Let’s Hear it for Ojai

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Advisor - Tasha Holladay
Curated By

Tasha Holladay

  • Ojai

  • USA

  • California

  • Adventure Travel

  • Active Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • Outdoors

  • Coastal

  • Sightseeing

OjaiValleyInn
Curator’s statement

The quintessential charm of Ojai is legendary for good reason. Nestled between the sky-high Topatopa Mountains and hundred year old Oak Trees, you will find tranquility and your inner artist. Fresh air, lavender, hummingbirds and pure, puffy clouds add to the whimsical nature of this tucked away town.

The Fora Difference

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Killer perks

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Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Ojai

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Things to do in Ojai

Ojai Shelf Trail Hike
  • Libbey Park: Visit and play awhile at Libbey Park, an immaculately preserved park and playground located in the center of town. Offering tennis courts, events and a variety of things to climb, slide, swing and twirl on. Pack a picnic and stay awhile.

  • Libbey Bowl: Located in the same Libbey Park, towards the rear of the Oak Grove sits the Libbey Bowl. Home to Ojai’s music festival each June, throughout the year, performers and performances showcase their craft in this enchanting setting.

  • Downtown Ojai Boutique Shops: Stroll around the boutique shops in downtown Ojai. A variety of quaint and beautifully curated items are offered at over a dozen specialty shops. Meander through galleries, trinket shops, or find that perfect Ojai-inspired hat at Fig.

  • Ojai Valley Inn: Spend the day at Ojai Valley Inn. Book a spa treatment and use the tranquil amenities and private spa pool for the day. Or rent a cabana at the Pixie pool and enjoy lunch and fun in the sun with the kiddos.

  • Casitas Water Adventure: Be the cool mom and take the kids to the newly constructed Casitas Water Adventure where you’ll find a lazy river and “The Mega Play Unit,” featuring two water buckets and five slides and an abundance of water toys and elements.

  • Barts Books: Peruse the new and used books at Barts Books. Bart’s Books is known as the largest outdoor bookstore in the world and has had its doors open since 1964.

  • Pottery Classes: Take a pottery class with the whole family at one of the pottery studios sprinkled throughout the valley. Learn a new skill set and take home your own artistic souvenir at Firestick Pottery.

  • Ojai’s Certified Farmer’s Market: Practice true Farm to Table nature by exploring Ojai’s Certified Farmer’s Market on Sunday and Thursday at Ojai Community Farmers Market. Pick up some honey or freshly made jam, perhaps even a freshly poured beeswax candle, before choosing your bundle of freshly cut wildflowers. Fun for the whole family with specialty kid programs and events too.

  • Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company: Giddy up with Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company and explore the Ventura valley with the whole family. Many of the horses found at this exclusive ranch are retired and former show horses and champions from all around the world.

Places to eat & drink in Ojai

Barta Books
  • Ojai Tortilla House: One of Ojai’s best-kept secrets and “lines out the door” is Ojai Tortilla House. Offering a streamlined menu, everything is mastered for a chef’s kiss experience. Check out their menu at Ojai Tortilla House.

  • MJ’s Deli: Grab a savory sub at MJ’s Deli, ranging from classics to inventive creations. It's a perfect place to pick up lunch to enjoy at nearby Libbey Park.

  • The Ojai Beverage: A fun hidden bar eatery offering American cuisine and a variety of drinks to choose from, can be found at The Ojai Beverage.

  • Olivella: If you’re craving Italian, Olivella has you covered. Enjoy panoramic valley views while you experience Olivella’s valley-to-table culinary magic.

  • Nicciola: Another Italian option, Nicciola, features an outdoor terrace and cozy Italian fare, making it a local favorite.

  • Mandala Restaurant: Offering a mouth-watering combination of Tibetan, Japanese and Indian-infused cuisine, Mandala Restaurant is located in the heart of town.

  • Ojai Valley Deli Cafe: Serving delicious sandwiches and salads, the chicken pesto panini at Ojai Valley Deli Cafe is a solid 10/10.

  • Ojai Ice Cream: Locally and family-owned since 1979, Ojai Ice Cream is located directly across from Libbey Park, offering a delightful treat after a long day of playground play.

  • Ojai Valley Inn’s Lavender Lemonade: Made with exclusive Hendry’s vodka, the Lavender Lemonade cocktail at Ojai Valley Inn is the perfect combination of sweet and tart, leaving you daydreaming about it for many moons to come.

Advisor - Tasha Holladay

Travel Advisor

Tasha Holladay

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to California. For more travel tips, check out my guide, Summer in San Diego: The Highlight Reel.