Things to do

Curated by our Ojai resident tour guide and bff, Des Etzel, we hope this list can help guide your weekend in the Ojai Valley.

We made this into a Google Map, too!

Stay

Ojai Rancho Inn - Think cozy, campfire, lodge, sauna / pool vibes. One of my absolute favs, even just to go to the bar (Chiefs Peak) for a casual hang. Locals love it too.

Capri - Another fav, this one is design-forward, with design and pool / hot tub vibes. It's stunning but a bit more refined than Ojai Rancho Inn.

Hummingbird Inn - One of the more recent properties in town, same owners as Ojai Rancho Inn and Capri. So chill, very lovely.

Blue Iguana Inn - Sweet, small boutique hotel.

Ojai Valley Inn - If you want a resort or spa atmosphere for your weekend, this is for you!

Airbnb/Vrbo - There aren’t many short-term rentals in Ojai but sometimes a few pop-up and are available, take a peek.

Eat & drink

Pinyon - My (and our) absolute fav. Good people, comfy vibes, delicious eats, yummy wine, all the above. Mostly pizza but they also create amazing protein out of their wood oven, unexpectedly. They have bagels and pastries in the morning too! Wine bottles available to go, good stuff!

Rory's - Some of the best food + bev in Ojai (the county?!) since they opened a little while ago. Can be pretty packed and busy, so make a reservation in advance.

Rory’s Other Place - Rory’s new daytime cafe. Hippiest scene in town, easy.

Izakaya Full Moon - Dynamite Japanese but it’s tiny, so go early! Or super late. Cutest and most delicious family operation. It’s a must-go.

Ojai Bev Co. - a locals joint for burgers, beers or spicy margs.

Dutchess - very $$ but yum and buttery pastries and fun bar with incredible drinks in the back. Burmese-inspired food. Also can be a rather big scene, be warned.

The Nest - A little bit of everything. Only outdoor seating so bring layers on chilly nights! Good cocktails.

Ojai Rôtie - Really wonderful food: rotisserie chicken, clever side dishes, outdoor seating. They’re catering the wedding reception dinner.

Hip Vegan - Terrible name but the food is surprisingly delicious — and healthy.

Topa Topa - Local brewery, always a good time. Sama Sama serves food, which is v yummy Asian-fusion foods.

Chiefs Peak - cute fireside / poolside wine and bevs, part of Ojai Rancho Inn.

Ojai Noodle House (Meiners Oaks) - our newest neighbor! Yummy Vietnamese food. Open for lunch and dinner.

Farmer + the Cook (Meiners Oaks) - Great hippie grocery, cafe and bakery. Only go when you have time to relax, they're never in a rush here! Lol.

Papa Lennon's (Meiners Oaks) - very sweet neighborhood pizza spot.

Westridge - Expensive but nice grocery store, there's two in town.

Rainbow Bridge - Adorable natural grocer.

Point de Chene for bottles of wine to go.

Get outside

Highway 33 (road) is full of trails! Some favs are Piedra Blanca + Rose Valley Falls.

If you drive up the 33 (past the Cozy Dell trailhead), you'll see several pull-offs where you can stop and hike down for a river swim.

Ventura River trail (Riverview trailhead) - one of my favs to wander, see water, say hi to the horses, etc. There's a chill parking lot and access point on Rice Rd. in Meiners Oaks. And another on Oso Rd.

The Meadows Preserve - also my go-to wander because it's at the end of my street! Lovely for bird-watching, wowie. I go almost every night at dusk for owls :)

Ojai Trails - if you drive to the end of Signal Rd + Gridley Rd, you’ll find loads of trailheads right in town (Ojai). All residential parking.

Ojai Valley Inn - people rave about this spot, apparently it's the fanciest and most beautiful in town for a spa visit or even just a walkabout. I have yet to try but somebody also just mentioned to me that there's a must-visit bar on the grounds, called Jimmy’s!

The farmers market on Sundays is so wonderful. It is right downtown (you’ll see signs), take a stroll, get some produce for a simple picnic.

Carpinteria & Santa Barbara are both only a short drive away (less than an hour) if you want to see more of the area.

Meditation Mount is a really beautiful space to offer a moment of rest when you need it. Check their schedule for openings.

Outside of town

Midtown Wine + Buddy's (Ventura) - if you're itching to pick up a bottle of vino, meet good people or stop for a yummy glass, these are the spots. Midtown is bottles only (for now) and Buddy’s is both a shop + bar. I'm so grateful they're here!

Singing Sun (Ventura) - very sweet and surfy coffee shop, always good vibes. The bookstore down the block (Timbre) is adorbs too.

Prospect (Ventura) - even yummier coffee but less good vibes.

Santa Cruz Market - this is a rad Mexican-esque market operated by a Greek family. They slay Mediterranean style food in the incredible sports bar in the back. I go for takeout almost weekly.

Frontside Cafe - delicious Aussie-inspired cafe! Check hours before going, they tend to be the place that’s closed when you want it.

Beach House + Madewest on the Pier - grab some tacos or a burrito from Beach House, walk it over to Madewest for a yummy beer, and relax and watch the surf!

Model Citizen - the only decent hip or ‘upscale’ food in Ventura. Great happy hour, though.

Poppies - cute lil’ vintage shop. Good people.

Findings Market - another great shop for all things apparel, home, body + baby.

Bettina (Montecito) - For the Portland folks, this is the Lovely’s 50/50 of Santa Barbara. Very yummy and fresh woodfired pizza, with a delicious wine list. Lunch and dinner, could be a nice pitstop if on the coast between Santa Barbara and Ojai. Say hi to Oprah.

Los Olivos/Los Alamos/SLO - Two hours north of Ojai, this wine region is one of our favorite places to visit, if you’re up for a side trip.