We just got back from a super fantastic trip to Ojai, California last weekend to celebrate our friends getting married. I have been dying to get out to Ojai Valley since we moved to LA in 2013 and just never ended up making the trip – until now!
This wedding was the perfect excuse we needed. So we booked BINGO a sitter via Rover and took Friday off to fully soak up a weekend in the sun. I’ve been eyeing the Ojai Valley Inn forever and since it was super close to the wedding we were attending – I decided to just go for it.
Here’s what we got up to during our weekend away and what I definitely suggest for your next trip to Ojai!
GETTING THERE
Ojai is only about a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles – sort of northeast from Ventura, California. We drove from our home in Santa Monica and left early around 11 AM to wait out the morning rush hour traffic and to beat the afternoon drive. We got there in no time!
WHERE TO STAY
So we splurged on a weekend visit to The Ojai Valley Inn and it was SO worth it. It’s a little pricey and there was a two-night minimum on the weekend we went, but prices are a lot more reasonable if you go mid-week or in the off-season.
I just wanted a beautiful place where we could relax, lie around poolside, have a picnic and be close to downtown. The Ojai Valley Inn was the perfect place to recharge our batteries, the service is impeccable and it was just so lovely to explore the grounds.
The wedding we attended was held at The Ojai Rancho Inn and if you’re looking for something more affordable with a hip update on a retro spot, this is also a great place!
GO ON A BIKE RIDE + PICNIC
One of my favourite parts of our stay at The Ojai Valley Inn was being able to borrow a complimentary Linus bike, fill a picnic basket at Libbey’s Market with sandwiches, chips, and fresh-baked cookies and bike into town to find a sweet little picnic spot. They really make it so easy for you, that’s it’s hard not to just jump right in and explore.
The bike ride into town was pretty smooth and flat and only took us maybe 15 minutes or so. From there we could lock up our bikes and explore the cute little town of Ojai on foot.
However if you’re looking for a longer ride or plan on bringing up your bikes, The Ojai valley Trail is a great paved trail for all ages.
THINGS TO DO
Ojai Farmers Market – If you happen to be checking out on a Sunday, I definitely recommend heading over to the local certified farmers market to grab some local produce for the week. Make sure to pick-up some locally-grown Ojai Pixie tangerines, dried lavender, local avocadoes!
Libbey Park – Traveling with kids? Libbey Park has an incredible playground and lots of grass for your little ones to run around. We biked here for our picnic and set-up shop at one of the many shaded picnic benches in the park.
Mud Therapy – Spa Ojai inside The Ojai Valley Inn offers a DIY Kuyam mud treatment for $85 per person. Here, you self-apply infused desert clay and detoxify and let the mud dry inside a communal sauna before a refreshing rinse. I didn’t have time to try this out this time around, but I have to do it on my next trip.
Ojai Olive Oil Company – Visit a local olive oil farm and enjoy an olive oil tasting. Tours are offered three days a week and it’s free to visit.
Kombucha Tasting – We stopped in at Revel Kombucha Bar for a tasting of their locally-made Jun kombucha which is made with green tea. Flavours change seasonally but everything we tasted was delicious!
The Nest – We ate dinner on the Friday night at The Nest, a quick serve spot with gourmet eats in Downtown Ojai. I highly recommend the Cauliflower Tacos, and Paul loved his Beef Brisket Sandwich. Prices are totally reasonable from $9-15 for a main course with local beers and craft cocktails on tap.
SHOPS I LOVE
Corporate chains are banned in Ojai, so you’ll have an amazing selection of mom and pop stores to shop and eat at. It’s refreshing and I love supporting all these great local businesses.
Rainbow Bridge Ojai – Across the street from the market is the Rainbow Bridge marketplace with a deli, pet store, natural grocery store, and gift shop. We found some really great crystals and a place to grab lunch.
Summer Camp – I had a fun time exploring all the candles, pottery, Ojai swag, and knick knacks inside this lifestyle store.
Fig Curated Living – Another great place to shop for souvenirs or things for the home. I found some super soft throw blankets, candles, and locally-made gifts.
The devastating Thomas Fire occurred in December 2017 right around Ojai. However the town is open and it’s business at usual and there’s not a better time to go and visit to support this lovely place.
If you’re thinking of making a weekend trip out of LA, I definitely suggest looking into Ojai. I know I will definitely be back soon for another visit and to add to this travel guide!
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