Ojai, California, quickly became one of my new favorite places, right up there with Mendocino and Carmel-by-the-Sea, after I discovered this beautiful place during a friend’s bachelorette party—it truly was everything I’d hoped for and more. Known for its natural beauty, Ojai sits in a valley surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains mountain range, creating a lush getaway filled with orange groves, Juniper oak trees, and rolling hills, along with spiritual retreats, a strong art scene, scenic hiking trails, lively farmers’ markets, and a cute downtown.
It’s a great place to add to your list, whether for a long girls’ weekend, the ultimate girls trip, a romantic getaway, or time to recharge, especially since it’s just 90-minutes / 90 minutes from Los Angeles. We went in April, and I’d recommend visiting then when everything feels extra green and lush, though June and July are also great times to visit for Ojai’s famous pink moment, when sunsets hit the mountain range and wash the valley in a soft pink glow. We stayed in an amazing Airbnb found through Airbnb, clearly a labor of love by the woman who manages the property, with indoors that felt warm and cozy, gardens outside full of beautiful gardens, and an incredible view of the mountains and valley. Sadly, on the day we were leaving, we learned they were selling the property, so it’s no longer available, but I’m thankful we got to dwell there for a few days. If this has sold Ojai for you, I’ve put together a great little itinerary to get you started planning your trip, with things to do, places to go, and ideas for visiting Ojai.
Ojai is loved for its pink sunsets, peaceful energy, and slow-living vibe. In just a long weekend, you can enjoy scenic hikes, local wine tasting, artsy boutiques, and deep relaxation—making it the perfect escape from busy city life.
According to Condé Nast Traveler, Ojai is a nouveau hippie utopia, a perfect description of what to expect in Ojai, where small businesses and sourcing goods locally define daily life and local sourcing is second nature. You’ll see retro motels, browse vintage bookstores, meet palm readers, and quickly notice how unique this town feels—truly everything unique. You can sample olive oil and olive oil infused blends with Pixie tangerines (Pixie, tangerines), bite into a fresh Valencia orange (Valencia orange), and enjoy wine tasting for a real taste of the town. Fun fact: corporate chains banned means banned really does apply—there are no corporate chains, no Starbucks, just a local brew, goodbye In-N-Out, and hello roadside farm stand, where farm-to-table is the norm. One of the highlights of my visit was staying at Ojai Valley Inn, a massive wellness resort and true wellness resort ideal for a poolside escape. We started the day with a poolside yoga class (yoga class), soaked in the sun as we biked around the property (biking), then swung by the spa for time at the spa and a relaxing massage. After a long day of exploring, we sipped wine (wine) by the fire at the fire pit, ending the night with a truly relaxing evening.
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If you’re planning a long weekend focused on a luxe spa and chill poolside vibe, Ojai Valley Inn delivers a truly quintessential Ojai experience, though it definitely comes at a price—and yes, it’s quite the price at $500 a night (500 dollars) for a basic room. Before arriving, I had so many friends recommend it, and now I know why that recommendation holds up: there are multiple pools, on-site yoga classes (yoga classes), cozy firepits (fire pits) where you can reserve your own and grab a s’mores kit from the cafe, plus tennis courts. It’s the kind of luxury stay and wellness getaway where you can have a great time without leaving the property, making it easy to stay on property for a full poolside weekend, a true spa weekend, and a deeply relaxing escape that defines the Ojai experience.
A smaller hotel, this inn books up quickly, especially at weekends, so be sure to make a reservation early. They have a great on-site bar where you can sip a cocktail poolside.
Looking for something a bit different? Book an Airstream at the Caravan Outpost. While there’s no pool on-site, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Horseback riding*: There are a few options for horseback riding in Ojai, and honestly, any spot is a great option. We went with Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company for a group trip in the late morning, and it turned out to be a truly unique way to explore the valley.
Hiking*: There’s a ton of hiking in the area, so it’s worth doing a little research to find a trail that fits your pace. We got lucky and had hiking trails behind our Airbnb, so we explored them one afternoon without going far.
Hot springs: Ojai valley is known as a spiritual destination, and part of that is seeking out the local hot springs to soak up the healing power of the waters. We looked into it, but unfortunately the spot of interest was closed while we were there.
Exploring the village*: Known for its cute main street, we spent one afternoon zipping in and out of boutiques, art galleries, ice cream shops, antique stores, and restaurants along E Ojai Avenue. One of my favorite stops was Fig Curated Living, a unique gift store for the home and garden.
Yoga*: One morning, we hired a yoga instructor to come to our Airbnb for a vinyasa session, all while overlooking a beautiful view of the mountains and valley—a perfect way to slow down.
Ice Cream*: There are a few spots on the main street to grab ice cream, which is the perfect sweet treat on a hot day, but Sanders + Sons Gelato is hands down the place to stop for a scoop.
Spa: You really can’t do Ojai without a spa day, and the good news is there are a ton of options in the area, whether you’re looking for deep relaxation, wellness, or full-on rejuvenation.
The Top Things to Do in Ojai perfectly capture the relaxed yet enriching vibe of this valley town, starting with a spa day at Ojai Valley Inn, home to an award-winning spa that’s a true must visit, offering guest access, a range of freebies, and the option to book a treatment if you’re staying elsewhere, though it’s often reserved for guests on the weekend, making it a standout luxury spa and wellness experience. Beyond the resort, seek out hot springs along the Matilija River in Los Padres National Forest (also known as Los Padres Forest), where five steamy springs and five natural springs create ideal outdoor soaking in hot natural springs.
Ojai is also known for yoga and meditation, a modern hippie hotspot and one of SoCal (Southern California)’s top yoga destination and meditation destination areas, filled with welcoming yoga studios and a focus on mindful living. For tastings, enjoy wine tasting at a vineyard or wine tasting rooms, with Topa Mountain Winery as the crowning glory, known for its world-class views and scenic winery setting, then switch to beer tasting at local breweries in this craft beer paradise, whether on a casual brewery crawl at Ojai Valley Brewery, a sustainable factory producing excellent unfiltered beer, or at Topa Topa Brewing Company, based in Ventura and named after Topa Topa Mountain, serving standout craft beers.
Don’t miss olive oil tasting tied to local olive production at Ojai Olive Oil Company, where a self-guided tour and shaded picnic areas make for an easy afternoon. What truly defines Ojai, though, is the laidback break it offers—time to unwind, soaking in the sun, sampling local food, and disconnecting in a sleepy town full of charm and a relaxed atmosphere, where it feels perfectly right to spend time poolside, or even plan your entire trip poolside.
For Tea and Coffee
Quick honesty: Beacon gets a lot of hype as one of the best coffeehouses in town, but it wasn’t for me. It’s a cute spot, yet the coffee just didn’t hit. If you’re after the crème de la crème, go straight to Love Social for truly top-notch java—it’s the best cup I had in Ojai.
Magic Hour: If tea is more your thing, Magic Hour is a great stop for a hot drink. Their adorable teahouse vibe shines through, and you’ll see their tea blends popping up in cafes and restaurants all over Ojai.
For Breakfast
Love Social: Since their coffee was the best around, we also chose Love Social for breakfast. When we visited, the menu was very limited—possibly due to Covid or a power outage the day before—so choices were mostly sandwiches and breakfast burritos. That said, their online menu looks much more extensive, reviews are really good, and the outdoor seating is lovely. Also worth repeating: the coffee was superb. As a self-confessed coffee snob, this was my favorite place, even though I didn’t make it to Ojai Coffee Roasting Co., the other major coffee stop.
Ojai Cafe Emporium: A solid all-day option with outdoor dining, lots of baked goods, and easy bites for both breakfast and lunch.
For Lunch and Dinner
The Farmer and The Cook: For lunch, this was our top pick. It’s fully organic, veg-friendly, and farm-to-table, with healthy Mexican favorites made from locally sourced produce. The sun-soaked patio is one of the best in town, and overall, we had our best meals here. Just note—you’ll need to drive there since it’s outside the main street area.
Azul: A well-known local fave with a Mediterranean-inspired menu, perfect for an upscale dinner. It’s often recommended—not groundbreaking, but a pleasant place to eat.
Olivella: Located at Ojai Valley Inn, this on-site restaurant is an easy win. Guests can walk right in, and others can book via OpenTable. With five-star local cuisine and incredible wine, it’s hard to go wrong.
Other places people kept recommending:
Ojai Rotîe for Lebanese flavors, especially the chicken and patio seating.
Nest for healthy options and a dog-friendly patio.
Ojai Pizza Co for a modern pizza joint with honey-flavored dough.
Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta, a family-owned Italian eatery serving farm-to-table pasta and pizza.
Tipple and Ramble for charcuterie boards and a relaxed place to sip vino.
Planning Tip:
Ojai isn’t a nightlife town. Plan dinner before 9 pm and enjoy a quiet evening. After dark, Ojai Deer Lodge sometimes has live music on weekends and is a cozy option; otherwise, the town gets very quiet late at night.
Ojai is special for its small-town charm, peaceful wellness destination vibe, scenic hiking trails, cozy boutique hotels, and a strong focus on local organic agriculture through its farmers’ market.
Two nights is the perfect amount of time in Ojai to enjoy the restaurants, relax, do some shopping, and fit in a few activities without rushing.
The best time to visit Ojai is spring or fall, especially March and April, when the weather is mild and orange blossoms and wildflowers are in bloom, though summer is great for warm nights and outdoor dining.
Wear layered casual chic in Ojai, California—think linen, breathable fabrics, sneakers or stylish flats for warm days, and a cozy sweater or light jacket for cool nights.
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