With Fourth of July around the corner, we've got long weekend getaways on the brain—and the beautiful little town of Ojai is top of mind. Only 45 minutes south of Santa Barbara, nestled in a lush, green valley, with bewitching orange blossoms filling the air, Ojai is all about unwinding, good food, and indulging in some good old R&R. Plus, rumor has it that this special corner of the globe has positive cosmic energy, so get ready to align your chakras.
EAT
Knead Baking Company
Kick off your vacation right with a breakfast at this quaint little bakery. The mom-and-daughters team is making some of the most delicious pastries, serving a light breakfast with local ingredients. Try the brioche bun with scrambled eggs and wild arugula. —Ana Kamin // 469 E Ojai Ave. (Ojai), kneadbakingcompany.com
Hip Vegan
After a day of roaming around Ojai, Hip Vegan has everything for those keeping things clean, gastrointestinally speaking. Abundant bowls with plentiful veggies, spring rolls, and sandwiches are best enjoyed with freshly squeezed lemonade on the hidden patio. Tip: The giant salads are sized for two. — A.K. // 928 E Ojai Ave. (Ojai), hipvegancafe.com
Farmer & The Cook
A love story between an actual cook and farmer led to this café-meets-market dream. Mexican-inspired food is served daily, and on the weekends, they transition by firing up the oven for homemade pizzas. Don't miss the huevos rancheros and acai bowl. —A.K. // 339 W El Roblar Dr. (Ojai), farmerandcook.com
Azu
Open for lunch and dinner, Azu is an intimate Mediterranean spot for farm-to-table tapas with an excellent wine menu to match the flavorful bites. One of our favoriteplates is the arugula and dried fig salad and jamon and manchego croquettes. — A.K. // 457 E Ojai Ave. (Ojai), azuojai.com
Boccali's
Italian home-style food (think pizzas and pastas) meets a folksy setting on the east end of Ojai—the ideal antidote to an exhausting day hiking in the Ojai hills. Top things off with strawberry shortcake as good as any we've tried elsewhere. – A.K. // 3277 Ojai Santa Paula Rd. (Ojai), boccalis.com
DRINK
Majestic Oak Vineyard
Majestic Oak Vineyard just opened a brand new tasting room in the heart of downtown Ojai. Head down a flight of stairs at the entrance, and you'll find yourself in a gorgeous urban courtyard with wooden picnic tables, succulent planter boxes, and hanging fairy lights. Inside is a cozy, modern tasting room with exposed brick walls, stacked wine barrels and some sexy red bar stools. The wine is tasty and the ambience perfectly relaxed, so round up your mates and pop on in for a drink or two under the shady trees. — Sarah Hawthorne // 321 E Ojai Ave. (Ojai)
Ojai Coffee Roasting, Co.
Ojai Coffee Roasting, Co. is 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. Don't forget about the delicious food—these guys know how to make exceptional bagels and baked goods that pair perfectly with your hot drink.—S.H. // 337 East Ojai Ave. (Ojai), ojaicoffeeroastingcompany.com
(Couretsy The Ojai Vineyard)
The Ojai Vineyard
The Ojai Vineyard has the most elegant wine tasting room in town. You'll find a broad selection of wines including syrah, grenache, mourvedre, pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier. Cheers! —S.H. // 109 S Montgomery St. (Ojai), ojaivineyard.com
STAY
Ojai Rancho Inn
The duo behind the Shelter Social Club did a superb job in overhauling an old '50's motel into a sweet little spot with a woodsy cabin feel, featuring indigo curtains, artsy details, teepees, and pool that's a magnet for the Instagram generation. —A.K. // 615 Ojai Valley Trail (Ojai), ojairanchoinn.com
Ojai Valley Inn and Spa
More on the high-end side, this place will spoil you from head to toe with spa treatments, blue pools, and a golf course—which is why you'll likely spot your share of celebrities ambling around. — A.K. // 905 Country Club Rd. (Ojai), ojairesort.com
SHOP
(Via Tipple & Ramble)
Tipple & Ramble
Since chain stores are prohibited in Ojai, small, local business like Tripple & Ramble prevail, making the shopping experience all the sweeter. Find unique home goods, entertaining supplies and small batch specialty food items. — A.K. // 315 N Montgomery St. (Ojai), tippleandramble.com
Bart's Books
This vintage-y, outdoor bookstore, with cozy reading nooks, is an Ojai original—a must even if you're not a bookworm. —A.K. // 302 W Matilija St. (Ojai), bartsbooksojai.com
Summer Camp
What once was an old gas station is now Summer Camp—a one-shop-stop for unique flea market finds, artisan gifts and jewelry, lumberjack fashion, and camping supplies. — A.K. // 1020 W Ojai Ave. (Ojai), shopsummercamp.com
(Sarah Hawthorne)
deKor&Co.
Co-owners Isabelle and Rachel make the perfect stylish duo to curate this stunning boutique. Isabelle specializes in interior design and Rachel is an expert when it comes to all things beauty and wellness. Ladies, get ready to discover an eclectic selection of vintage and custom-made furniture, home accessories, beauty and wellness brands, fashion, jewelry, art and books. You won't leave empty handed. —S.H. // 105 S. Montgomery St. (Oja), dekorandco.com
(Courtesy Fig Curated Living)
Fig Curated Living
Fig Curated Living is tucked away off the main street with a whimsical garden entry that lures you into a home wares wonderland. Discover decor for the home and garden, featuring local, handmade, and fair trade goods. If you love potted plants, gorgeous textiles, ceramics, glassware, bags, jewelry, candles, and natural body products, this place will sweep you off your feet! It's the perfect place to buy a little trinket to take home or get a special gift for a loved one. —S.H. // 327 East Ojai Ave. (Ojai), figojai.com
In The Field
In The Field is a one-stop shop for all things tasteful, bohemian and bold. Created by husband-and-wife duo Channon and Bianca Roe, who have a deep-rooted passion for fashion, travel and art, In The Field has something stylish for everyone. Picture spectacular moose antlers mounted in the entrance and a gallery-like interior with Moroccan and Turkish rugs adorning the floor and you'll get an idea of this trendy shop that sells everything from stunning clothing, to unique jewelry and gorgeous home wares.— S.H. // 730 E Ojai Ave. (Ojai), inthefieldojai.com
PLAY
The Porch Gallery Ojai
The Porch Gallery Ojai is located just off the main drag, in a beautiful historic building. Porch Gallery represents emerging and established contemporary artists and hosts artistic events throughout the Ojai Valley. Swing on by to browse some truly unique art or join gallery managers Heather and Lisa on Sunday mornings for a cup of coffee on the porch with some friendly locals (and, if you're lucky, some live piano music by Dave Palmer). — S.H. // 310 E. Matilija St. (Ojai), porchgalleryojai.com
Shelf Road Hike
This is a must when in Ojai: Walk on the Gridley Road leading to the entrance of Shelf Road and enjoy a two-hour hike overlooking the Ojai Valley and its orange groves. The hike ends at Signal Road, which walks you through a quiet neighborhood all the way back to downtown. — A.K. //alltrails.com/trail/us/california/shelf-road
Orange Groves
Ojai is famous for supplying the country with delicious and sweet pixie tangerines. You can buy them on every corner, but a walk on the Gridley Road will show you where the juicy fruit grows. — A.K. // ojaivisitors.com/ojai-ca-attractions
Farmers Market
Lavish, diverse, and organic, the Sunday's farmers market is a feast for the eyes—and taste buds. Colorful stands offer samples of everything from honey to hummus. — A.K. // Open Sundays, 9 a.m.–10 p.m., ojaicertifiedfarmersmarket.com
Meditation Mount
A half hour drive into the mountains from Ojai, Meditation Mount is a refined and special place for meditation, offering classes and retreats. The beautiful gardens are open to everyone who's looking for relaxation and silence. Get ready to get your om on. — A.K. // 10340 Reeves Rd. (Ojai), meditationmount.org
Bike Ride
Rent a bike (check out The Mob Shop or Bicycles of Ojai) and explore this gem of a city on the Ojai Bike path. Just prepare to share the path with horseback riding folks. — A.K.
