Of course, there’s the classic PCH roadtrip. But if you take a detour, you might get lost in one of the most charming valleys in California. Rumor has it that Ojai is an energy vortex, and others will say that it’s because of its rare East-West orientation: but everyone agrees that it’s a heavenly place to come for a day—or stay for a lifetime.
Ojai
17 Places
Of course, there’s the classic PCH roadtrip. But if you take a detour, you might get lost in one of the most charming valleys in California. Rumor has it that Ojai is an energy vortex, and others will say that it’s because of its rare East-West orientation: but everyone agrees that it’s a heavenly place to come for a day—or stay for a lifetime.
Hip Vegan
Vegan restaurant
It’s hip, it’s vegan, and you can eat on a charming picnic table in their backyard. Order the spring rolls and the Indian bowl, but skip the dry cookies for dessert. Probably the most Ojai spot in Ojai, right by the Farmers Market.
Farmer and the Cook
Organic restaurant
Another good vegetarian option in Ojai, especially for the pupusas and raw tacos. They also have a small market, which is useful if you haven’t been able to visit Rainbow bridge food store.
Ojai Rotie
Restaurant
Head there for a break from vegan food, and get the Lebanese rotisserie chicken platters with sides of tabbouleh, roasted fingerling potatoes, etc.
Rory's Place
Restaurant
Helmed by a former Gjusta chef, this natural wine, raw bar and live fire cooking restaurant is rumored to be the hottest spot in town.
Ojai Rancho Inn
Hotel
This hipster hotel with claw baths also hides an extremely cute bar in the back.
Ojai Deer Lodge
Bar & grill
An over-the-top cheesy American bar up the hill in Meiners Oaks, with live music most nights.
Beacon Coffee Company
Permanently closed
A locals’ favorite for coffee and fresh pastries at the counter, the kind of place you’d like to visit every morning.
Tipple and Ramble
Permanently closed
It feels like Bacchanal in New Orleans, or simply a good friend’s backyard: grab a bottle and cheese plate at the small bar, and make your way to one of the patio tables.
Meditation Mount
Meditation center
Closed for two years after the fires, this is a spiritual hilltop and garden, perfect to meditate or simply enjoy the scenery.
Bart's Books
Book store
A house turned into an open-air bookstore with books old and new, where you’ll find cookbooks in the kitchen and kids’ books in the backyard.
Meher Mount
Retreat center
Just outside of Ojai, another hilltop with breathtaking views all over Santa Barbara, but dedicated to an Indian guru.
Ojai Certified Farmers Market
Farmers' market
Every Sunday, take a stroll in the aisles of the Ojai Farmers Market, to find produce and a few hippy-dippy products.
Ojai Olive Oil
Olive oil manufacturer
A small olive farm with trees from France, Italy and Spain, where you can learn about the entire process, as well as sample various olive oils and vinegars.
Friend's Ranches Inc
Produce market
A citrus farm to visit, enjoy, or to bring lemons and oranges back to Los Angeles.
