Ojai California: A Modern + Wholesome Guide
Ojai is a charming little town with a slow-paced countryside feel and friendly locals with hearts of gold who make you feel instantly welcomed. Wedged in between beautiful mountains, the fertile land of the Ojai valley floor is perfect for growing acres upon acres of lush orange groves. Ojai is a deep-rooted spiritual place where you can literally feel magic in the air. Come with an open mind and a flexible schedule to fully experience all the amazing wonders that Ojai has to offer.
SHOP
Fig Curated Living
Fig Curated Living is tucked away off the main street in town with a whimsical garden entry that lures you in to a home wares wonderland. Discover decor for the home and garden, featuring local, handmade, and fair trade goods.
Summer Camp
Summer Camp offers a variety of vintage collectibles, home decor items and personal accessories. Every item is carefully selected and made either locally or within the US. The style of this lifestyle store revolves around camping and a love of the great outdoors.
deKor&Co.
deKor&Co. is a modern décor, fashion and beauty store that takes your breath away. Get ready to discover an eclectic selection of vintage and custom-made furniture, home accessories, beauty and wellness brands, fashion, jewelry, art and books.
In The Field
In The Field is a tasteful, bohemian and bold boutique proudly created by husband and wife duo Channon and Bianca Roe who have a deep-rooted passion for fashion, travel and art. Shop for a wide variety of eclectic treasures; from stunning clothing, to unique jewelry and gorgeous home wares.
DRINK
Ojai Coffee Roasting, Co.
Ojai Coffee Roasting, Co. is proudly a family-owned coffee house in the heart of Ojai serving locals and visitors the best cup of Joe around since 1995. Beans are roasted on site to make delightful espresso drinks all day long that people actually line up for during the morning rush.
Majestic Oak Vineyard
Majestic Oak Vineyard has just opened a brand new wine tasting room in the heart of downtown Ojai. Enjoy delicious vino with your friends in a gorgeous urban courtyard with wooden picnic tables, succulent planter boxes and hanging fairy lights.
The Ojai Vineyard
The Ojai Vineyard has the most elegant wine tasting room in town. It is the perfect space to enjoy a flight of some of the most exceptional wines produced in the area: syrah, grenache, mourvedre, pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier. Cheers!
EAT
Hip Vegan
Hip Vegan is my heaven on Earth when it comes to organic meals that are loaded with healthy plant foods and made with LOVE. I instantly became obsessed with the Echo Beach Bowl: peanut coconut rice, spring salad mix, sauteed peppers and onions, grilled tempeh and a bit of spice. For dessert, opt for the affogato made with coconut ice cream.
Farmer & The Cook
Enjoy a super casual yet ultra healthy meal at this organic eatery inspired by Mexican and Italian cuisine. I loved the patio out the front filled with local families enjoying their evening feed. Great energy and a total hot spot in Ojai, a little off the beaten path.
Azu
Azu is great for a Spanish-style dinner with mouth-watering tapas that will certainly satisfy your taste buds but also leave them desiring more. Go for the crispy calamari and the seafood paella. To top it off the service is delightful and the bar tender knows how to make the ultimate cocktails (the Manhattan is a must).
Tipple & Ramble
Great for afternoon drinks and tasty nibbles in their charming courtyard with friends
Farmers Market
In downtown Ojai every Sunday morning – discover local, seasonal, fresh, and organic produce at this food mecca.
Rainbow Bridge: Health Foods Store proudly serving Ojai locals and visitors high quality food
DO
The Porch Gallery Ojai
The Porch Gallery Ojai is located in a beautiful historic building downtown. Porch Gallery represents emerging and established contemporary artists and produces artistic events throughout the Ojai Valley. Join managers Heather and Lisa on Sunday mornings for a cup of coffee on the porch and if your lucky some live piano music by Dave Palmer.
Bart’s Books
Bart’s Books needs to be in every town! Picture the most incredible outdoor bookstore that you could spend all day reading in under an umbrella in the perfectly warm Ojai sunshine. Get lost in a sea of wonderful stories that transport you to another land and time just for a moment. This place is truly magic.
Ecotopia
You MUST check out this sacred place in Ojai. Out in what feels like the middle of nowhere, Ecotopia hot springs lay hidden between the majestic mountains. Schedule your visit in advance online by paying for a “Sampler Pickup” which gives you 2-hour property access to look around the gardens and nursery, enjoy a bath in the detoxifying sulfur-rich hot springs, and pickup a seasonal sample of something from their CSA.
Meditation Mount
Want to enjoy some peace and quiet surrounded by lush gardens and breath-taking views? Head on up to Meditation Mount for some serious Zen! This is a sacred place for re-connecting and reflecting. Hot tip: pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the patio.
Hike Shelf Road
This was my favorite way to start the day whilst staying in town. Simply walk on Gridley Road leading to the entrance of Shelf Road and enjoy an hour hike overlooking the Ojai Valley and its sprawling orange groves. The hike ends at Signal Road, which walks you through a quiet neighborhood all the way back to downtown.
Yoga – there are 2 studios I visited and liked in Ojai. The first was a super small studio with a modern youthful feel called Arrow Heart Yoga and the other was Ojai Yoga Shala which is super quaint and conveniently located in the heart of downtown. *Note: you can schedule a therapeutic deep tissue or relaxing massage with yoga instructor Lauren Harris from Arrow Heart Yoga (she is also happy to do house calls) – email: lauren.harris.lmt@gmail.com
STAY: We stayed at an ultra rustic, slight quirkily yet rather charming Airbnb called "Peaceful Lodgepine Topa Topa Cabin" but I heard that the town is banning Airbnb due to "old school" locals complaining. If this is the case, a backup place to stay is Ojai Rancho Inn.
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