Nestled amidst the Topatopa Mountains in Ventura County, the charming artist community of Ojai offers visitors a sublime blend of natural beauty, Spanish-inspired architecture, rejuvenating spas, boutique shopping, farm-to-table dining, and small batch wineries.
Ojai’s stunning scenery, hippie legacy, and abundance of wellness activities have earned it the nickname “Shangri-La of Southern California.” It continues to attract free spirits, nature lovers, and those seeking respite from urban chaos.
Just a 90 minute drive from Los Angeles, Ojai makes for an accessible weekend escape. Its laidback vibe and wealth of diversions promise visitors a revitalizing getaway.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Ojai?
Ojai basks in sunshine and mild temperatures most of the year, making any season a good time to visit. By planning your travels for the spring or early autumn though, you’ll avoid peak tourist crowds and likely score better deals on lodging.
Late autumn through early spring brings a chance of rain, but Ojai’s verdant landscape positively sparkles after a shower. Some attractions and restaurants do observe seasonal closures, so check opening days and hours before finalizing your plans if you’re visiting Monday through Wednesday.
Getting There
While driving offers the most flexibility, you can also take Amtrak or a shuttle service from Los Angeles. Visitors flying in will land at one of three nearby airports and rent a car from there. The options, in order of proximity, include:
- Santa Barbara Airport (34 miles from Ojai) – Direct flights are available and the closest option.
- Bob Hope Hollywood Burbank Airport (54 miles) – More budget airlines service this airport.
- LAX (60 miles) – Being a huge international hub means competitive pricing on flights and car rentals despite the longer transfer.
Top 10 Ways to Fall in Love with Ojai
From sipping exceptional vintages to plunging into thermal pools under starry skies, Ojai seduces with small town charisma and a bohemian joie de vivre. Its compact downtown overflows with shops and eateries while numerous parks, preserves, and wineries encourage escaping into nature’s embrace.
Immerse yourself in all that entices visitors about this Shangri-La with these ten memorable Ojai experiences.
1. Wine Tasting
Ojai’s vineyards thrive thanks to optimal growing conditions. The region claims a long viticultural lineage too, with some vines dating back 150 years.
Numerous welcoming tasting rooms offer the chance to swirl and sip the flavorsome, small batch offerings of family-run estates like Topa Mountain Winery and Majestic Oak Vineyard. If you just have time to visit one though, don’t miss Casa Barranca. Their organic varietals and Instagram-worthy labels have made them hugely popular.
Round out the tasting experience by pairing wines with an artisanal cheese or charcuterie board. Then again, you may wish to save your appetite for your next Ojai adventure…
2. Giant Bookstore Browsing
In sleepy little Ojai lies a bibliophile’s delight – the world’s largest outdoor bookshop! Boasting over 250,000 titles across a sprawling two-acre lot, the aptly named Bart’s Books began humbly as a few boxes of used paperbacks back in 1964.
Today it stands as a much-loved Ojai institution and a popular tourist draw. The entire shop stays open until sundown each day too, so feel free to lose a few hours here perusing categories ranging from art to travel to first editions. Just be sure to dress in layers as you browse – temperatures can fluctuate!
3. Olive Oil Appreciating
Another agricultural bounty thrives amid Ojai’s fertile valleys – olives! Several local producers welcome visitors to tour their orchards and tasting rooms to experience the distinctive nuances distinguishing their olive oils.
For a quick primer though, schedule a seated tasting at downtown’s Ojai Tasting Bar. Their knowledgeable hosts will take you through half a dozen of the area’s best extra virgin olive oils. You’ll emerge far more attuned to the surprising complexity of this kitchen staple. Who knows, you may even wind up joining their oil club before leaving!
4. Boutique Browsing
Big box stores and franchises cannot operate in Ojai thanks to strict development ordinances. So shopping here directly supports Ojai’s community of small business owners.
Find handcrafted jewelry, locally designed fashions, specialty home goods, and much more by wandering Ojai Arcade’s cobblestone walkways. For whimsical and eco-friendly gifts, stop in In The Field. If you packed light, Summer Camp offers a well-curated mix of casual and boho-chic apparel.
Don’t miss the two weekly farmers’ markets either for the freshest produce, artisanal treats, and beautiful blooms. Pick up picnic provisions or simply soak up the convivial small town vibe.
5. Scrumptious Small Plates
Ojai’s compact downtown overflows with intimate bistros, wine bars, and cafes focusing on farm fresh and sometimes adventurous eats. Grazing through a progression of them makes for an indulgent “progressive dinner” for two!
Among the most atmospheric, Suzanne’s Cuisine offers global tapas beside a crackling fireplace. For alfresco nibbles and local vintages, head to Tipple & Ramble’s flower-filled terrace. And casual Ubuntu gets high marks for both its thin crust pizzas and selection of biodynamic wines.
6. Soothing Spa Session
Stress melts away amid Ojai’s stunning landscapes, but you can accelerate serenity with a spa circuit or massage. For utter luxury, the award-winning Spa Ojai sets the standard with customized multi-step treatments and hydrotherapy rituals performed in charming hacienda surroundings.
Several excellent day spas operate downtown as well, like Living Spa and Watersign Spa, offering combinations of massage, body wraps, and skincare. Yoga adherents also have ample studios to choose from all over town.
7. Sunset Hike and Views
What better grand finale for a day in Ojai than watching its famed “Pink Moment” – the spectacular display of alpenglow reflecting off surrounding hillsides at sunset?
Numerous scenic overlooks around Ojai deliver Instagrammable sundown shots, but why not earn that perspective on foot? Start early enough and you can hike out to acclaimed viewpoints like Blue Door View or summit Pratt Trail in time for nature’s nightly show.
Just be sure to wear broken-in shoes, pack layers, and bring flashlights if you’ll hike back in darkness.
8. Slow Food Sundays
Plan your trip to coincide with Sunday and you can browse the exceptional Ojai Certified Farmers Market. Running from morning through early afternoon just off Ojai Avenue, it draws the region’s finest growers.
As you wander through the market, snack on just-picked berries and stone fruit or assembled-to-order crepes while stocking up on everything from eggs and honey to fresh-baked bread. Many vendors gladly offer cooking tips too!
Forgo ordinary grocery store produce after this, even if you’re just grabbing picnic provisions during your Ojai escape. You’ll taste the difference this fresh fare makes.
9. Beach Town Detours
Should you wish to divide your weekend between Ojai’s bohemian hills and the Pacific, two charming beach communities lie less than an hour’s drive away.
Ventura, just fifteen miles southwest, channels Ojai’s laidback vibe through its relatively undeveloped shoreline and vibrant surf scene. For big city energy with even grander seascapes, hop on Highway 101 to Santa Barbara, where top-notch dining and sightseeing await.
Both make tempting day trips to extend your adventures. Just be sure to budget ample time navigating traffic on the return drive to Ojai if heading back the same day.
10. Water and Wine Under the Stars
As the pinks and golds of sunset cede to inky blue, continue reveling in nature’s splendor high in the Topa Topas. Two remarkable venues near Ojai offer stunning after-dark experiences combining soothing thermal waters and exceptional vintages.
At clothing-optional Ecotopia, reservations score you a walled pool overlooking the mountains. Or book an evening soak in one of Matilja Hot Spring’s secluded tubs filled with natural mineral water heated through fissures deep underground.
Afterward, uncork more of Ojai’s acclaimed wines back at your hotel patio or balcony if you aren’t ready to call it a night. The velvety night sky may set the stage for stargazing too!
Lodging to Launch Ojai Adventures
Accommodation options range from luxury retreats to budget-friendly motels in Ojai. Reserve well in advance though, especially for weekends and peak seasons. Among the most charming places to hang your hat, consider:
Ojai Valley Inn (Luxury) – Sprawling resort with championship golf, pool, and exceptional dining options.
The Emerald Iguana (Mid-range) – Colorful courtyard inn with a heated pool a quick walk from downtown.
Blue Iguana (Budget) – Quirky art-filled hotel featuring affordable private cottages.
Wherever you choose to stay, you’re certain to fall under Ojai’s spell during your idyllic weekend escape. Let your spirit reawaken to life’s simple pleasures here!