Welcome to Ojai
Tourism hotspot cloaked in natural scenery
Tucked amid the mature oaks of its namesake valley, the charming city of Ojai is known for its mountainous vistas, boutique hotels, local organic agriculture, and endless possibilities for outdoor recreation. Its vibrant arts and culture scene fostered by galleries downtown and vivacious year-round events have made this bustling little enclave a premier tourist destination, and remarkable place to call home.
Once a wintering spot for affluent Midwesterners who flocked in for the town’s delectable cuisine, backcountry adventures, and music, Ojai transitioned from rustic existence into the elegant oasis it is today, thanks to the ideals of businessman, Edward Libbey, in whose honor the annual Ojai Day celebration is marked. The city is famous for its pink sunsets, and with a Mediterranean climate characterized by dry summers and mild winters. Lying minutes away from the pacific coastline, Ojai’s boundaries are taken by the Los Padres National Forest, Matilija Creek—a popular hiking and backpacking spot, as well as The Lake Casitas Recreational Area providing ample opportunities for camping, picnicking and more.
What to Love
- Hippie-friendly with a vibrant arts scene
- Sweeping mountain vistas
- Famous pink sunsets
- Close to the coast
Local Lifestyle
Laid-back, peaceful, and surrounded by natural beauty, Ojai’s treasures have attracted big-time Hollywood stars, famous architects, showbiz professionals, and intellectuals. Some things certainly unite this populace, and these might be a love for simple wonders, an escape from the prying eyes, or a sanctuary away from the fast-paced lifestyle of the city. It’s impossible to find any chain stores in town, due to a prohibition by the city ordinance in a bid to enhance the support and growth of the local business while keeping the town true to its original character.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Flush with spectacular small businesses, Ojai is home to boutiques, restaurants, the world’s largest outdoor bookshop, and a Farmer’s Market offering the choicest of organic produce sourced from local farms.
Book a reservation at The Nest, a classy restaurant specializing in American favorites, from fried chicken sandwiches to salmon tacos, elote fries, and BBQ pizza served with an assortment of beverages. Craving upscale Californian fare? You’ve got to stop in at The Ranch House, an aesthetically pleasing dining venue with garden seats where guests are served yummy dishes and wine from an extensive menu. The Oak is a local favorite for breakfast, dinner, and lunch, with meals prepared from only locally grown products. Diners can choose to dig into their lunch indoors or reserve a table for a scrumptious family dinner under the pergola overlooking mature oak trees, sweeping mountain vistas, and a lush championship golf course. Don’t miss out on the taste of seasonal Italian fare in the upmarket Olivella, a bistro draped in a warm ambiance with patio seating.
Things to Do
June presents the Ojai Music Festival, featuring performances from some of the world's top musicians and composers of classical music, pouring well-crafted melodies across the valley over a four-day period. Coinciding with the Music Festival, the sensational Ojai Wine Festival held at Lake Casitas attracts thousands of wine connoisseurs from all over to sample award-winning wines and craft beers from the dozens of wineries in the Ojai.
Fourth of July Day Parade and Celebration shakes the streets up with color and vibrancy, with members of the community dressed up in patriotic colors for a remarkable celebration of the country’s freedom. Food trucks lie around outside, ready to satiate appetites as everyone gets ready for the fireworks to light up the sky at night. At the Annual Taste of Ojai in October, come experience cooking demonstrations by local and celebrity chefs while swaying to the melody of live music and sampling wines, food, and beer.
Schools
Ojai is served by the Ojai Unified School District, home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: