Location: Ojai
Top Things to do in Ojai
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Ojai, California (CA)
Nestled in a picturesque valley just 75 miles north of Los Angeles, Ojai is brimming with small town charm and creativity. Get lost in locally owned boutiques with hand-crafted wares, galleries, and distinctive cafes. Explore the outdoors with opportunities to horseback ride, mountain bike, rock climb, hike, golf or play tennis. Surrounded by scenic hills and aromatic orchards, Ojai is the perfect place for a rejuvenating retreat.
Restaurants in Ojai
1. Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 97 reviews
Admission is $5. Guided tours are $10. Led by Kevin Wallace, Director of the Center, the guided tour includes the Permanent Collection, Current Exhibitions, and Beatrice Wood’s Studio. Wallace shares insight into Beatrice Wood’s involvement in the New York Dada Movement, the Theosophical Society, the creation of the Happy Valley Foundation, and Beatrice Wood’s unique approach to art and life. The Center is located ten minutes from downtown Ojai. Who was Beatrice Wood? Beatrice Wood was an important contemporary artist, craftsperson and writer. Her life ran the course of the 20th century and included many of the figures that shaped it. Ultimately, her genius was in the marriage of wide-ranging influences in her work. The spirit of Dadaism, impact of Modernism, embrace of Eastern philosophy, influence of folk art and even the ornament of ethnic jewelry were all combined in her ceramics.
Reviewed By julesrichman - Ojai, United States
Beatrice Wood was a unique woman & her Center in Upper Ojai is worth seeing. It’s a fabulous large ranch like property, obviously she had money! You will able to see her famous high gloss ceramics & read a bit about her life —if you are unfamiliar with the “Mother of Dada.”
2. Bart's Books
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By melstrong79 - Long Beach, United States
Tons of used books everywhere, wide variety, and good prices. It’s a book lovers paradise! Also cute little spots to curl up with good book and hang out for a while if you have the time.
3. Pratt Trail Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Citrus and avocado groves give way to beautiful mountain scenery.
Reviewed By Ramelle - Stockbridge, United States
Well marked, well traveled, not well known by the concierge at our hotel - I found this trail to be a delightful trek. I could find where I was easily, yet had expansive views of the valley, the foothills in the midst of this desert mountainous environment. The trail can connect to many others so plan your time accordingly. Find a map - not obvious where they are. I only made a part of this “loop” in 60 minutes, but that is all it will take for some.
4. Meditation Mount
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
The mission of Meditation Mount, a nonprofit organization, is to promote the building of an enlightened and compassionate world through the power of creative meditation, inspirational educational programs, and community-based events focused on the practical application of universal spiritual principles. We have an International Garden of Peace, Meditation Room, Reading Room and gift shop to explore. Please observe the quiet of this sacred space. Meditation Mount is supported entirely by visitor donations. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are strictly prohibited on our grounds and food must only be consumed on the terrace tables. Please observe silence throughout the garden, the viewpoint and the Meditation Room. The entire Mount property is CLOSED to the public during our recovery from the Thomas Fire. The office is open Wednesday 12:00pm-1:00pm for phone inquiries.
Reviewed By joeymooreyogi
Delicious gardens with views to die for! Plenty of quiet places to meditate and commune with nature. Down the street from Krishnamurti Foundation and Pepper Tree Retreat!
5. Ojai Valley Museum of History and Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
The Ojai Valley Museum highlights the history, art and culture of the valley through museum exhibitions, programs and events. Housed in a National Register Building (originally the St. Thomas Acquinas Church) the museum includes semi-permanent history exhibits, a Sespe Wilderness diorama, highlights from the permanent art collection, and a Chumash Interpretive Garden. Four major original exhibitions are mounted each year, alternating between history and art subjects. A museum gift shop featuring books, gift items as well as locally produced cards and postcards. A tourist information office is included on the SE corner of the building. It is staffed 7 days a week with brochures, maps and magazines to help you make the most of your trip to Ojai. Regular events include 10:30am Saturday historic walking tours of downtown(no tours in August, September or on Ojai Day) for only $7 which includes museum admission and Town Talks on a wide variety of subjects (typically 3rd Sundays at 4:30-6pm) for $5. Check website for most up to date schedule of Town Talks.
6. Rose Valley Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingMerm - Monrovia, United States
This trail has officially taken the #1 spot on my list of faves - seriously my all time fave trail of all I’ve ever done so far! Even though it’s a very short trail - the scenery is just pure beauty on a whole other level! This trail is in the Los Padres National Forest near Ojai. The trailhead is inside the Rose Valley Campground. It’s pretty short and doesn’t have much incline - we did 1.5 miles total with only 220 feet of elevation gain. The trail is mostly soft dirt and is well maintained and obvious - but there are some rocky areas and you’ll have to cross a couple of little streams - but it’s totally easy and doable. The area is still recovering from the massive Thomas Fire a few years ago - the vegetation and skeletons of burned trees made for an eerily beautiful hike! It was almost alien looking - red, pink, and yellow spindly bushes covering the ground, surrounding the twisted, charred remains of tall tree trunks, all amongst healthy green new growth that seems to be flourishing! Then there’s the waterfall - well actually there are two really gorgeous falls along this part of the trail! There’s one smaller one along the path, maybe about 2/3rds of the way in - it’s shorter but big enough to be worth clamoring down the steep path and grabbing some pics! It’s got a little tiering going on and empties into a large pool, so it looks really cool! The main falls are like something out of a Victorian gothic garden of sorts! Absolutely breathtaking- my fave waterfall EVER!! It’s about 100 feet tall, the rock is all covered in vibrant green moss, and there are all these fern-fringed little caverns and holes - just amazing! The waterfall isn’t a huge flow, but more like a wispy thin stream gliding down the moss with lots of outlets dripping out of the ferns all around. Rock scrambling is required to get up close and for any decent pics - but it’s very manageable- be aware you’ll get a little wet, mostly on your shoes but not too bad. We didn’t need any poles but definitely recommend good hiking shoes. Apparently there’s a third, even taller part - the “upper falls” that is around 200 feet tall - I didn’t know until afterwards. But the route up is very strenuous, unmarked, unmaintained, and supposedly dangerous with a history of people falling and even a tragic death from a fall back in 2015! Shame - the pics of it look even more incredible, if that’s possible lol! On the way out of the parking area, we noticed a lovely little lake that had tons of birds and waterfowl!! We stopped and walked around and grabbed some pics of course - just gorgeous!! The road around it is in pretty bad shape - but the walk around it was only 1/2 mile so it’s small. The road into the forest and to the trail is well maintained- but you do go quite a bit far into the National Forest and there’s no cell signal so be prepared. We parked outside of the gate to the campgrounds along the side of the road (free) - online it says you can pay $10 for day-use parking inside the campground. But there’s a huge puddle you’ll have to drive over and we didn’t want to take a chance on it lol. There are several bathrooms but they were absolutely disgusting- all of them- when we were there - so bad we wouldn’t even go in! There were more bathrooms near the lake outside the campgrounds that were in better shape and usable.
7. Ojai Certified Farmers' Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By IntrepidTravelTribe - Ojai, United States
I’ve lived in Ojai 10 years and adore the Farmer’s Market. It exudes the eco-conscious, community-centric values of the valley and is always alive with music, interesting people, and of course, amazing food to sample. Come hungry and ready to buy high-quality fare. When I’m entertaining out of town guests, this is always on the itinerary. As it’s located downtown, it’s easy to meander through town when you’re done exploring the market.
8. Ojai Olive Oil
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Ojai Olive Oil is a fourth generation family owned and operated farm, and the oldest producer of extra virgin olive oil in the region. In addition to award winning olive oils, we also produce an array of delicious balsamic vinegars and wonderful food grade olive oil based skin care products. We are open 7 days a week from 10am-4pm for Free Tastings & Shopping, and are open on most holidays. On Sundays you can also find us at the Ojai Farmers Market in the middle of town from 9am-1pm. We do not require any reservations, and all tastings are free. Come visit our 170 year old heritage olive trees, learn about how olive oil is made, and get all of your questions about selecting, storing, and cooking with olive oil answered. We are certified organic, biodynamic, and also one of the few local examples of a working permaculture farm. Ojai Olive Oil is proud to be one of the Ojai Valley's most unique and well enjoyed destinations, and we look forward to seeing you at our farm :)
Reviewed By AmandaV894 - Orange County, United States
Make sure you get the directions from their website because GPS can be wrong. Due to Covid, you cannot taste the samples in the barn. They give you a tray with samples of oils and balsamic vinegars and you are free to try this at one of their picnic tables. We loved some and didn't like others. We ended up buying several bottles of the Signature Olive oil.
9. Ojai Meadows Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By DrewDoris
The Ojai Meadows Preserve is managed by the Ojai Land Conservancy and is the wetlands meadow that they are reclaiming for flood protection and returning it to it's original state. Beautiful, easy, casual stroll. No fees. Park on street near local high school. It is like your local nature center hike.
10. Topa Mountain Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Just outside downtown Ojai, California, under the beautiful mountains and scenery framed by the Topa Topa Mountain Range, you will find the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy a glass of handcrafted wine. Since opening our doors in 2016, Topa Mountain Winery has become known as the best place in Ojai to enjoy handcrafted wine in a beautiful, fun and inviting environment! Please visit our website to review current policies in light of COVID-19.
Reviewed By brendafO9384YO - Largo, United States
Great wine, service and atmosphere. Very relaxing outdoor venue with live music which added to the vibe
