Sometimes, you need to take the road less traveled. With all do respect to Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs, and Las Vegas, there are other options within a relatively short drive from major southern California metro areas. If you haven’t heard of Ojai, it’s high time that you did.
Nestled in the Tapatopa Mountains less than a two hour’s drive outside of Los Angeles, Ojai is a small town beaming with energy. The full-time popular is less than 8,000, but you’d never know it thanks to a plethora of restaurants, shops, and spas worth visiting. But you do get that small town charm, which is a big part of Ojai’s appeal.
Folks in San Diego can weekend in Ojai with ease, as it’s less than four hours by car. And folks elsewhere can fly in to a number of major airports fairly close to the place. One thing is for certain: If you like scenic vistas, magic sunsets, great food, and a welcoming downtown village, Ojai is for you.
With a new year comes new travel. If you’re looking for a road trip adventure, a journey to Ojai is a great one. Read on for places to hit while in the lovely Ventura County town.
Ojai Rotie
It’s tough to argue with great rotisserie chicken with an expansive patio. That’s what’s on the menu at Ojai Rotie, a fast-casual joint specializing in rustic goodness. Obviously, go big on the chicken but be sure to check out the house-made bread, sides like cardamom carrots and tabouli, along with great charred eggplant and fresh-made salads.
Bonnie Lu’s
Bonnie Lu’s Cafe is a 30-year-old diner and institution. Grab a stool at the counter and let the good times roll. This is where you go for classic Americana and comfort dishes and all-day breakfast. Show up early for a proper breakfast of pancake and eggs and hashbrowns or go for lunch for Monte Cristo or turkey club. Not much has changed at this establishment since it opened in 1995 and therein lies a lot of the appeal.
Ojai Tortilla House
This eatery might just be the Mexican restaurant in town, if not the region. Ojai Tortilla House doesn’t have the largest menu (nor a website), but what’s one it is remarkable. Try any of the burritos, quesadillas, and tacos and you’ll be quite happy. Most come atop from-scratch tortillas that are out of this world. Be on the lookout for al pastor options as well as flavored tortillas like the garlic and rosemary edition.
Ojai Deer Lodge
This BBQ joint with a ravenous local following is as convivial as they come. We love the atmosphere, as well as apps like the chili and roadhouse cobb salad. Ojai Deer Lodge is the epitome of a tavern, woodsy in build and showcasing great area beers. There are plenty of mouthwatering options, from fried sandwiches to patty melts, along with headliners like the carnivore combo (a mix of BBQ proteins and sides) and the fish and chips, battered in beer as they ought to be.
Hiking
There are a few great trails in and around Ojai, like the Shelf Road Trail and Ventura River Preserve. It’s pretty easy to get up in elevation without going to far and that’s where some of the best views reside. Check out the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy for more options and a better feel for what’s out there. Just be sure to back some rugged kicks as the terrain can be a mix of everything, from lush meadows to toothy cliff sides.
Art galleries
You don’t have to be a big city to offer a great art scene, just ask Cannon Beach, Oregon or Taos, New Mexico. There are countless options in this fine arts-loving town, dotting just about every corner. We suggest Canvas and Paper, set in a cool bungalow, and the Ojai Art Center. There are great museums, performing arts venues, and pottery spots as well.
Pink moment
The town’s evening ritual of taking in the beautiful sunset over the Topatopa mountains is one you should subscribe to. It’s a little like being in the Grand Canyon or Hawaii as the residents and visitors alike all seem to gravitate towards this daily ritual. We suggest doing so with a Topa Topa Brewing beer in hand, as the locals are wont to do.
Where to stay
There are a handful of standout lodging options in the area. Ojai Valley Inn is one of them, a sprawling resort and spa built along a golf course. There are six different eateries to choose from, including the Wallace Neff Heritage Bar, a historic haunt dating back to 1923. The resort works with local farmers and purveyors to engineer its seasonal menus and the mix of penthouses and rooms on site give visitors ample opportunity to customize their stay.
Other options include the Spanish-inspired Blue Iguana Inn and the delightfully retro Capri Hotel. For something intimate, check out the Lavender Inn, a quaint bread and breakfast.
Eager to travel? We hear you. Check out some of our recent intrepid features on topics like the central Californian coast and visiting Los Angeles.
