Rising up in Southern California, I used to be surrounded by countless alternatives for journey. One place that was off my itinerary for much too lengthy was the quirky and quaint little city of Ojai.
Simply north of Malibu, this in style weekend getaway is thought for its attractive Spanish structure, winding climbing paths, and regionally sourced delicacies.
For those who reside in Southern California, Ojai is an ideal 2-3 day escape — very best for enjoyable, enjoyable, and extra enjoyable.
Able to discover probably the most charming city in California? Right here’s my weekend information to Ojai!
What to Count on
Condé Nast Traveler tagged this place as a “nouveau hippie utopia” and it’s an ideal description. Ojai is all about small companies and sourcing items regionally. From retro motels to classic bookstores to palm readers, every thing right here is exclusive.
Pattern the olive oil infused with “Pixie” tangerines, chew right into a contemporary Valencia orange, and go for a wine tasting to get a style of the city.
Enjoyable truth: Company chains are literally banned in Ojai. Somewhat than reaching for a similar previous Starbucks, you may strive a neighborhood brew. Goodbye, In-N-Out. Hiya, roadside farm stand. Farm-to-table is the norm right here.
One of many highlights of my go to was staying on the Ojai Valley Inn, an enormous wellness resort good for a poolside escape.
We began the day with a poolside yoga class, soaked within the solar whereas we biked across the property, then swung by the spa for a therapeutic massage. After an extended day of exploring, we sipped wine in entrance of the fireplace.
The proper weekend escape for {couples}, households, or girlfriends (and fur infants, because it’s all pet-friendly right here!), Ojai is certainly a spot I’ll return to.
The place to Keep in Ojai
Ojai Valley Inn
In case you are going for a luxe spa/chill poolside type of weekend, this gives you that quintessential Ojai expertise — nevertheless it comes at fairly the worth! We’re speaking $500 an evening for a fundamental room.
Whereas it is extremely expensive, if you happen to’re after a five-star carefree weekend, you’ll get it right here.
Earlier than arriving, I had so many buddies suggest the Ojai Valley Inn and now I do know why. With a number of swimming pools, on-site yoga lessons, firepits (you may reserve your personal and seize a s’mores package from the cafe!), and tennis courts, that is the type of place the place you may have a good time with out ever leaving the property.
Additionally they supply free bikes so you may pedal across the expansive property or journey into city.
Ojai Rancho Inn
A smaller resort, this inn books up rapidly, particularly at weekends, so remember to make a reservation early. They’ve an excellent on-site bar the place you may sip a cocktail poolside.
Caravan Outpost
In search of one thing a bit completely different? Guide an Airstream on the Caravan Outpost. Whereas there’s no pool on-site, it’s an expertise you received’t quickly overlook.
Capri
I like the retro vibe of this place. Not too long ago renovated, this no-frills resort is a budget-friendly choice for a comfortable mattress, glowing pool, and sizzling tub within the middle of the motion.
When to Go to Ojai
For many locations, I usually attempt to journey mid-week as you may normally get cheaper charges and it’s much less crowded. Within the case of Ojai, I actually wouldn’t suggest this as SO many issues are closed.
I’d suggest going through the later a part of the week if you happen to can swing it.
Whereas it is a weekend information, staying on the town from Thursday to Saturday is right.
That’d provide the alternative to take a look at weekend-only occasions however nonetheless permit you to see the city with out preventing a crowd.
And crowding is an actual subject right here! In accommodations and eating places alike, you will see locations booked out months upfront. That is very true when COVID restrictions are in place and numbers are restricted.
After the mad rush on the weekend, loads of companies shut on Mondays and Tuesdays.
I used to be wandering round city on a Tuesday and located nearly each place was shuttered. Even discovering a spot for lunch was a problem.
Although we had been capable of keep away from most crowds, a variety of the eating places I wished to eat at weren’t open till late Wednesday or Thursday.
That stated, Ojai is an ideal year-round vacation spot.
In Southern California, the climate is gentle sufficient to get outdoor just about all 12 months. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re on the lookout for a poolside break, plan for spring by means of early fall to get the warmest climate.
Prime Issues to Do in Ojai
Look to unwind? For a laidback break, that is the place to go. Overlook continuous nightlife and wild golf equipment. In Ojai, it’s all about soaking within the solar, sampling native meals, and usually simply disconnecting. The sleepy city is filled with allure and a part of the allure is that it’s not tremendous activity-focused.
It’s completely okay to spend your complete journey poolside! However, in order for you a couple of extra choices, listed here are some cool issues to take a look at in Ojai:
Spa Day at Ojai Valley Inn
This award-winning spa is a should! When you’re a visitor, there are a selection of freebies. When you’re staying elsewhere, you may as well e book a remedy however word that it’s reserved for company through the weekend.
Scorching Springs
Alongside the Matilija River in Los Padres Forest, you’ll discover a assortment of 5 steamy sizzling pure springs.
Yoga and Meditation
A contemporary hippie hotspot, that is considered one of SoCal’s high yoga and mediation locations and also you’ll discover a variety of locations obtainable to follow at. Go searching a bit to seek out the studio that’s best for you!
Wine Tasting
When you’ll discover a variety of winery and wine tasting rooms, Topa Mountain Vineyard is the crowning glory. You should definitely deliver your digicam for the world-class views there.
Beer Tasting/Breweries
Welcome to craft beer paradise. When you might spend all weekend on brewery crawl in case you have time for just one cease make it the Ojai Valley Brewery. This sustainable manufacturing unit produces a few of the best-unfiltered beer you’ve ever had.
Topa Topa Brewing Firm is one other incredible choice! They’re native to Ventura and named after Topa Topa Mountain — which you’ll see whereas sipping on one of many many craft beers obtainable.
Olive Oil Tasting
This space is thought for its olive manufacturing and Ojai Olive Oil Firm is properly value your time. Deliver your personal drinks and meals (I’d extremely suggest bread and different olive oil-friendly picks). The plush inexperienced property is ideal for a picnic and you’ll style your manner round on a self-guided tour.
I significantly loved Ojai Tasting Room Carolïna Gramm!
I bought to speak with the proprietor for fairly a bit and he or she was so pretty. I bought the Golden Balsamic and the Orange Olive Oil and have been utilizing them almost on daily basis for contemporary summer time salads. Soooo tasty!
Summer time Camp
Discover Downtown + Go Buying
I adored the quirky downtown buying round Ojai Arcade and Plaza. From dwelling decor to classic books, you’ll discover all of it right here. Within the Discipline, Bart’s Books, Summer time Camp, and Cercana had been my private high picks.
As a word — behind Summer time Camp is the place you’ll discover the lovable Ojai mural!
Take a Pottery Class
What higher memento than one that you simply made with your personal arms? Guide a seat at Firestick Pottery Studio to study and experiment with a small group. They’ll even glaze and ship your piece to you so that you don’t have to fret about amassing and transporting it.
Be certain that to name upfront to order your spot.
Do a Honey Tasting
Didn’t I let you know this place is a foodie paradise? For a candy tour, head over to the family-run Heavenly Honey Firm. It’s proper within the middle of city and you are able to do a honey tasting to select your favourite selection.
Catch the Pink Second
One other factor that Ojai is legendary for is its sunsets. Within the valley, you may absorb a magical alpenglow when the mountains peaks are washed in dramatic shades of rose and violet.
For a primary vantage level, go to The Scenic Overlook of Ojai on the 150 along with your digicam simply earlier than sundown.
You possibly can normally catch it if you happen to’re staying at Ojai Valley Inn. Sadly, it was too overcast after we had been there…however that simply means I’ll should make a visit again. 😉
Experience The Ojai Valley Bike Path or Go Mountaineering
Alongside Freeway 33 from exterior of West Ventura, you’ll discover the nine-mile path main into Ojai. This paved path was made for lengthy afternoons out having fun with the sunshine.
It’s lower than an hour every manner and it’s an easy path with a lot of shade. Set off from Fox Avenue in Ojai then make your manner into Ventura. Go away your self time to scope out the city then make your manner again.
Day Journeys from Ojai
When you’re trying to lengthen your journey and wish to enterprise exterior of Ojai, Ventura would make an excellent day journey if you wish to hit the seashore. Alternatively, if you happen to’re heading south — make certain to cease in Malibu!
The place to Eat in Ojai
Come hungry! I like that this city booted out the fast-food joints in favor of native picks. It signifies that each expertise is considered one of a sort and you’ll dive a bit deeper into the regional choices.
For Tea and Espresso
Alright, confession time. Whereas Beacon is extensively thought-about probably the greatest coffeehouses on the town I wasn’t a fan (it’s a cute spot however the espresso simply didn’t do it for me). If you would like the crème de la crème relating to espresso, head to Love Social for top-notch java.
Magic Hour: One other high choose for a sizzling drink is the tea from Magic Hour. They’ve an lovable little teahouse and also you’ll discover their blends in cafes and eating places throughout Ojai.
For Breakfast
Love Social: Since their espresso was the very best round, we opted for breakfast at Love Social.
After we visited, their menu was extraordinarily restricted. I’m undecided if that is due to Covid, or as a result of their energy had been out the day earlier than. Anyway, it was slim pickings with the sandwiches and breakfast burritos.
Nonetheless, their on-line menu appears to be rather more intensive — so it might be higher at one other time! Their critiques on-line are actually good and the outside seating was pretty!
On one other word, the espresso was SUPERB (for my part, it was the very best in Ojai).
I’m a self-proclaimed espresso snob and Love Social was my favourite place (I didn’t get an opportunity to strive Ojai Espresso Roasting Co., which is the opposite main spot in Ojai).
Ojai Cafe Emporium: This place has pretty outside eating, tons of scrumptious baked items, and bites for each breakfast and lunch.
For Lunch and Dinner
The Farmer and The Prepare dinner: For lunch, strive The Farmer and The Prepare dinner. This totally natural, veg-friendly farm-to-table choose has wholesome Mexican favorites. Their produce is regionally sourced and their sun-soaked patio is likely one of the hottest spots on the town. Total, we had our greatest meals right here!
As a word, we did should drive there.
A lot of the eating places and issues to do in Ojai are just about on the primary road, however this was not the case for Farmer and the Prepare dinner. It’s exterior of the primary a part of city — so preserve this in thoughts!
Azul: One other native fave is Azul. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is ideal for an upscale dinner out of the city. It’s a kind of locations that you simply’ll hear beneficial time and time once more. Our dinner was good — nothing revolutionary, however a pleasant place to eat.
Olivella: One in every of my high ticks was Ojai Valley Inn’s on-site restaurant, Olivella. It’s a simple choice if you happen to’re a visitor or you may e book by way of OpenTable if you happen to’re staying elsewhere. With five-star native delicacies and unimaginable wine, you may’t go fallacious right here.
A number of different locations that got here extremely beneficial to me had been:
- Ojai Rotîe: This Lebanese spot is thought for its hen and patio seating.
- Nest: Go right here for wholesome choices and a dog-friendly patio (at all times a perk!).
- Ojai Pizza Co: A contemporary pizza joint with honey-flavored dough.
- Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta: A Household-owned Italian eatery with farm-to-table pasta and pizza picks.
- Tipple and Ramble: This place is thought for having pretty charcuterie boards and an excellent place to sip on some vino.
Planning Tip:
Have you ever been to Ojai earlier than? I’d love to listen to about your favourite locations to eat or issues to do within the feedback beneath!
