If you’re looking for an easy getaway, Ojai may be just the place to visit. This charming town is only a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara, which makes vacationing there super convenient to say the least. Patrick and I spent a few days and a couple of nights exploring this little city. Whether you come for the biking or hiking trails, locally sourced food, famous pixie tangerines, or the awe-inspiring Ojai Valley “pink moment” sunsets, you will be sure to have a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend in this adorable town.
Drinks & Eats:
The Vine – live music six nights a week
Beacon Coffee – coffee shop
Topa Topa Brewing Company – brewery
Little Sama Ojai food – Asian fusion restaurant inside Topa Topa
Ojai Valley Brewery – brewery
Ojai Pub – comfort food
Ojai Deer Lodge – oldest restaurant and tavern in Ojai
Rory’s Place – raw bar and restaurant
Home Kitchen of Ojai – breakfast
Café BōKU – Superfood dishes and smoothies
The Nest – great outdoor dining
The Dutchess – Burmese restaurant
Agave Maria’s Restaurant & Cantina – Mexican restaurant
Chief’s Peak – beer and wine bar
Topa Mountain Winery – beautiful wine tasting spot
Shops:
Fig Curated Living – home and garden
Violet’s Pink Thrift – collectibles and thrift shop
Down Home Furnishings – home and furniture
County Line Florals – mobile florist
Magic Hour – gifts and tea shop
The Crystal Corner – gifts and crystals
Activities:
– Make sure to make a stop at Bart’s Books. This 1964-founded bookstore is the largest outdoor bookstore in the world! I could have spent hours walking around this shop.
– Check out the Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market held on Sundays. I have a whole post about a previous market visit here. You will not be disappointed with the variety of local vendors and the mouth-watering produce. If you can go during pixie tangerine season (March–May), do it!
– Walk on the Ojai Valley Trail. We were able to walk from our hotel to shops and restaurants by taking part of this easily accessible, flat trail/path. We haven’t done it, but many people bike the entire trail from Ventura to Ojai. The whole trail is 9 miles one-way, and it’s supposed to be a really scenic and safe bike path.
– We didn’t hike this last visit, but in the past we have. Ojai has hot summers, so plan accordingly with hiking time, distance, hats, sunscreen, and water!
– The entire property was rented out when we were there unfortunately, but in the past we have stayed at or visited the Ojai Valley Inn. Check out the hotel’s restaurants or book a spa day too.
We did not have a bad drink or meal when we were in Ojai. Local products and ingredients are of the utmost importance, so our meals were always fresh and delicious. Ojai is considered to be a very healing and spiritual place, so hopefully you’ll come back refreshed and restored. Comment below if you use this guide or have any other favorite spots to recommend!
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