Things to do & places to visit in Ojai, California, United States

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.

Ojai city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 10:54.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Bart's Books (140 reviews)
- Too unique to not pass up
Speciality & Gift Shops

This is an outdoor yet under-cover bookstore. Very unique. If they're closed, and you want a book stored on the building's exterior walls, drop your money in the slot. Inside the walls are places to sit and read, chat with friends or relax a bit. This is a great post-coffee stop. Browse away as long as you wish, and maybe buy a collector or something that will simply look good on your shelf. See more..
5.0 Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts (100 reviews)
- 3 Cheers for Beatrice Wood!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

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. See more..
5.0 The Day Spa of Ojai (92 reviews)
- Lovely, Memorable and Relaxing Experience
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spas

The Day Spa of Ojai strives for quality service and satisfaction with professional and courteous staff. Therapists are highly trained and experienced to recognize and apply various treatments and premium products to our guests' specific needs. We specialize in massage, facials, body wraps & exfoliations, foot and hand treatments. Our mission: To offer a place of tranquility and rejuvenation. A place to reconnect with the spirit within ones self... Family owned/operated since 1998. In April of 2015, we relocated to the downtown village area. Walking distance to Hotels, Restaurants, Libby Park and interesting retail shops. Please come visit us at our new location! 209 N. Montgomery Str., Ojai CA. 93023 See more..
5.0 Ventura Food Tours Eating Ojai Tasting Tour (67 reviews)
- An insider’s view of a terrific food scene!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Food Tours

Our guide Christina made our tasting tour of Ojai memorable. My wife and I have been to Ojai many times but never fully-appreciated what we were seeing, or enjoyed it so much. If you like food, history and natural beauty this is a wonderful way to spend a day. Highly recommended in every way. See more..
5.0 Trails by Potter (36 reviews)
- Awesome walk with Ian!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sightseeing Tours

I eagerly wanted to do a private hike with someone knowledgeable and thus, I contacted Trails by Potter, who got back to me quickly. I live in Toronto, Canada and was coming to Ojai for a few days and wanted to plan my time prior to arriving. Ian was certainly experienced, engaging, welcoming, and quite proficient. We stopped several times so Ian could point out some of the plants and trees along the way i.e. avocado, sage, pepper. He was aware of my fitness level and planned the perfect hike. Fresh oranges and grapefruit slices, water, and little protein bars added to the thoughtfulness. The area is simply beautiful and I hope to spend more time there in the years to come. If you want an awesome, attentive experience, choose Trails by Potter. You won't be disappointed. See more..
5.0 Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (20 reviews)
- Beautiful hiking
Spent 1-2 hours Valleys

The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is a community-based non-profit organization working with partners to permanently protect the open space, natural scenic beauty, wildlife, habitat, and watershed of the Ojai Valley for current and future generations. Your donation supports the protection of open space in the Ojai Valley. See more..
5.0 FIrestick Pottery (17 reviews)
- Pottery Paradise
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries

Firestick Pottery is a working ceramics studio. Take a free tour, watch master potters at work, take a pottery class or feast your eyes in our gallery. We're surrounded by nature, on the edge of town. Workshops are offered to visiting guests by arrangement, for a nominal fee. Call to schedule yours. See more..
5.0 Libbey Park (16 reviews)
- picnic in the park
Parks

This is a beautiful park to hang out in or have a picnic. There is a nice playground which is taped off for now. There are also a lot of crows! See more..
5.0 Dan Schultz Fine Art Gallery and Studio (9 reviews)
- Fantastic Artist in a Wonderful Town
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Fine art gallery and working studio of award-winning California artist, Dan Schultz. The gallery features his landscapes, figures and portraits in oil. Southwest Art Magazine and Artists Magazine have devoted feature articles to his work, and he regularly exhibits with organizations like the California Art Club, American Impressionist Society and Oil Painters of America. Visitors to the gallery often comment on the strong sense of light and atmosphere in his paintings, as well as the beauty of his subtle color changes which become apparent upon closer inspection. Look for delicate color shifts, small accent touches and textural changes which are not always apparent from a distance. When Dan isn’t outdoors painting the beautiful Ojai landscape, he is usually painting in his studio area inside the gallery. Please stop and visit next time you’re in the Ojai area! See more..
5.0 Porch Gallery Ojai (4 reviews)
- A gallery that creates community with it's art openings!
Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries
The Porch Gallery Ojai is located in a historic building in downtown Ojai at 310 E. Matilija Street. The gallery represents emerging and established contemporary artists as well as producing artistic events throughout the Ojai Valley. See more..
5.0 Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve (2 reviews)
- Beautiful, peaceful tucked away hidden gem!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens • Scenic Walking Areas

Ojai's best kept secret! Reservations required at taftgardens.org/visit! The majestic 12 acres of the Taft Botanical Gardens are home to some of the most mature and rarest species of plants that can be visited in California. Taft Gardens is a world class destination for botanists, plant enthusiasts and nature lovers. With maintained paths, seating areas and plaques, Taft Gardens provides an incredible respite and learning experience. See more..
5.0 The Ojai Arts Center Theater (2 reviews)
- Excellent community theatre
Theaters
This weekend and next the Three Maskateers are putting on See How They Run -- a fun, British farce. This is just one of the many theatre performances and events hosted at the Ojai Art Center. If you are visiting or live nearby, then worthwhile, reasonably priced entertainment can be found here. See more..
5.0 Frog Creek Farm Ojai (1 review)
- A day trip gateway from busy life in California
Gardens

Talking about a day trip gateway from busy life in California, this spot is one of my top lists. I was able to completely "unplug" from everyday reality and just feel at peace in lavender environment, the smell, the color, the own-self experience of picking of this captivating herb. Here, you can pick sunflowers and peaches too. Either you pick lavender, sunflowers, or peaches costs only $5 a bundle. HOT DEAL!!!! Also, There are some homemade lavender products available for purchase such as sachet, soap, honey, tea etc. After you picked lavender, there are some hammocks under big giant trees where you can take a rest and enjoy the the beauty of lavender. Also there are some picnic tables and chairs, that just happens to be perfect for a round-up time of your families and friends. it's kinda whole package deal, huh?!? ;-) Plus, the owners were friendly and very helpful. Just to read my reviews won't be as great as you experience on you own. Now do yourself a favor, put away all your trouble and get out your stressful working zone to discover life on the land and try for yourself their delightful seasonal treats in picking your own lavender and finding peace that nature has to offer. See more..
4.5 Meditation Mount (341 reviews)
- Stunning and peaceful
Friday: Lessons & Workshops • Religious Sites

Meditation Mount, founded in 1971 is a nonprofit meditation center in Ojai, CA. We are pleased to announce that scheduled visitations and in-person events are now available through pre-registration directly through our website. These are times designed for individuals to reconnect with the soul in the peace and beauty of Meditation Mount. We look forward to welcoming you See more..
4.5 Ojai Olive Oil (212 reviews)
- Pure wonder and joy!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Farms

Ojai Olive Oil is a fourth generation family owned & operated farm, and the oldest producer of extra virgin olive oil in the region. We are certified organic, and one of the few local working permaculture farms. In addition to award winning olive oils, we also produce an array of world class balsamic vinegars, and food grade olive oil based skin care products. We are open 7 days a week from 10am-4pm for tastings & shopping, and are open on most holidays. We do not require any reservations. Pets welcome. Tastings are $10 each, include fresh bread and as many samples as you like, and may be shared. Locals discounts are available. Come visit our 200 year old heritage olive grove, learn about how olive oil is made, and get all of your questions about selecting, storing, and cooking with olive oil answered. 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 :) See more..
4.5 Ojai Certified Farmers' Market (77 reviews)
- Great market with a range of food options
Friday: Flea & Street Markets

We visited this market every Sunday in April, 2022, and found it to be a great market. There's a nice mix of vendors -- vegetables, fruit, nut growers and some prepared foods and bakeries. I really appreciated the vegetables and herbs at Earthtrine Farm; citrus and avocados from Churchill Orchards; sourdough from Ojai Rotie; and the bread, cookies, and (especially) the excellent pasta from Roan Valley Farms. There are a number of stands with prepared foods you can eat on site or take away for lunch or a picnic. There were plenty of other great choices, too. Most of Ojai seems to show up at the market, insuring a lively crowd and great energy. This is an outdoor market: when we were there, some people were wearing masks. See more..
4.5 Ojai Valley Museum of History and Art (75 reviews)
- Very well done local museum
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Museums • History Museums

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 Aquinas Church) the museum includes semi-permanent history exhibits, a Sespe Wilderness diorama, highlights from the permanent art collection, and a Chumash Interpretive Garden. Three major original exhibitions are mounted each year, showcasing a wide variety of subjects. The museum gift shop features items locally produced prints, cards, housewares, jewelry, toys, books, and more. A cart with free maps, magazines, and other Ojai information is available daily outside. Museum admission is $5 per adult, $1 per child 6-18. Make the Ojai Valley Museum your first stop when visiting the Ojai Valley. See more..
4.5 The Ojai Vineyard (66 reviews)
- Worthwhile Stop
Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

My wife and I did a lunchtime tasting today. Young man running things was very nice and knowledgeable. We made a reservation but it was not full on a Monday afternoon. Well set up for Covid protocols; we sat outside on the porch, fronting onto a low volume street. Regular flights of wine are $18 for three good sized pours, more for library wines. The wines by the bottle are generally highly rated and, while mostly in the $45-60 range,that seems about average for good quality Santa Barbara wineries. See more..
4.5 Rose Valley Falls Trail (63 reviews)
- Fun Hike to Waterfall
Hiking Trails • Waterfalls

It was a 30 minute drive from our hotel. Some scary sections of road driving up with regard to drop offs. The trail is located within a campground. There is a $10 day use fee and no place to park within the campground unless you are camping. So we parked outside the campground along the road. Part of the road going into the campground was under water. Difficult to see how deep due to the muddiness. At the entrance to the campground is a pole that says "trailhead". Head straight forward from that pole. The sign at the actual trailhead is all rusted and not legible. There is a small water crossing but you can cross by stepping on rocks. One small log to walk over. The hike up is short and is uphill the entire way. Some slippery shale rock in certain areas. There was not much water in the waterfall (only about 4 inches across) when we arrived. It was still a beautiful hike and the air smelled so clean. See more..
4.5 Ojai Meadows Preserve (41 reviews)
- Beautiful spot
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Stumbled upon this spot riding our bikes. Great path, lots of beauty and scenery with good scents along this trail (and lots of dogs being walked). The preserve is fairly flat but we connected with the Ojai Saddle Trails and ended up pushing our bikes over some good sized hills, but nothing strenuous. The preserve is a good spot for kids. We really enjoyed the beauty of this place! See more..
4.5 Krishnamurti Education Center (37 reviews)
- Informative and generous
Educational sites

The Krishnamurti Education Center is located in the former home of author/philosopher J. Krishnamurti. Visitors can browse the library, meditate in the Quiet Room, or explore the grounds. The Center is open Thursdays - Sundays, 1 pm - 5 pm. See more..
4.5 Pratt Trail Loop (35 reviews)
- Pratt Loop
Biking Trails

Citrus and avocado groves give way to beautiful mountain scenery. See more..
4.5 Casa Barranca Organic Wine Tasting Room (30 reviews)
- Amazing wine and amazing staff
Friday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Wineries & Vineyards

Casa Barranca Organic Wines & Tasting Room was the first organic winery on the Central Coast. We offer 2 flights of wines in our Craftsman inspired tasting room. We also have a wide selection of wine gift items. Come in and visit us, join our Wine Club and relax in historic downtown Ojai. Open Daily. See more..
4.5 Majestic Oak Vineyard (15 reviews)
- Great wines and friendly cat!
Friday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Centrally located on the main street in beautiful downtown Ojai within walking distance of everything. I went in about 1:30 on a Wednesday and for the first 15 minutes or so I was the only person in there, so I was able to have a very nice conversation with the charming and very knowledgeable young lady running it. Turns out she is also the assistant Winemaker. And I got to pet the very friendly housecat. (Who the young lady called "the manager"). Excellent wines, too. FWIW, I did a wine flight at 4 different tasting rooms my 3 days there, and they had by far my favorite wine, their 2019 Syrah. On warm days, they have a beautiful outdoor patio. And on days their WiFi is down, they have a turntable and records they play! How cool is that!? See more..
4.5 Sespe Creek (11 reviews)
- Swimming and hiking.
Bodies of Water
Scenic 35-mile river run with a Class V rating. See more..
4.5 Sulphur Mountain (10 reviews)
- Spectacular views and bike ride
Spent 2-3 hours Biking Trails

On a sunny March morning, my wife and I road up the road side on Sulphur and came down the dirt trails. It was a heart pumping 800 meter climb to the top but once there the views of the valley was spectacular. On this clear day, the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands were within sight. The way down can be a bit technical, especially given the spring mud. I was on a gravel bike and my wife on a Benno e-bike. You definitely need some stubby tires and a sturdy bike. I am an avid road cyclist but could not have done this without the support of our guide Kelly from the Mob Bike Shop. I would definitely recommend hiring a guide if new to this area. Otherwise finding the path and navigating the spring mud would have been a bit much. See more..
4.5 Primavera Gallery (6 reviews)
- Friendly and Fun
Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

We had a great experience chatting with the owner of the gallery. It is definitely worth checking out. See more..
4.5 Howard Creek Trail (3 reviews)
- Beautiful hike
Hiking Trails

Drove 25 minutes to the trail head, which is the first gate on the right after you turn on Rosé valley rd. and the trail head is to the left once you walk past the "road closed" gate (it is small and easy to miss if you aren't looking for it). Patches of snow on the trail. Beautiful the whole way up and then amazing vistas at the top. Worth the hike. Our only complaint would be there were no trail markers (other than that first one). See more..
4.0 Cozy Dell Trail (6 reviews)
- Calm work out with scenic views of Ojai Valley!
Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails

This is a moderate difficult trail. It starts at the west end at Hwy 33 with a moderately steep, switchback climb for about 0.8 miles. The trail here has lots of shade from oak trees. From the top of the climb, the trail becomes gently rolling, smoother and broader in places. There are great views in every direction. The trail ends in the east at Cozy Dell Canyon Road. See more..
4.0 Rains (4 reviews)
- A must stop & shop!
Department Stores

We came across this store & went in after seeing a few cute items in the window display! They have so much to look at and buy. Gifts, clothing, shoes, kitchen, garden and more! We loved all the fun sauces, seasonings and cooking items they had in stock. Bought several to take back home with us! See more..