Visiting Ojai, California: Things to Do, See & Eat!
Oh, Ojai! This tiny town is one of my favorite places in the world and that’s truly saying something. Because my in-laws are based in Ojai, I’ve been lucky enough to have visited this place dozens upon dozens of times over the years, often spending months on end living here. This is my home away from home, so if you’re planning a trip to this magical California town, I’ve got you covered with my curated list of the very best things to do in Ojai, as well as my picks for the best restaurants, tasting rooms, and places to stay.
Ojai may be small but it sure does pack a punch when it comes to things to do. From witnessing the town’s famed “Pink Moment” at sunset to catching an intimate performance at the Ojai Playhouse and dining at creative farm-to-table restaurants, Ojai is the perfect place for a weekend away. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll never want to leave!
The Best Things to Do in Ojai, California
Sample local wines at the many tasting rooms
Did you know that the hills surrounding Ojai are home to numerous vineyards? If you’re a oenophile, you’ll be pleased to learn that wine tasting is one of the very best things to do in Ojai. My brother-in-law is a winemaker who spent many years manning Downtown Ojai’s The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room, a place that’s near and dear to my heart. I may be partial to that tasting room, but there are tons of other places to sip and swirl during your visit to Ojai, too!
- Ojai Mountain is hidden away in the Ojai mountains. This is California’s highest coastal vineyard and it’s one of the coolest places in Ojai if you’re looking to sip with stunning mountain views.
- Majestic Oak has a tasting room in Downtown Ojai, complete with a lovely ivy-clad patio and indoor tasting room.
- The Naturalist Organic Winery has a tasting room in the Arcade in Downtown Ojai. This is the place to try a few natural and organic local wines.
Pick up a few books at Bart’s Books
Chances are you’ve heard of Bart’s Books before. Located at 302 West Matilija Street, Bart’s is touted as the “world’s largest outdoor bookstore” and it’s been serving the community since 1964. This place is truly unique, and you’ll want to allot a decent amount of time to get lost among the mazelike shelves, which are lined with over 130,000 new and used books. There’s also a very cool collection of first editions and rare books. My husband and I always stop by Bart’s to pick up a few new books every time we’re in town – and you should, too!
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Try Ojai’s famous Pixie tangerines
Take a drive around Ojai, and it won’t take you long to spot citrus grove after citrus grove. If you’re visiting in spring (March to May), you’re in luck because this is Ojai Pixie Tangerine season. These wonderfully sweet, juicy, and seedless tangerines are something special and you’d be remiss if you didn’t pick up a box while you’re in town. You can buy them in Ojai at places like Friend’s Ranches, the Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market, and Westridge Market.
In spring, you’ll also notice that restaurants and businesses around town serve up all sorts of creations and confections made with Ojai Pixie Tangerines. Think desserts, ice cream, cocktails, craft beers, and some seriously creative dishes!
Catch a show at the Ojai Playhouse
Those in the know will make sure to check what’s going on at the Ojai Playhouse ahead of their visit. The 120-year-old playhouse was purchased by music industry executive David Berger in 2020 and he has done an incredible job making this the new “it” place. With all of the celebrity appearances and performances, it’s like having a little piece of LA right in the middle of teeny tiny Ojai.
The Ojai Playhouse attracts incredible talent, making it one of the coolest things to do in Ojai if you’re into film, comedy, or art. During my last visit, I had the chance to see Marc Maron, one of my all-time favorite comedians, there. It was a crazily intimate show. Performances aside, this is a popular place to see movies. Don’t be surprised if your favorite actor or director shows up to give a little bit of commentary ahead of the screenings!
Do an olive oil tasting
Wondering what to do in Ojai that’s super unique? Do an olive oil tasting at Ojai Olive Oil. You’ll find this gorgeous family farm tucked away at 1811 Ladera Rd in East Ojai. This is one of the most popular places in Ojai to do olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings, which cost $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends. You can even bring your dogs with you if you’d like! Of course, you can pick up all sorts of products at the store.
Their olive oils are infused with everything from Pixie tangerines to rosemary, garlic, and lemon. Their balsamic vinegars are my absolute favorite. You simply have to try the Fig Infused Balsamic Vinegar – you’ll thank me later!
You can also do free olive oil and balsamic tastings at Ojai Olive Press at their boutique in Downtown Ojai!
Pick up local goods at a farmers’ market
Going to the farmers’ market is one of my favorite things to do in Ojai. From spicy hot sauces to farm-fresh cheeses and organic honey, I simply can’t resist buying at least one local product whenever I visit. The food at Ojai’s farmers’ markets is amazing, too, so I recommend coming hungry. There are two main farmers’ markets to choose from in Ojai, so hopefully you can visit one during your trip.
- Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market: Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm at 300 E. Matilija Street (right behind the Arcade)
- Ojai Community Farmers’ Market: Thursdays from 3 pm to 7 pm at the Chaparral Courtyard (414 E. Ojai Ave)
Go shopping on East Ojai Avenue
East Ojai Avenue in Downtown Ojai is the place to go if you want to shop local. There are dozens of shops (and restaurants) to choose from but here are a few of my favorites:
- Kariella and The Men’s Den: For a very cool collection of clothes, bathing suits, jewelry, and accessories for men and women.
- OSO vintage and modern: For modern and vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
- Fig Curated Living: For home goods, clothes, baby items, gifts, plants, and quirky finds.
- Treasures of Ojai: For unique vintage gems and gifts.
- Serendipity Toys: For old-school toys and gifts for kids of all ages.
- Sunday’s: For locally made goods and gifts.
Pick your own lavender
I love lavender and I absolutely love that Ojai is home to multiple lavender farms and fields. Not only do they smell delicious when the lavender is in full bloom but the purple-hued landscapes are just so picturesque.
Lavender season typically runs from early June to early July. During this time, it’s possible to pick your own lavender at Frog Creek Farm in Upper Ojai. U-pick bundles of lavender cost $12 per bundle. You can also expect to find tons of lavender products at the farm, including heavenly-smelling soaps, lotions, jams, and more. Visiting Frog Creek Farm during lavender season is easily one of the most fun Ojai activities for the whole family.
Visit Lake Casitas
Lake Casitas is one of the most popular places in Ojai to visit when the weather is nice. The setting is absolutely beautiful and there’s plenty to do here to keep you and your crew busy. Because Lake Casitas is used for drinking water, swimming isn’t allowed. However, you can go kayaking, boating, and fishing on the lake. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent boats, pontoons, and kayaks from Casitas Boat Rentals. They also have bait and tackle for fishing.
If you’re traveling with kids, Lake Casitas is also home to Casitas Water Adventure. Taking the kids to cool off at this waterpark is one of the best things to do in Ojai in the steamy summer months.
Lake hours: 6 am to 7:30 pm
See a show at Libbey Bowl
Wondering what to do in Ojai for a music fix? See what’s going on at Libbey Bowl. I love this venue because it seats less than 1,000 people, meaning there really is no bad seat in the house. Visiting in June? The Ojai Valley Music Festival is held at Libbey Bowl during four days every June!
The Best Restaurants in Ojai
Eating and drinking are two of the very best things to do in Ojai. For such a small town, this city has a seriously impressive restaurant scene, and I especially love the farm-to-table ethos that many restaurants in Ojai abide by. You’re going to have tons of options to choose from, but here are some of my personal favorite restaurants in Ojai.
- Condor Bar: Located in Hotel El Roblar, Condor Bar is one of the most creative restaurants in Ojai. I had the Grilled Summer Squash with Burrata and the White Ayocote Beans with Mushroom Confit, but the 7-oz Hangar Steak and Potato & Poblano Gratin were both big hits in my group.
- Farmer and the Cook: Located in Meiners Oaks, Farmer and the Cook is one of the best restaurants in Ojai for vegetarians. Everything on the menu is plant-based, with ingredients sourced from their 16-acre farm. The menu focuses on seasonal, Mexican-inspired dishes. Think Swiss Chard Enchiladas, Mushroom “Al Pastor” Tacos, and a seriously good Tofu Scramble Breakfast Burrito.
- Papa Lennon’s: Also located in Meiners Oaks, Papa Lennon’s is always one of my favorite Ojai restaurants to dine at whenever I’m in town. Their Brick-Fired Pizzas are so good, as are the Grilled Panini Sandwiches. If the weather is nice, be sure to ask for a table in the dreamy courtyard.
- The Ojai Beverage Company: As a craft beer lover, I absolutely love The Ojai Beverage Company. Beer and spirits aside, the menu features a long list of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The sides are nothing to scoff at, either. The Fiery Choke with Ghost Pepper Aioli and the Fried Pickles with Peach Horseradish Aioli are to die for!
- Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta: Boccali’s is an institution in Ojai and it’s always a fun place to enjoy pizza and pasta with my family whenever I’m in town.
- Highly Likely Ojai: Highly Likely Ojai is another one of the best restaurants in Ojai if you’re in the mood for something different. If you’re here for breakfast, do yourself a favor and order the Green Chilaquiles. The lunch menu has all sorts of tempting options, too, including the vegan Crispy Hippie Wrap, the meaty Steak Frites au Poivre, and the cheesy Levantine sandwich with halloumi and harissa mayo.
- The Nest: This is one of the most trendy Ojai restaurants. I love the unique menu here, which has everything from Shishito Peppers (always a good idea!) and Brisket Tacos to a Vegan Caesar, Cauliflower Tacos, Fried Chicken Sammy, Elote Fries, and Sweet Heat Hawaiian Pizza. The handcrafted cocktails are ridiculously good, too!
- Deer Lodge: This is a local favorite for dinner and cocktails in a rustic setting. Visit during the weekend, and there will likely be live music and delectable BBQ dishes to choose from!
Where to Stay in Ojai
Ojai’s hotels are seriously cool, making them an attraction in their own right. You’ll want to choose your hotel very carefully because where you stay is all part of the Ojai experience! In case you want my opinion, here are my top picks!
- Ojai Valley Inn: I adore the Ojai Valley Inn. With so many incredible amenities, this is your best bet if you’re in town for a special occasion or a romantic getaway. From the gorgeous rooms and beautiful grounds to the world-class spa, golf course, and restaurants, you’ll never want to leave this resort.
- Caravan Outpost: If you want endless photos for your Instagram feed, look no further than the Caravan Outpost. This is the most unique place to stay in Ojai because you’ll be staying in an adorable Airstream trailer. The trailers are outfitted with everything you need, including kitchens, bathrooms, and rain showers, and the grounds are absolutely amazing.
- The Capri Hotel: The Capri is iconic. This place dates back to the 1960s, but it was given a retro-chic makeover in recent years, and the result is so cool! The rooms here are super stylish and stocked with a curated selection of snacks. Plus, there’s a lovely pool area and plenty of Instagrammable places to chill on the property.
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