Seek • January 9, 2025
by Karen
Say Hi to Ojai, CA
Consider Ojai (pronounced Oh-Hi;) for a relaxing, nature-filled getaway this year
Ojai Valley is a really special place, filled with orchards, a lively downtown and surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains. I have been lucky to visit there twice and would gladly go back again. The area is known for its artistic community, spiritual energy and natural beauty.
Ojai has mild weather year-round with lots of sunshine: summers are warm, but not oppressively hot and winters are mild, with temperatures in the 60s during the day and chilly nights that can dip into the 30s. It’s a great place to pack your fleece, take some beautiful hikes, hit a farmer’s market and listen to some live music.
O’So Pro TIp: Ojai is very close to Santa Barbara, Ventura and Malibu, so you may want to loop in a visit to those destinations if you have more than a weekend. You can plan accordingly by flying into SBA or LAX.
Where to Stay:
Ojai Valley Inn: A very nice resort with a spa,several dining options, an apiary, artist studio, biking, golfing, tennis, and hiking. My family stayed there for a few nights and we really enjoyed it.
The Capri Hotel: A hip renovated retro-style hotel that captures the natural, laid back vibe of Ojai.
Caravan Outpost: For the ultimate glamping experience; decked out airstreams and a super cool general store right in town.
Rentals - There are rentals scattered throughout the valley that offer a more home-like feel, which is perfect for being able to cook up all the amazing finds from the farmer’s market.
Where to Play:
Meditation Mount before sunset to see “the pink moment”
Go hungry to the best farmer’s market
Bart’s Books - the world’s largest outdoor bookstore.
Ojai Olive Oil Company
Honey Tasting at Heavenly Honey
Downtown Village - filled with cute shops, hip art galleries, and so many good restaurants
Hike Los Padres National Forest
Wine Tasting at The Ojai Vineyard
Live Music at The Deer Lodge
Spiritual Retreat
Where to Eat & Drink:
The Ojai Valley Inn
Farmers Market
Ojai Rotie
Tipple and Ramble
Ranch House
The Duchess
Topa Topa
Farmer & The Cook
Where to Shop:
You will hit a lot just by strolling through town, but here are a few of my favorites.
Kariella
Blue Ojai
Fig and Bungalow
Summer Camp