IN THE BAG
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Take the 101 north out of L.A. and head east on the 33 and you’ll find yourself in one of California’s most -magical retreats and one of our favorite spots: Ojai. A quiet town nestled at the foothills of Los Padres National Forest, Ojai has provided a spiritual and picturesque retreat for city dwellers and enlightenment-seekers alike. With plenty of hiking trails, creeks to wade in and the ocean just 30 minutes west, there’s plenty Ojai has to offer based on location alone, but that’s just the start — the town itself is brimming with charm.
With mid-century inspired accommodations, a gas station reimaged as a yoga studio, a farmers market with fresh seasonal produce and local jams, honeys and olive oils, you’ll be surprised by how much there is to uncover in this sleepy Ventura County town. For an insider’s look into all things Ojai, we asked model, MOTHER collaborator and ex-resident Carolyn Murphy for the best places to stay and things to do.
WHERE TO STAY
If you’re looking for a stay that combines Ojai’s mountainside vibe with modern design try the Ojai Rancho Inn, a roadside motel turned aesthetic paradise with wooden walls, eclectic decor and hammocks in its outdoor garden. The Capri, the Inn’s mid-century modern cousin, is another stunning oasis filled with Instagram-famous furniture and clean, contemporary design. Or, for something equally as hip but a little more unexpected, Caravan Outpost offers Airstream lodging, a stylish and quintessentially Ojai experience.
Situated around a garden, each trailer is surrounded by cleverly positioned foliage to provide a sense of privacy, and features all the offerings of a standard hotel room. While you’re there, explore the town on a bike loaned out by the Caravan Outpost owners, meet your fellow neighbors at night around the campfire, and shop the well-curated general store filled with vintage and local finds.
For the more luxury-inclined, the Ojai Valley Inn boasts all the amenities of a traditional resort, from an indulgent spa and pristine golf course to amazing eateries and event-ready facilities. You can even rent out your very own estate on the property for the utmost privacy and relaxation.
Another option for a discreet, high-end experience in Ojai is the Thatcher House, an exclusive compound comprised of five private cottages traditionally decorated with antique silverware, oil portraits, plush bedding and vintage furniture. On-site activities include goat and sheep milking, cheese and yogurt making and gardening on the farm — there’s no shortage of things to do at the Thatcher House.
WHAT TO DO
When you aren’t enjoying the variety of accommodations at your hotel, resort or alternative housing, Ojai will surely keep you busy. For the devoted yogi (or inspired city-dweller), awaken your soul at Light and Space, a gas-station-turned-yoga-studio with mountain views, a 1500-square foot garden, and a shop filled with locally-sourced, earth-conscious goods and vintage treasures. Another source for spiritual, mental and physical connection is Sacred Space, a yoga studio run by Ingrid Boulting, a celebrated healer of Ojai who has taught yoga since 1988.
Beyond yoga, Ojai’s stunning landscape provides a variety of ways to connect with nature (and perhaps your inner self along the way.) Carolyn Murphy recommends relaxing and meditating at Meher Mount (a spiritual and historical gathering place at the summit of Sulphur Mountain), walking through the Taft Gardens and Nature Preserve, or exploring Ojai by horse with Ojai Valley Trail Riding.
Operated by Susan Gruber (“a former champion and badass,” as Carolyn describes), Ojai Valley Trail Riding is located adjacent to the Ojai Land Conservancy and offers day rides and sunset rides through California’s beautiful horse country.
Once you’ve had your fill of nature, Downtown Ojai is filled with a handful of shops and restaurants to round out the rest of your day, and one of the best ways to explore the town is by bike. Many hotels in the area offer bikes with your stay, but you can also rent them through The Mob Shop, a full-service bike shop. While you’re cruising around, be sure to check out some of our favorite stores and restaurants.
WHERE TO SHOP
As you’d probably expect, Ojai’s shops and stores are a perfect representation of the town’s eclectic roots. In The Field carries a mountain-inspired selection of new and vintage clothing for men and women alike — from bohemian floral blouses to vintage Hawaiian shirts and antique jewelry. For an expertly curated experience, stop by Canyon Supply, a cozy homeware and clothing store with reworked vintage denim, quilted jackets, handmade ceramics and gold jewelry fit for the modern minimalist.
And if you have kids or are shopping for someone who does, Canyon Supply’s new children’s store, Kids Of The Canyon, has the cutest mini-sized denim embroidered with smiley faces and yin-yangs, printed bloomers, tiny moccasins and soft graphic tees.
For perfectly patinated chesterfield sofas, distressed Moroccan rugs and mid-century Danish leather seating sets, consider DeKor, a vintage store with a unique mix of antique furniture, accessories and custom home furnishings. All set on furniture? You could probably use a book or two from Bart’s Books, a 50-year-old outdoor bookstore with over 130,000 new and used books. And a pro tip from Carolyn: “Always ask for what’s in back.”
WHERE TO EAT
Sushi and yuzu sours, homemade pasta, locally-crafted wine, award-winning garden-to-table dining — you want it, Ojai has it. One of the town’s most celebrated eateries, The Ranch House, has been around since the ’70s and prides itself on sustainable, quality ingredients: locally sourced organic produce and grass-fed, free-range and antibiotic-free meats.
Enjoy your meal in the restaurant’s fairytale-like outdoor garden — California dining at its finest. Another inspired outdoor experience is The Ojai Vineyard, an establishment founded by winemaker Adam Tolmach. The vineyard has a stunning tasting room with over 300 wines to try and cozy outdoor space. Keep in mind, they don’t serve any food, but you’re welcome to bring a meal with you from a nearby restaurant. Carolyn recommends Farmer and the Cook, an organic cafe with “the best veggie tacos, baked goods and live music.”
If you’re craving a more international meal, try Nocciola, Ojai’s most refined, high-end restaurant with homemade pasta, decadent wild-caught fish and slow-braised meat entrees, and an extensive wine menu. With a somewhat limited dining scene, be sure to make a reservation before your visit.
For sushi, stop by Izakaya Sushi, an in-the-know, straight-out-of-Tokyo eatery with “the best Japanese food and cold sake,” according to Carolyn, or Hakane Sushi, an old-school Hawaiian-style sushi restaurant run by a Japanese chef who lived in Honolulu for decades. Then finish things off with dessert from Ojai Ice Cream, a local staple with flavors like Ojai Pixie Orange, Valley Lavender and Chocolate Raspberry Rum Truffle.
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