I’ve always been a fan of Ojai and now that I'm living in Los Angeles it’s top of my short road trip getaway destination list. It’s an easy 1.5-hour drive from LA without traffic and it’s simply an easy place to be: a slow paced small town that’s equal parts bohemian, new age-y and country. The places on my Ojai “Cheat Sheet” can be easily worked into a 2-3 day itinerary. I definitely recommend a two night minimum stay to truly get into the Ojai groove and fully benefit from the peaceful, relaxed state it offers. But one day in Ojai is definitely better than none!
STAY at the Ojai Rancho Inn. Part of the Shelter Social Club collection of thoughtfully revamped and hipped up roadside motels, their properties offer affordably priced accommodations with a hand-crafted, boutique sensibility. For around $100/night midweek, the Rancho offers super comfortable beds, complimentary bikes, a charming tiny bar frequented by locals and a communal pool area complete with lawn games, a teepee and sauna. Each room has an inviting front porch outfitted with leather camp-style chairs. When you stay here, you instantly feel like part of the community. The location is key, too. It’s a leisurely walk or bike ride into town.
SPA at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa (another option for lodging if you have more cash to burn and want a full service resort hotel). If you visit midweek, you can book spa treatments or buy a day pass a non-guest. Fair warning: on weekends spa bookings are exclusively for Resort guests though you can test your luck and try calling day of. The Topa Topa package offers the best value, with a choice of two 50-minute treatments at a slightly discounted rate. It’s worth the splurge if you can make a day of it and take the time to enjoy the amenities: sauna, steam room, Jacuzzis, relaxation lounges, spa pool and café. An alternative spa option is the Oaks at Ojai, which isn’t as posh but offers a nice menu of treatments at an affordable price point and they take weekend bookings.
Ojai’s WELLNESS offerings aren’t limited to spas. Start your day with the morning meditation at Meditation Mount, a private property open to the public from 8am until sunset and offering guided meditations, yoga classes and peaceful wanderings on the scenic grounds. Another great spot for yoga is Arrow Heart Yoga in nearby Meiner’s Oaks, an easy bike ride from the Rancho. Continuing on the spiritual path, book an intuitive reading with Kate Hawkins who can be found at Nutmeg’s Ojai House.
Ojai’s FOOD scene is just as nourishing as its soul soothing properties. I could have breakfast at Knead Baking Company every day of the week. For something heartier to start the day, Farmer and The Cook’s satisfying weekend breakfast menu skews Mexican. Azu is a delicious option for Californian-Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner daily (and weekend brunch). Osteria Monte Grappa (OMG!) serves up solid Italian fare for dinner. Deer Lodge is a fun, rustic spot for dinner and a best bet for a livelier night out thanks to their regular line-up of live music.
When it comes to SHOPPING, Ojai does lifestyle boutiques very well. Galleries and shops line the main drag in town and a few side streets so it’s easy to meander around on foot. My must-shop Ojai stops include In the Field, Shop Summer Camp, Fig and deKor & Co.
