Visit Ojai-You won't regret it!
Living in LA can be exhausting and sometimes you just want to get out of the city. Situated 2 hours north of Los Angeles, Ojai is the perfect weekend getaway. It’s extremely relaxing and there’s plenty to do any see (and eat of course ;) ).
STAY
Caravan Outpost-This is where I stayed and loved loved loved it! The location is perfect and the experience is unique! Caravan Outpost has 11 individual airstreams located in the heart of Ojai. As someone who doesn’t typically camp this was the perfect introduction to glamping. They offer free s’mores around the camp fire every night and there are bikes you can use for free to ride into town.
Ojai Valley Inn-While I haven’t personally stayed here, I’ve only heard good things about this inn! Rates start around $400 a night so if you are looking for a more luxurious accommodation this is the place! Even if you don’t stay here you should definitely check it out and use the spa!
DO
Go To Bart’s Books-Named the best outdoor book store.It is the largest independently owned and operated outdoor bookstore in the U.S.A.. For years, Bart’s has offered a wide variety of rare and captivating books.
Visit the Topa Mountain Winery: This winery has indoor and outdoor tasting areas, and since the whole point of your weekend getaway is to relax, enjoy some fine wine with an excellent view!
Taste delicious Olive Oil at the Ojai Olive Co. See (and taste) the benefits of Ojai's unique Mediterranean climate at Ojai Olive Oil Co. The olive grove here was planted back in 1880—in the era of the Missions, when there was a communal olive press in the valley—and has been thriving ever since. The specific varietal produces a robust and peppery oil, which you can taste for yourself (along with flavored oils and vinegars) after a tour of the farm and facilities.
Stay active by walking around the Farmer’s Market- Every Sunday there is a small Farmer’s Market in the middle of the town. Do not miss the opportunity to find local goods and taste some delicious products (my recommendation is to find the hot sauce guy!)
Take a workshop at the Ojai Valley Inn Farmhouse Restaurant- The ambassador of this restaurant is Nancy Silverton the co-owner of Pizzeria and Osteria Mozza in LA. as well as Mozza2Go and Chi Spacca. The restaurant offers courses and dinners ranging from wine and cheese to make your own chocolate. Check out the calendar to see what new and upcoming events they may have! Be sure to book in advance as they fill up at least a month before.
Relax at one of the spas-There is a spa at the Ojai Valley Inn which might be a bit pricey but my boyfriend and I got massages at a local Thai massage house called Bamboo Creek Spa . We got a great deal and were able to do a 2 hour combination of reflexology and a normal massage.
Travel the trails with a sunset horseback ride- The Ojai Valley Trail Riding offers sunset rides for $175 a couple, and you are allowed to bring your own picnic to enjoy after the ride!
EAT and DRINK
The Nest-Go here for brunch, the Nest has an assortment of farm-to-table foods and delicious drinks. The pizza was amazing!
** For a low-carb option order the Steak and Arugula Salad with a side of brusell sprouts, they are delicious!
Ojai Valley Brewery-When we visited Ojai it was football season so we were looking for somewhere to watch the game! Ojai Valley Brewery was the perfect spot to catch the game. No game on? No problem! They also have delicious food and beer flights!
Ojai Rotie-This place has DELICIOUS Lebanese food. Everyone orders the chicken platter and let me say you won’t regret it. The chicken platter is big enough to share between two people. Order half or a whole chicken and it comes with two sides, picked turnips, whipped garlic and grilled Lebanese flatbread
Osteria Monte Grappa-DELICIOUS, Authentic Italian food. As someone who typically tries not to eat all the carbs, saving myself for this restaurant was well worth it. Their menu changes based on the season so even if you visit Ojai more than once you’ll be sure to get something different!
Ojai Tortilla House-Just off the main street, this tiny shop serves a small menu of tacos, burritos, and quesadillas that you can take with you. Get here early becayse they close at 3pm, but they’ll shut down before that if they run out of ingredients. Bring your cash because they are cash only.
Beacon Coffee-One of the best coffee shops in Ojai, if you’re craving a cup of joe this is the place to go!
Tripple + Ramble-This place is on everyone’s Ojai list! Go here for cute Instagram photos and delicious meat and cheese boards. They have a great selection of wine perfect for an afternoon pit stop.