people you’ll be working for. Make appointments if necessary. There’s a 10-day program at Vandenberg for first-term airmen just out of basic or technical school that will cover everything you need to know to live and work successfully on base. You’ll go through physical fitness training, site tours, personal development, and more.

Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Visitor Center

The visitor center at Vandenberg is where family and friends will check in to see you, or where civilians will come first before site-seeing on base.

Vandenberg Visitor Center

6 California Blvd. Building #17595 Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA 93437

Phone

: 1 (805) 606-7662

DEERS Office Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base)

You’ll need to make sure your military ID is up to date. If you’ve never had a military ID, this is the place to get one or renew it. Family members will need to apply for their dependent ID cards here as well.

Vandenberg Space Force Base DEERS

1031 California Blvd. Building #11777 Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA 93437

Phone

: 1 (805) 606-2276

Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Gate Hours

Gate hours are subject to change at a moment’s notice, so make sure you’re planning your trip with the most up-to-date information possible.

• Main Gate

  : 24/7

• South Gate

  : 24/7

• Solvang Gate

  : 24/7

• Utah Gate

  : Monday to Friday 0600-2200

• Lompoc Gate

  : Monday to Friday 0600-0700

Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Commissary

The commissary at Vandenberg Space Force Base is where you’re going to find the closest and most affordable groceries and goods to keep your pantries full. There’s a great selection to choose from, with knowledgeable workers who can help you find ingredients for holiday recipes or Tuesday dinner. And you can’t beat the convenience.

Vandenberg Space Force Base Commissary

135 Wyoming Avenue Building #14300 Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA 93437

Phone

: 1 (805) 734-3354

Vandenberg Space Force Base Commissary Hours

• Monday to Friday

  : 0930 - 1900

• Saturday and Sunday

  : 0930 - 1800

Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Exchange

Stop by the exchange to get a number of your needs met. Come for the shopping and stay for the food court. Make sure your haircut is in regulation while you’re at it.

Vandenberg BX

10400 Community Loop Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437

Phone

: 1 (805) 734-5521

Vandenberg BX Hours

• Monday to Friday

  : 0900-1800

• Saturday and Sunday

  : 1030-1800

Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Barber Shops

Main Exchange

10400 Community Loop Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437

Phone

: 1 (805) 734-0400

Hours

:

• Monday to Friday

  : 1000-1700

• Saturday and Sunday

  : Closed

Village Barber Shop

3734 Constellation Rd #H Lompoc, CA 93436

Phone

: 1 (805) 733-2559

Hours

:

• Monday

  : Closed

• Tuesday

  : 0800-1700

• Wednesday to Friday

  : 0800-1730

• Saturday

  : 0800-1300

• Sunday

  : Closed

Oaks Barber and Beauty

3865 Constellation Rd #D Lompoc, CA 93436

Phone

: 1 (805) 733-2644

Hours

:

• Monday

  : Closed

• Tuesday to Friday

  : 1000-1800

• Saturday

  : 0800-1700

• Sunday

  : Closed

King’s Barber Shop

115 E College Ave Lompoc, CA 93436

Phone

: 1 (805) 743-4392

Hours

:

• Monday

  : Closed

• Tuesday to Friday

  : 1000-1800

• Saturday

  : 0900-1600

• Sunday

  : Closed

Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Post Office

The post office at Vandenberg has everything you’ll need to send and receive mail. They also sell supplies and can help you with whatever will get your post speedily to its destination.

Vandenberg Space Force Base Post Office

100 Community Loop #10373 Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437

Phone

: 1 (805) 734-2336

Hours

:

• Monday to Friday

  : 0900-1230, 1330-1600

• Saturday and Sunday

  : Closed

Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Finance

The finance office at Vandenberg is a key resource for military personnel. Take advantage of the vast knowledge and resources at your disposal in order to successfully plan for your financial future. Get help on making a monthly budget, a long-term plan for retirement, and figuring out how to safely invest your money. Make sure that you and your dependents will be safe and secure for the long haul.

Vandenberg Space Force Base Finance Office

1031 California Avenue Building #11777 Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA 93437

Phone

: 1 (805) 606-4606

Vandenberg Space Force Base Finance Office Hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

  : 0830 to 1530

• Wednesday

  : 1000 to 1530

Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Legal Office

There are a number of reasons the everyday airmen might need to secure legal services. And the staff here at Vandenberg’s legal office are here to help you navigate through the obstacles you have encountered. This is a safe place where there are people who advocate on your behalf. Make sure to schedule an appointment before stopping in.

Vandenberg Space Force Base Legal Office

747 Nebraska Ave Building #10577 Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA 93437

Phone

: 1 (805) 605-6200

Vandenberg AFB Legal Office Walk in Hours

• Monday and Wednesday

  : 0800 to 1600

• Tuesday and Friday

  : 0900 to 1600

• Thursday

  : 1200 to 1600

Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Library

Vandenberg Library has a large collection of books, movies, and other resources to check out for 7-day periods, and 28 days total. They also offer resources for homework help and other school-related programs. Stop in for a read or a quiet place to think and study.

Vandenberg Space Force Base Library

Bldg 10343 A Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA 93437

Phone

: 1 (805) 606-6414

Hours

:

• Monday to Friday

  : 1000-1700

• Saturday

  : 1000-1400

Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Hotels

1. Hilton Garden Inn Lompoc

1201 N H St Lompoc, CA 93436

Phone

: 1 (805) 735-1880

2. Embassy Suites by Hilton Lompoc

1117 N H St Lompoc, CA 93436

Phone

: 1 (805) 735-8311

3. SureStay Plus by Best Western

1621 N H St Lompoc, CA 93436

Phone

: 1 (805) 735-8555

4. Holiday Inn Express Lompoc

1417 N H St Lompoc, CA 93436

Phone

: 1 (805) 736-2391

5. O’Cairns Inn and Suites

940 E Ocean Ave Lompoc, CA 93436

Phone

: 1 (805) 735-7731

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels nearby.

Where Should I Live Near Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base)?

There are lots of smaller communities scattered around Vandenberg AFB, including towns and census-designated areas. If you like the small town feel, then any number of these places could be for you. There’s even a ghost town close to base, if you really want to live in isolation. If you’re more of a city dweller, then Lompoc might be more your speed, or even Santa Maria or Santa Barbara. Take some time and look into the best options for you and your family.

Cities Near Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base)

The three biggest cities near Vandenberg are Lompoc, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara. Lompoc is a smaller city, but it’s closest to base. Santa Maria and Santa Barbara are farther away, though still within driving distance, and each have a population of around 100,000 people. If you’re considering living on base, check out the available on-base housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off base.

Best Places to Live Near Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base)

Lompoc

Probably your best overall option, Lompoc is a decent-size city that’s under a 15-minute drive to base. The population here is just over 40,000, and they all live in an 11-square mile area. It’s not too crowded, and not too sparsely populated. There’s a thriving community of Vandenberg employees living and commuting from here, so you’ll have a lot in common with your neighbors. There are numerous things to keep your attention and sense of adventure thriving here in Lompoc, including theater, an orchestra, an annual flower festival, tons of local artists, and more. Lompoc is also a center for local wineries.

Santa Maria

Santa Maria is a bigger city that’s about 20 minutes away from base by car. The population is around 100,000 fits into about 23 square miles of total land. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be happy to note that the city has been called the barbecue capital of California. The biggest employee here is also Vandenberg AFB. You’re going to find limitless things to do here, including theater and culture. It’s a city very centered on film and TV. Tons of movies and shows have been filmed here. The Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts is located in Santa Monica, and alumni include Robin Williams and Zac Efron.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a bit smaller than Santa Monica, though more spread out, sitting on around 42 square miles of land. Because of this, there are many different neighborhoods to choose from, each with their own characteristics and geographical flair. There are tons of things to see and do in the city of Santa Barbara as well. From museums to music, one could spend forever wandering the streets and stumbling into new things and never see the end of them. The famous Santa Barbara Harbor, the Santa Barbara Zoo, Stearns Warf, De La Guerra Plaza, and Mission Historical Park are some of the many highlights.

Orcutt

This is a smaller, unincorporated community outside of Lompoc. It’s very close to base and has a population of around 35,000 people. Orcutt doesn’t have the bells and whistles that the nearby cities do, but it’s close enough to them that it doesn’t matter. It’s a great place to settle in with a family and take advantage of the lower property values while still having access to everything one could need.

Mission Hills

For those looking to stay in the quieter places outside of base, settling in at home to relax without the urge to flit here and there, always on the lookout for new experiences, Mission Hills might be the place for you. The population here is around 3,500 and lives on just over 1 square mile of land. Mission Hills is right outside of Vandenberg AFB but isolated from the more robust activity of any nearby population center. It’s a great place to be in order to get away from it all, yet still have every resource within reach.

Casmalia

If you never want anyone to find you, then Casmalia is the place to live. The 2010 census found a population of 138 people living here, in just 61 houses. Not to mention the fact that many visitors might stay away due to the hazardous waste site a mile north of the town. While the site is undergoing major remediation, living here may not be for anyone but the sturdiest misanthrope. The three biggest cities near Vandenberg are Lompoc, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara. Lompoc is a smaller city, but it’s closest to base. Santa Maria and Santa Barbara are farther away, though still within driving distance, and each have a population of around 100,000 people.

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Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Schools

Lompoc Unified School District manages the vast majority of schools in the area. You’ll find everything from elementary to high school here. There are also private school and home school options to choose from. You can reach out to the Lompoc Unified School District for more information at 1 (805) 742-3300. Vandenberg offers childcare programs on base, like at the Childcare Development Center, offering supervisory and educational activities for younger children.

Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base) Weather

The weather is one way you’ve really lucked out by getting stationed at Vandenberg. It’s extraordinarily pleasant all year round. In the summer, it doesn’t ever get unbearably hot, and the humidity is at a reasonable low for most of the season. Winters are very mild, with some chilly mornings and rainy days, but mostly your time over the holiday season will be more than bearable. Spring and fall are very nice and never too uncomfortable.  

Things to Do Around Vandenberg AFB (Space Force Base)

With excellent weather and plenty of scenic vistas, you’ll want to get outdoors as much as possible. There are plenty of parks, wildlife areas, lakes and rivers, and more scattered about the land around Vandenberg. In the cities of Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, and Lompoc, you’re going to find all you need in terms of culture and entertainment. There are theaters, festivals, parades, museums, and plenty more, all within driving distance in an area that’s easily connected and accessed. Vandenberg Space Force Base is a great place to live and work if you’re looking to avoid ever growing bored. For a complete breakdown of everything there is to do around base, read our guide on things to do here.

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Conclusion

If you’re on your way to Vandenberg Space Force Base, you’ve really lucked out. This base is an adventure in the making. You’ll find countless things to do here, all wrapped up within a beautiful landscape marked by waves and sand, canyons and bluffs. It’s gorgeous weather here year round, so take advantage of your time by planning plenty of outings. With so many convenient places to live around base, there’s a community for everyone, whether it’s in the remote outskirts of a ghost town, or within one of the many neighborhoods in the nearby cities. Welcome to Vandenberg Space Force Base, a place you’ll never want to leave.  

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