If you’re looking to slow things down ( I mean really slow the heck down) and escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Ojai makes for the perfect quick getaway. Located in Ventura County California, you’ll find this small, but charming town with restaurants, art galleries and cute shops! Here are some of my favorite things to do and see!

Where To Stay
Ojai Valley Inn is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for beautiful rooms, lush grounds, yummy eats and a world class spa. This resort is a bit of a splurge ( the rooms aren’t cheap) but if you have the funds, it’s definitely worth a visit. Oh and did I mention it’s dog friendly!

For my lovers of farm to table fair, check out the events at The Farm House, which is a culinary inspired event venue that offers themed culinary experiences. They have great offerings for the holidays if you are looking to escape from family drama this year.

Cute Tip: If you are not a guest at the hotel but want to feel like one, schedule a treatments at Spa Ojai as Day Spa Guest. A Spa Access Fee of $50 per person will be added to any treatments scheduled Friday-Monday and includes access to the gym, wellness classes, spa pools and spa public areas…however, The Spa Access Fee will be waived Tuesday-Thursday. If you can go during the week, book yourself a spa treatment, avoid paying the access fee and enjoy lunch by the pool!

Things To Do

Olive Oil Tasting At Ojai Olive Oil Company

As an Italian woman and health nut, I can never get enough olive oil. If you are looking to purchase some local, high quality olive oils than you are in luck! Ojai Olive Oil Company offers tours and and tastings for $10 Monday -Sunday 10am-4pm. You can also just pop by the store and shop! I love taking the tour because you learn how the olives are grown, the extraction process, blending, the bottling process, and also get to try all the different varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Ecotopia Hot Springs is a collection of sulfur pools surrounded by nature. You can visit the hot springs during the day or at night. I highly recommend going at night to enjoy the stars!

Farmers Markets

Love fresh produce? Head to the Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market on Sundays for fresh fruits, vegetables, local jams, honey, olive and walnut oil, free range eggs, prepared delectables and much more. Not just a mere farmers’ market, this is a weekly event. T

he music and people-watching are part of the fun.

Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – rain or shine – behind the Arcade at 300 E. Matilija Street. Sadly, no pups are allowed :(

Friend's Ranches - a small, family operated grower for five generations - specializes in a wide variety of avocados, honey and citrus fruits – including Pixie Tangerines. Be sure to sample their fresh-squeezed juice!

Friend’s Ranch Packing House at 15150 Maricopa Hwy is open to visitors on Tuesdays and Fridays only, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Go Honey Tasting-
In downtown Ojai, you’ll find Heavenly Honey Company. You can pop in to shop local honey and do a honey tasting. I had never done one before and learned so much about the different kinds of honey. I learned so much about local honey!

Read Books Outdoors
Barts Books
You’ll find this outdoor bookshop on every travel bloggers list and that’s because its the world’s largest outdoor bookstore. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Where To Eat

Olivella – Located on the grounds of the Ojai Valley Inn, this restaurant serves farm to table dishes made with locally grown produce and fresh, seasonal ingredients.

The Ranch House – The Ranch House offers a prix fixe menu, with the option of a 3 or 5 course dining experience at two modest prices. They also offer a plant-based seasonal menu with vegan and vegetarian choices.

Azu Ojai – With the perfect blend of Mexican and Spanish heritage this rich and flavorful restaurant is family-owned and offers unique dishes.

Farmer and the Cook- is a fantastic organic cafe, bakery, smoothie bar and market.They also serve pizza Thursday -Sunday
5:30 on and have live music on Sunday!
Ojai Rotie – A casual dining French-Lebanese restaurant with a big patio . The sourdough boule is incredible. Get it!!!

Tipple & Ramble – A wine bar with a very cute patio. They offer a selection of wines, hard kombucha, cheese and charcuterie and mediterranean spreads.

Best Coffee

Beacon Coffee is hands down my favorite coffee shop in Ojai that is frequented by Ojai locals. I am a coffee snob and their drip coffee was fantastic! You can also order coffee from them online!

A Magical Day in Ojai,CA

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