Ojai is a lively city with a small-town feel. Set in a sun-drenched valley and surrounded by the rugged Topatopa Mountains, Ojai is a hotspot for artists, musicians and nature lovers. Stroll around the eclectic downtown district and browse independent galleries, boutiques and New Age shops. Year-round sunshine makes Ojai a popular destination for outdoor adventures, with everything from hiking to golf on offer.
Things to do in Ojai
Downtown Ojai has all the charm of a pocket-sized Californian town. Pick up hand-poured soy candles and souvenirs along bustling Ojai Avenue, then an oat milk latte from a third-wave café and pick out your next holiday read from Bart’s Books. The enormous outdoor bookstore has been in business since the 1960s and is a local institution. Next, stop by the historic firehouse to try small-batch wines from a nearby vineyard. The building is reimagined as a trendy tasting room where you can sample the winery’s signature Chardonnay.
Ojai is an excellent base for outdoor adventures in Ventura County. Lace up your hiking boots and explore trails in the Topatopa Mountains or keep things family-friendly in Los Padres National Forest. Lake Casitas is a great place to fish, kayak and picnic.
Rent a bike and explore the Ventura River Trail. The trail follows the route of the former Southern Pacific railway and meanders through rolling hills and ranch lands. Oak forests and citrus groves offer plenty of shade along the way. Adventure sports like mountain biking and rock climbing will get your pulse racing.
Tee off at the historic Ojai Country Club, one of the top courses in North America. The championship course was laid out in the 1920s and has welcomed a string of Hollywood stars over the decades. Wide fairways make the most of the stunning mountain views.
Getting around Ojai
Downtown Ojai is compact and easy to get around on foot. The city is in Ventura County, a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and 2.5 hours from Los Angeles International Airport.