Ojai is in the heart of California, and it is a popular tourist destination for many people living in Southern California. It is home to some of Southern California’s best hiking trails, offering incredible views all over the valleys. Visitors also know the town for excellent food with local ingredients, the charming downtown, relaxing hot springs, and an array of five-star hotels.
Ojai’s location is perfect, situated a mere 100km from Los Angeles, it is easy to take a weekend break here. Also, Ojai is a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara, so you can easily access the city. There are many great things to do in this city, and I have researched and found the best things to do in ojai!
Ojai Olive Oil
Ojai Olive Oil is an award-winning farm offering some of California’s best olive oil. The farm is a third-generation farm owned by the Asquith family. And the farm consists of olive oil trees that are 150 years old, offering a stunning sight for visitors.
If you’re looking to visit the farm, you can visit 7-days per week and check out the farm. There is a tasting room where you can try all the best olive oils, and there will be an expert to help you learn about the process of making olive oil, how olives grow, and the history of the olive.
The farm is child-friendly, and there are disabled facilities all around. Furthermore, the farm has numerous welcome pets that will greet you while you sample the farm’s best olives.
Ojai Certified Farmers Market
One of the city’s most authentic experiences is visiting the Ojai Certified Farmers Market. You will find some of the best locally produced food and ingredients imaginable. These include fresh fruit and vegetables, natural meats, raw chocolate, local seafood, and jams. Plus, there are plenty of vegan and organic stands.
But it isn’t just delicious food; there is live music creating a joyful atmosphere. You’ll also find excellent local goods and handmade crafts. The market is open every Sunday, and it is well worth the visit if you’re in Ojai.
Hiking trails
Although Ojai gets busy with art lovers, shopping enthusiasts, and people taking spa retreats to escape the LA traffic stress, it also attracts thousands of hikers. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an advanced hiker – Ojai has the perfect trail for you!
Let’s look at some of the best hiking trails in ojai california.
For active vacation enthusiasts, national parks in California are perfect for hiking as well.
Piedra Blanca Trailhead
The Piedra Blanca Trailhead is the best ojai trails for those hikers looking for a complete natural escape. You will struggle to find a mobile phone signal on the track, but the incredible views throughout should make you forget all about your phone. Many hikers have reported spiritual experiences on the trail and emotional breakthroughs while lying on the vast white boulders.
The trail doesn’t take too long. It should take around 1.5 hours to reach the trail’s end, but another hour if you want to explore the mystical white boulders at the top.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Second Swimming Hole
Can you think of a better way to cool down on a hot Southern California hike than jumping straight into a swimming hole? This trail will bring you through stunning scenery to a rock pool surrounded by fern.
The waterhole is a mile from the Rose Valley parking lot, meaning many hikers will avoid putting the extra effort into finding the swimming hole because it isn’t easy to find. You will have to find the trail off-shoot due to the swimming hole not being visible from the main path. But it is well worth the hike and remains one of the best hikes in ojai.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Fox Canyon Trail
The Fox Canyon trail is excellent for anyone looking for secluded nature. It is a hand-built trail that the locals built some years ago, and the path can be difficult at times with steep points. And there are some giant boulders at the top that the rock climbers love to climb.
If you’re looking for a trail that will test your fitness, leave you secluded, and connect you with nature, it’s hard to beat the Fox Canyon Trail. The trail is an offshoot of the Shelf Road hike, which is a relatively easy hike, but if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try this one. It remains one of the best ojai hikes.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Visit the Casa Barranca Tasting Room
The California wine industry just keeps growing globally, but is there a better way to taste it than at one of the first organic wineries in the area? The tasting room is excellent and offers a vast array of domestic and international wines. But you can take the wine out or choose to stay at the bar; the choice is yours!
You can find the Casa Barranca tasting room in downtown Ojai, easily accessible and a superb spot to try some wine! Be sure to head to the historic downtown arcade, where you’ll find it.
Ojai Valley Museum
The Ojai Valley Museum is a non-profit museum that showcases art, artifacts, paper ephemera, culture, history, and photographs related to Ojai. There is no better way to understand Ojai Valley than visiting this magnificent museum. Plus, the museum’s building – St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church – is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum has a clear mission of preserving, exploring, celebrating, and sharing authentic history, art, and culture. Why not check out Ojai’s principal history teacher?
Topa Mountain Winery
The Topa Mountain Winery is one of the area’s most outstanding wineries. Lauro Guerra built Topa Mountain Winery into an exceptional winery surrounded by oak trees and beautiful redwoods. Visitors love the vast selection of estate-grown wines and the new varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, and Viognier.
The winery offers guided tours, tasting rooms, some of the finest views you’ll ever see. Despite only opening in 2016, the quick success has meant it’s an excellent option for your Ojai trip.
Conclusion
Ojai is a fantastic Southern California break, and the options are unlimited. It is definitely a top-class relaxation retreat, with amazing hiking trails and not seclusion. But if that is not your thing, you’ll enjoy the art galleries, spa-retreats, luxury hotels, wineries, and farmers markets.
Is there a better way to escape the Los Angeles hustle and bustle? Regardless of where you’re from, Ojai will offer a superb break!
