We drove through Ojai, California on our way to Palm Springs and quickly found out that Ojai simply isn’t a “drive through” kind of town. Rather, it’s more of a “settle in and stay a while” kind of town. Small artisan shops, steep grove-lined mountain vistas, and a taco bar that rivals any in L.A. proper are all legitimate reasons to pay this Ohana-like town a visit. Come for the attractions, and stay for the steady hum of spiritual grounding.
Ojai is a tight-knit community settled alongside the Los Padres National Forest. It’s about an hour east of Santa Barbara and less than two hours northwest of Los Angeles. The Ojai Valley sits in a mediterranean climate which encourages its infamous citrus agriculture. The dominating crop is the Ojai Pixie Tangerine—smaller and sweeter than your average orange. And in a spectacular show of harmony, at sunset, the skies of Ojai turn incredible shades of pink and orange. Locals call this “The Pink Moment.”
Drive up the climbing hills of Ojai and you’ll find several little roadside stands with just-picked oranges and freshly-squeezed juice. This one in particular—belonging to Friend’s Ranch—has a lot of character. With a garage-like space opening up to the arid breeze and the inside lined with local maps and rustic oil paintings…it’s one of the most eye-catching farm stands I’ve ever seen.
Note to self: creamy white, minty green, tangerine orange, and warm woodsy grays make a really great color palette.
This hilly area of California has a rich Chumash history. The native people of the Chumash tribe had named this valley ‘awhaý—Ojai—which translates to “moon.” Meaning, Ojai Valley is the Moon Valley.
A lot about Ojai’s heritage and nature converge together in a beautiful manifestation of metaphor. Moon-like fruit. Tangerine sunsets. You get the sense that Ojai knows what it is and is grounded in authenticity.
Pick, Smell, Taste
Ojai Olive Oil - a 200-year olive grove in Ojai Valley
Heavenly Honey - a honey tasting room in the middle of town
Frog Creek Farm - a lavender farm in Ojai Valley
Shop Local
Blue Ojai - a boutique shop, eclectically curated with bohemian fashion and home decor
Ojai Roots - a local farm shop with a European air, stocked with produce and other provisions including local wine
Bart’s Books - the world’s largest outdoor bookstore
Stay
Ojai Valley Inn - a place with roots going back to 1923 to an Ohio glass tycoon who built a private golf course and country club, turned Hollywood set, turned spa-inspired inn.
Rancho Grande - a mountain guest resort and animal sanctuary. Llamas, sheep, piggies, a camel…
Hotel El Roblar - a gorgeous Spanish mission-style property with an elite history — Ojai’s oldest hotel — with a stunning backdrop, the Topa Topa mountains.
Chow
Ojai Tortilla House - one of the best tacos I’ve had in California. Three words: warm homemade tortillas.
Ojai Rotie - known for their rotisserie chicken, handmade sourdough bread, and local wine selection. Chef kiss!
Rory’s Place - a trendy, chic spot for local oysters and other seafood dishes with a passion for sustainability.
