Rising up in Southern California, I used to be surrounded by infinite alternatives for journey. One place that was off my itinerary for a lot too lengthy was the quirky and quaint little city of Ojai.
Simply north of Malibu, this well-liked weekend getaway is thought for its beautiful Spanish structure, winding mountain climbing paths, and domestically sourced delicacies.
For those who dwell in Southern California, Ojai is an ideal 2-3 day escape — very best for stress-free, stress-free, and extra stress-free.
Able to discover essentially 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 domestically. 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 recent Valencia orange, and go for a wine tasting to get a style of the city.
Enjoyable reality: Company chains are literally banned in Ojai. Moderately than reaching for a similar previous Starbucks, you’ll be able to attempt an area brew. Goodbye, In-N-Out. Hey, 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 excellent 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 a protracted day of exploring, we sipped wine in entrance of the hearth.
The right weekend escape for {couples}, households, or girlfriends (and fur infants, because it’s all pet-friendly right here!), Ojai is unquestionably 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 sort of weekend, this offers you that quintessential Ojai expertise — however it comes at fairly the value! We’re speaking $500 an evening for a fundamental room.
Whereas it is rather expensive, when you’re after a five-star carefree weekend, you’ll get it right here.
Earlier than arriving, I had so many buddies advocate the Ojai Valley Inn and now I do know why. With a number of swimming pools, on-site yoga courses, firepits (you’ll be able to reserve your personal and seize a s’mores package from the cafe!), and tennis courts, that is the sort of place the place you’ll be able to have a good time with out ever leaving the property.
In addition they provide free bikes so you’ll be able to 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 amazing on-site bar the place you’ll be able to sip a cocktail poolside.
Caravan Outpost
In search of one thing a bit completely different? Ebook an Airstream on the Caravan Outpost. Whereas there’s no pool on-site, it’s an expertise you gained’t quickly neglect.
Capri
I really like the retro vibe of this place. Just lately renovated, this no-frills resort is a budget-friendly choice for a snug 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’ll be able to normally get cheaper charges and it’s much less crowded. Within the case of Ojai, I actually wouldn’t advocate this as SO many issues are closed.
I’d advocate going in the course of the later a part of the week when you 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 assist you to see the city with out preventing a crowd.
And crowding is an actual situation right here! In lodges and eating places alike, you’ll discover 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, numerous companies shut on Mondays and Tuesdays.
I used to be wandering round city on a Tuesday and located virtually each place was shuttered. Even discovering a spot for lunch was a problem.
Although we have been in a position to keep away from most crowds, quite a lot of the eating places I wished to eat at weren’t open till late Wednesday or Thursday.
That mentioned, Ojai is an ideal year-round vacation spot.
In Southern California, the climate is delicate sufficient to get outside just about all yr. Nonetheless, when you’re searching for a poolside break, plan for spring via early fall to get the warmest climate.
High 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 attraction and a part of the attraction is that it’s not tremendous activity-focused.
It’s completely okay to spend your complete journey poolside! However, if you would like a number 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 number of freebies. When you’re staying elsewhere, you too can e-book a therapy however observe that it’s reserved for company in the course of 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 one in all SoCal’s prime yoga and mediation locations and also you’ll discover quite a lot of locations accessible to apply at. Go searching a bit to search out the studio that’s best for you!
Wine Tasting
While you’ll find a range of vineyard and wine tasting rooms, Topa Mountain Winery is the crowning glory. Make sure you carry your digital camera for the world-class views there.
Beer Tasting/Breweries
Welcome to craft beer paradise. Whilst you may spend all weekend on brewery crawl when you have time for just one cease make it the Ojai Valley Brewery. This sustainable manufacturing facility produces a number of the best-unfiltered beer you’ve ever had.
Topa Topa Brewing Company is one other implausible choice! They’re native to Ventura and named after Topa Topa Mountain — which you’ll be able to see whereas sipping on one of many many craft beers accessible.
Olive Oil Tasting
This space is thought for its olive manufacturing and Ojai Olive Oil Company is nicely value your time. Convey your personal drinks and meals (I’d extremely advocate bread and different olive oil-friendly picks). The plush inexperienced property is ideal for a picnic and you’ll style your method round on a self-guided tour.
I notably loved Ojai Tasting Room Carolïna Gramm!
I obtained to talk with the proprietor for fairly a bit and he or she was so beautiful. I bought the Golden Balsamic and the Orange Olive Oil and have been utilizing them practically day-after-day for recent summer season salads. Soooo tasty!
Summer time Camp
Discover Downtown + Go Buying
I adored the quirky downtown buying round Ojai Arcade and Plaza. From house decor to classic books, you’ll discover all of it right here. In the Field, Bart’s Books, Summer Camp, and Cercana have been my private prime picks.
As a observe — 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 palms? Ebook 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 sure 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 Company. 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’ll be able to soak up a magical alpenglow when the mountains peaks are washed in dramatic shades of rose and violet.
For a chief vantage level, go to The Scenic Overlook of Ojai on the 150 along with your digital camera simply earlier than sundown.
You’ll be able to normally catch it when you’re staying at Ojai Valley Inn. Sadly, it was too overcast after we have been there…however that simply means I’ll must make a visit again. 😉
Journey The Ojai Valley Bike Path or Go Mountaineering
Alongside Freeway 33 from outdoors 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 method and it’s a very simple path with plenty of shade. Set off from Fox Road in Ojai then make your method into Ventura. Depart your self time to scope out the city then make your method again.
Day Journeys from Ojai
When you’re seeking to prolong your journey and wish to enterprise outdoors of Ojai, Ventura would make an amazing day journey if you wish to hit the seaside. Alternatively, when you’re heading south — make sure that to cease in Malibu!
The place to Eat in Ojai
Come hungry! I really like that this city booted out the fast-food joints in favor of native picks. It signifies that each expertise is one in all 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 among the finest 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 in relation to espresso, head to Love Social for top-notch java.
Magic Hour: One other prime decide for a sizzling drink is the tea from Magic Hour. They’ve an lovely 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 perfect round, we opted for breakfast at Love Social.
Once we visited, their menu was extraordinarily restricted. I’m unsure 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 way more in depth — so it could be higher at one other time! Their opinions on-line are actually good and the outside seating was beautiful!
On one other observe, the espresso was SUPERB (in my view, it was the perfect in Ojai).
I’m a self-proclaimed espresso snob and Love Social was my favourite place (I didn’t get an opportunity to attempt Ojai Coffee Roasting Co., which is the opposite main spot in Ojai).
Ojai Cafe Emporium: This place has beautiful outside eating, tons of scrumptious baked items, and bites for each breakfast and lunch.
For Lunch and Dinner
The Farmer and The Cook: For lunch, attempt The Farmer and The Cook. This totally natural, veg-friendly farm-to-table decide has wholesome Mexican favorites. Their produce is domestically 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 observe, we did must drive there.
A lot of the eating places and issues to do in Ojai are just about on the principle road, however this was not the case for Farmer and the Cook dinner. It’s outdoors of the principle 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: Considered one of my prime ticks was Ojai Valley Inn’s on-site restaurant, Olivella. It’s a simple choice when you’re a visitor or you’ll be able to e-book through OpenTable when you’re staying elsewhere. With five-star native delicacies and unimaginable wine, you’ll be able to’t go mistaken right here.
A number of different locations that got here extremely beneficial to me have been:
- Ojai Rotîe: This Lebanese spot is thought for its rooster and patio seating.
- Nest: Go right here for wholesome choices and a dog-friendly patio (all the time 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 beautiful charcuterie boards and an amazing 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 under!
