Welcome to Ojai, one of the country’s most dynamic and charming wellness destinations. With its unique blend of eclectic shops, unlimited yoga classes, myriad wellness offerings and a vibrant food scene with something for just about everyone, this little weekend destination just 90-minutes north of Los Angeles hits the mark every time.

And while wellness is typically top of mind when visiting the Ojai Valley, visitors seeking a bit more balance will find a range of places to eat, drink and be merry. Allow our editors to recommend the crème de la crème of what Ojai has to offer, so you can get the most out of your stay at this entrancing town at the base of the Topatopa Mountains. And then prepare to fall in love with Ojai. We sure did.

LODGING
Ojai Valley Inn: The iconic Ojai Valley Inn, nestled on 220 oak-studded acres, offers a truly luxurious getaway experience for guests. With every detail carefully attended to in its deluxe rooms and suites, it’s easy to see why the Ojai Valley Inn repeatedly makes Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 100 Hotels in the World, and is chosen by Travel + Leisure readers as one of the Best Hotels in the World. When treating yourself is your top priority, no other place will do.

Ojai Rancho Inn: Touted as summer camp for adults, guests of Ojai Rancho Inn are treated like family at this casual, mid-century ranch-style hotel. With just 17 guest rooms available, this property is perfect for events and quick getaways alike. The hotel is a short 15-minute walk into town, giving guests a true taste of what it’s like to live in Ojai.

Capri Hotel: Newly renovated in 2020, the Capri Hotel is the sister property to Ojai Rancho Inn and offers a beautiful, mid-century wedding venue or the perfect backdrop for a personal retreat. Every detail of this modern roadside retreat is meant to celebrate beauty, setting the stage for a tranquil, inspiring visit to the region.

Ojai Retreat & Inn: Its five-acre hilltop location with stunning panoramic views makes Ojai Retreat & Inn a haven of natural beauty and tranquility. The property is ideal for individual and couple getaways, as well as a perfect spot to host weddings, conferences and other small groups. The property offers three outdoor event venues, a walking trail and 12 well-appointed guest rooms in both the cottages and main house.

Emerald Iguana Inn: This self-proclaimed bohemian boutique inn gives quintessential Ojai vibes with a colorful array of spacious guest rooms, local art, and private patios and garden surrounding a sanctuary pool and whirlpool spa. The Emerald Iguana boasts a prime downtown Ojai location.

Caravan Outpost: Ten comfortable and classic airstreams nestled into a garden oasis in downtown Ojai make for a truly unique accommodation experience. Each caravan comes with its own well-appointed bathroom and shower, private sitting area and hammock.

EAT
Farmer and the Cook: This charming little spot is Ojai at its finest, offering thoughtfully prepared Mexican-inspired vegetarian cuisine alongside a sweet little market. Where else can you enjoy a matcha lavender latte, purchase locally baked bread, catch some live music on the patio and dream about becoming a member of its coveted CSA program? If you’re looking for a taste of local Ojai living, this is where to find it.

Hip Vgn: A bright, open space and equally beautiful bowls, salads and sandwiches make this plant-based café a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Don’t forget to grab a house-baked cookie or blondie on your way out.

Beacon Coffee: Ojai isn’t short on great coffee shops, but this is by far our favorite. The interior is inviting and airy, the treats are top notch and the vibe is just right. Make sure to take a bag of its Divina Providencia beans home to your dog-sitter.

The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn: For a truly unique and next-level dining experience, check the calendar of events at The Farmhouse. From Mother’s Day Brunch to book signings, BBQ festivals to wine seminars, the one-of-a-kind experiences offered in this world-class open-demo exhibition kitchen is sure to inspire food lovers of all stripes.

Revel Kombucha Bar: You know you’ve arrived in Ojai when you find yourself sipping kombucha at Revel. With a rotating list of flavors on tap, made with locally sourced fruit and herbs, and a slew of tasty acai bowls on offer, Revel makes a healthy start to the day easy. Revel’s honey-based “jun” style is a bit milder in flavor than traditionally brewed kombucha, yet offers all its health benefits. Introduce yourself to a glass of the Jolly Merman with spicy ginger and antioxidant-rich spirulina to jump-start your day.

Rainbow Bridge Market: If you’re a fan of independently owned natural food stores, you’re in for a treat. Rainbow Bridge Market is a bright, clean, exceptionally well-stocked grocer with a beautiful produce section and impressive wine department that also serves up killer grab-and-go items for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Enjoy your hot or cold meal at a café table or take it to go and head out for a hike. If you forgot to pack an essential item, Rainbow Bridge’s body care department has you covered.

Sage Café: Part of the Rainbow Bridge family, this beloved café serves well-sourced, fresh-from-the-farm flavors at breakfast, lunch and dinner and a casual atmosphere that feels like a special treat every time. Its menu is thoughtfully designed to appeal to a broad range of tastes — and we love the grass-fed beef brisket hash just as much as we love the wild mushroom eggs Benedict.

The Oak: One of our favorite things about Ojai is how common it is to find restaurants with indoor-outdoor dining and nowhere beats the views from a table at The Oak at Ojai Valley Inn. Upscale yet accessible breakfast, lunch and dinner menus feature locally sourced products, including many sourced directly from the resort’s gardens. Family-friendly yet sophisticated vibe, reservations recommended.

IMBIBE
Ojai Beverage Company: When your party can’t decide what they want to drink, head to Ojai Beverage Company, where all possible bases are covered. OBC boasts a robust rotating selection of beers on tap, an accessible yet impressive list of wines by the glass and a colorful and creative cocktail menu. 

Tipple & Ramble: This spot to sip and shop is the stuff Ojai dreams are made of. It’s well stocked with patio décor, picnic accessories and top-rate cheeseboard accoutrements, and even better stocked with beers and wines by the glass to be enjoyed on the adjacent bohemian patio. Keep an eye on its calendar, as Tipple & Ramble often hosts incredible pop-up food events with visiting chefs.

Ojai Deer Lodge: Ojai Deer Lodge is the place to moderate your moderation with a wide selection of craft beers and spirits from up and down the West Coast. The Deer Lodge has a dog-friendly patio, game room with pool table and a lounge area. Catch live music on the weekends standing shoulder to shoulder with locals and visitors in the oldest restaurant in town, where time truly seems to stand still.

Topa Mountain Winery: Explore the reds and whites of Topa Mountain Winery by making a reservation at its downtown tasting room. Choose to drink by the glass, bottle or tasting flight at a table on the beautiful outdoor backyard patio.

DO
Meditation Mount: If you’re looking for a bit of serenity, sign up for a visit to Meditation Mount, Ojai’s iconic mediation center. Individual preregistered visits get you a two-hour self-guided mediation session on the beautiful grounds for only $10 per person.

Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts: Open to the public and centered on the life and work of contemporary artist, writer and craftsperson Beatrice Wood, the Center houses a permanent collection and also hosts visiting artists and exhibitions. The guided tour will give you a greater appreciation for Beatrice’s influence, as well as a deeper understanding of the history of the region.

Ojai Valley Inn Events: With gatherings from Crystal Healing to a Beekeeping & Honey Tasting, tennis clinics, family craft hour, fitness classes and jewelry making on the events calendar, there’s something for everyone on the Ojai Valley Inn’s events calendar. Make sure to sign up in advance for experiences, as space may be limited for certain gatherings.

Ojai Farmers' Market: Open Sundays, rain or shine, the Ojai Farmers’ Market has served its community for over 18 years by offering an abundant array of locally farmed produce, flowers and gourmet food. Don’t miss it.

Hike Shelf Road: This “starter” hike is easy to moderate, but the views are breathtaking. It’s dog friendly, with stunning views around every bend in the trail, plus it only takes about an hour to complete the 3.5-mile return trip. If you time it just right, you’ll catch Ojai’s famous “Pink Moment” right as the sun sets.

MOVE
Light and Space Yoga: This light-filled yoga studio offers a range of yoga classes, meditation sessions, musical events, workshops, retreats and other healing experiences. A visit to the beautiful rear garden offers a place to breathe deeply and find peace among a welcoming team of teachers, spiritual practitioners and musicians alike.

Sacred Space Yoga: This old-school yoga studio offers a full range of yoga styles from restorative to Hatha, all incorporating props and focusing on proper alignment to lengthen and strengthen the body and soothe the spirit. If you can get a spot in one of Ingrid’s classes, you’ll find yourself twisting and folding in ways you didn’t know were possible, which somehow leaves you feeling 10 years younger after class is over.

Ojai Pilates and Fitness: This welcoming Pilates studio offers group Reformer classes to new and returning students. The instructors are friendly and knowledgeable, incorporating cutting-edge exercise theory into every class.

REFRESH
Spa Ojai: When only the most luxurious spa day will do, head to Spa Ojai for a full or half day of restoration and therapeutic treatments. Add a fitness class, dip in the pool and lunch at the Spa Café, and you’ve got yourself a retreat that will reset your body, mind and spirit.

Erin Yee Healing Arts: A session with Erin Yee is typically a combination of acupuncture, acupressure, subtle energy work, cupping, essential oils, smudging, intuitive guidance and sound. Yee’s highly attuned ability to create space for physical, energetic, emotional and spiritual clearing and healing is the stuff of miracles. To further the effects of her sessions, book a Scent Creation consultation where Erin will work with your unique energy to create a bespoke scented oil just for you.

Ojai + Fox: With an impressive lineup of services including signature massages and medi-spa custom facials, lash extensions, spray tanning and sugaring, Ojai + Fox is the place for the ultimate rejuvenation treatment. Now offering Halo “Dry Salt” Therapy, Dry Float and Cryotherapy for the full body.

SHOP
Nutmeg’s Ojai House: Take the extra time to walk two blocks north of Ojai Avenue and enter the world of Nutmeg’s Ojai House, a mystical emporium of crystals, spiritual tools, pink salt lamps, unique gifts and more. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the chance to book a reading with one of Ojai House’s spiritual guides. After all, when in Ojai …

Summer Camp: Lifestyle and custom framing shop, Summer Camp, offers a creative mix of vintage collectibles, home décor items and personal accessories. With the recent addition of Plant Based, the shop is now rounded out by a charming selection of plants, cacti, pots and plant accessories.

Bart’s Books: Iconic — and outdoor! — Bart’s Books is a must-visit when in Ojai. With a combination of both new and used books for sale, an eclectic layout that twists and turns, and a staff comprised entirely of book-lovers poised to help you find your next great read, you’ll want to block out dedicated time to explore this rare gem of a bookstore.

FiG Curated Living: Easily one of the best home and garden stores we’ve ever visited, FiG Curated Living offers an incredible and thoughtful selection of gifts, home goods and patio décor. Don’t rush this one, the focus is on local, handmade and fair trade goods and the curation is beyond impressive.

In the Field: Tasteful, bohemian and bold, In the Field is a clothing and housewares emporium celebrating all things beautiful and well crafted. Sought after brands Isabel Marant, Imogene + Willie and Filson set the tone for fashion, while Turkish rugs, coffee table books and fine jewelry round out the home goods selection at this lifestyle mercantile.