Ojai, California, nestled in a valley between the Topatopa Mountains, got its name from the Chumash word “awhai,” which means “moon.” Originally resembling a typical western town, it received a Spanish Revival makeover, after a fire in 1917 ravaged the entire town. Ojai is an idyllic and picturesque place, largely due to the fact that it is the smallest city in Ventura County, with a population of about 8,000.
This is a good destination to run to, for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet, after a fun but tiring time in LA.
1. Find inner peace at Meditation Mount
A beautiful #ojai #sunset, holding space for a deep, rejuvenating rain tonight and tomorrow. #meditation #precipitation #ojaivibes #blessings
Posted by Meditation Mount on Saturday, 30 January 2016
Those who want to look for peace of mind can make their way to Meditation Mount, which is regularly visited by pilgrims, gurus, and yogis. Anyone can enter Meditation Mount, but do note it is only open Wednesdays through Sundays, 8:30 am until sunset.
Meditation Mount
Address: 10340 Reeves Road, Ojai, CA
Opening Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays, 8:30 am until sunset
Access: Meditation Mount can be accessed via Reeves Road
Contact: +1 (805) 646 5508
Website: Meditation Mount
2. Spend a relaxing day at the spa
Spa Ojai is a wonderful Spring getaway destination to relax, refresh and unwind. For a unique experience, try our...
Posted by Ojai Valley Inn & Spa on Wednesday, 5 April 2017
Complete your day of relaxation by spending a few hours at the spa. One of your best choices for a spa day is the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, an award-winning spa resort that offers a temporary paradise to visitors. Among the features and amenities offered at the property are golf and tennis courses, running trails, an in-house gym, a meditation area and fine dining restaurants.
Ojai Valley Inn and Spa
Address: 905 Country Club Rd, Ojai, CA
Access: Turn right on Country Club Drive.Take another right at Country Club Road, and proceed to Bell Strand.
Contact: +1 (855) 697-8780
Website: Ojai Valley Inn and Spa
3. Explore the artwork at Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
At the end of Allison Newsome's workshop she gave a demonstration on how to make a head and then she and the group who...
Posted by Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts on Monday, 1 May 2017
Beatrice Wood was a famous ceramist who moved to Ojai from New York City. The center shows not only her work but pieces from local artists. Beginners can also take lessons or attend workshops to learn about art, some of which are designed specifically for children.
Performances are also regularly held within the facility.
Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
Address: 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road, Ojai, CA
Opening Hours: Friday to Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm
Contact: +1 (805) 646-3381
Website: Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
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4. Taste local wines in Casa Barranca Certified Organic Winery
Posted by Casa Barranca Organic Winery on Wednesday, 28 August 2013
Casa Barranca Certified Organic Winery, or simply Casa Barranca, is an award-winning organic winery, in Ojai, that produces more than 5,000 cases of wines a year, including but not limited to Chardonnay, Pink Moment Rose, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
The winery has a tasting room, so you can sample the vintages they produce, before choosing a bottle to bring home.
Casa Barranca Certified Organic Winery
Address: 208 E Ojai Ave, Ojai CA
Opening Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 12 pm to 6 pm; Friday through Saturday, 12 pm to 7 pm
Website: Casa Barranca
5. Check out the book collection at Bart’s Books
Book lovers, do not forget to drop by Bart’s Books when you visit Ojai. It is the largest independently owned and operated outdoor bookstore in the country. It started in 1964 when Richard Bartinsale built some bookcases and put them along the sidewalks, to try to find homes for some of his books. Instead of setting up a cash register, he instead placed a couple of cans, where people can drop their payment for their chosen book. The outdoor bookstore is packed to the brim with tomes from just about all genres. The large collection will make you feel as though every corner has a book tucked inside.
If you are a hiking fan, or simply want to explore the trails of Ojai, be sure to pick up the “Hip Hiking Guide,” which was written by three generations of Ojai women, from Bart’s Books.
Bart’s Books
Address: 302 W Matilija St., Ojai, CA
Opening Hours: 9:30 am to sunset, daily
Contact: +1 (805) 646-3755
Website: Bart’s Books
6. Taste the citrus sold at Friend’s Ranch
Posted by Friend's Ranches on Tuesday, 28 February 2017
If you’re a fan of citrusy treats, be sure to drop by Friend’s Ranch, a farm that sells some of the sweetest citrus fruits around. Make sure to pick up some Pixie Seedless while there, as this is a small, yet sweet, seedless orange that the farm is best known for. If you want your fruit to go, you can simply purchase a freshly-squeezed lemon or orange juice, while there.
If you are unable to visit the packing house, within the window of time they are open, fear not, because they also have a stall at Ojai Farmers Market, every Sunday, from 8:30 am to 1 pm. Visitors can purchase organic products and various kinds of knick-knacks while there, so take the time to visit the market, while in Ojai.
Visitors can also tour the orchards, during spring. However, reservations need to be made, beforehand.
Friend’s Ranch
Address: 15150 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, CA
Opening Hours: Tuesdays or Fridays from 7 am to 12 pm.
Contact: +1 (805) 646-2871
Website: Friend’s Ranch
Ojai Farmers Market
Address: 300 E Matilija, Ojai, CA
Opening Hours: Sundays, 9 am to 1 pm
Contact: +1 (805) 698-5555
Website: Ojai Farmers’ Market
7. Explore California wilderness at Los Padres National Forest
It may not be a "superbloom" like in other parts of California, but the flowers are out in force in Big Sur.
Posted by Matthew Tufts on Thursday, 6 April 2017
Los Padres National Forest is comprised of 220 miles (354 kilometers) of wilderness from north to south, with some trails interspersed, throughout. Visiting this place will make you feel as though you have explored various parts of the world, given that its ecosystems vary, depending on the area and range from semi-desert to redwood forest.
It is home to about 468 different species of fish and wildlife, 23 of which are threatened or even endangered. Two hot springs can be accessed via the trails in the forest: Sespe Hot Springs and Willet Hot Springs. When hiking or camping here, be sure to keep an eye out for snakes.
Los Padres National Park
Address: Ojai Ranger Station, 1190 E Ojai Ave Los Angeles
8. Buy fresh-pressed olive oil at Ojai Olive Oil Company
Posted by Ojai Olive Oil on Saturday, 22 October 2016
If you are a fan of olive oil, be sure to drop by the Ojai Olive Oil Co., the home of an olive grove that has existed since the 1880s. You can take a tour of the facilities during your visit, and even have a taste-testing session, at the end.
Ojai Olive Oil Company
Address: 1811 Ladera Ridge Road, Ojai, CA
Opening Hours: Free tasting is offered from Mondays to Saturdays, from 10 am to 4 pm. Talks are given every Wednesdays and Saturdays at the same time.
Access: It is just off Hermitage Road
Contact: +1 (805) 646-5964
Website: Ojai Olive Company
9. Pedal your way through the Ojai Valley Bike Trail
15 mile bike ride before I drive back to Newcastle
Posted by Jacqueline Garrens on Thursday, 11 May 2017
The bike trail starts in Ojai and reaches Ventura. The distance might be a bit long, but the view is worth the effort, as bikers will find their eyes feasting on picturesque mountains. Make sure to bring a lot of water and food, as well, if you want to have a picnic, along the way.
Ojai Valley Bike Trail
Address: 438 Casitas Vista Road, Ventura CA
Website: Ojai Valley Bike Trail
10. Explore the town’s history at Ojai Valley Museum
Front Courtyard and Sculpture Garden of the Ojai Valley Museum, 2014
Posted by Ojai Valley Museum on Thursday, 2 October 2014
Housed inside a historic building, Ojai Valley Museum features the history, art, and culture of the Ojai Valley. The museum is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Talks are sometimes hosted here, and walking tours are also offered. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to check out their official website for the current schedule.
Ojai Valley Museum
Address: 130 West Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA
Website: Ojai Valley Museum
Rest and relax in Ojai
Ojai offers peace and tranquility for its visitors. Those who want to spend some time finding rest and relaxation after a busy period can drop by this small town for a quick and quiet getaway.
History
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