15 Best Things To Do On A Trip To Ojai, California

1. Explore Downtown Ojai

Ojai is a small town with a lot going for it. Start your trip by exploring the fabulous little boutiques in downtown Ojai along Ojai Avenue.

In this area, you will find lots of clothing boutiques, wellness stores, gift shops, art galleries, and specialty stores like Magic Hour tea shop and The Crystal Corner.

Most of the restaurants, cafes, and eateries are located along Ojai Avenue, so you can walk around and stop to grab a bite to eat when hunger strikes.

Ojai is known for making its own wine, and there are several tasting rooms where you can stop for a glass of amazing local wine. A couple of the most popular wine tasting spots in downtown Ojai are:

• The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room
• The Naturalist Organic Winery & Tasting Room
• Majestic Oak Vineyard and Wine Tasting

Ojai also has two thriving farmers’ markets – one on Sunday mornings and one on Thursday evenings.

The Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market takes place on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm, and the Ojai Community Farmers’ Market happens on Thursdays from 3 pm to 7 pm.

2. Bart’s Books

Stopping by Bart’s Books is a must when visiting Ojai! This is the world’s largest outdoor bookstore that features over 130,000 new and used books.

Bart’s Books is located on a quiet street just a block off Ojai Avenue. The property is surrounded by lush plants, ivy, and flowers, making the entire setting feel very magical.

This iconic bookstore has been operating since 1964, providing a unique selection of books ranging in various subjects from fiction and arts to children’s books, cookbooks, sports, and more.

Most of the bookshelves are located outdoors, and there are covers to prevent damage from natural elements. The entire bookstore is a large loop, so you’ll end up back at the main register.

There is some outdoor seating where you can grab a few books and browse through them before making your selection.

3. Take a Pottery Class

Ojai is known for being a small, artistic community. During one of my day trips, I took the 2-Hour Pottery Workshop at Firestick Pottery with a friend and had a blast!

This pottery class is geared towards beginners, so you don’t need any experience to participate. The class has a teacher who will show you how to throw the clay on the wheel, shape it, and make a few small pieces, like bowls and cups.

During our workshop, I made 3 pieces that I loved. If you live locally like I do, you can return another day to glaze them.

Book the Ojai 2-hour pottery workshop here!

4. Ventura River Preserve Trail

Located on the outskirts of Ojai, Ventura River Preserve is a great place to go for a hike. This preserve covers over 1600 acres with scenic wilderness trails that are rarely crowded.

If you’re looking for a short and easy hiking trail, I recommend the 3-mile-long Ventura River Preserve Trail. It is free to visit the Ventura River Preserve, but donations are encouraged to keep this outdoor space accessible to the public.

The Ventura River Preserve Trail goes in a loop with a slight 100-foot elevation gain. It follows next to a river that often dries up in the summer months.

Hiking Tip: Keep in mind that Ojai can get very hot in the summer, and there is almost no shade along this trail. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hiking hat, and go early in the morning to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

5. Stay In a Boutique Hotel

From small boutique hotels to relaxing spa resorts with heavenly amenities, there are so many incredible places to stay in Ojai overnight.

One of my favorite local hotels is the Hummingbird Inn. This charming inn is located off Ojai Avenue within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. The hotel has been recently upgraded, featuring a laid-back mid-century modern style, spacious rooms, and chic touches.

The hotel has a cozy guest lounge, an outdoor swimming pool, and complimentary bike rentals that you can take to explore the town.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, I highly recommend the Ojai Valley Inn. This luxurious 5-star hotel features amazing amenities, including a spa, five restaurants, multiple swimming pools, and a championship golf course.

Read Next: 15 Charming Places To Stay In Ojai, California

6. Libbey Park

Libbey Park is one of the best things to do in Ojai with kids. This spacious outdoor park has a large playground that is a great place for kiddos to run around and get their energy out.

Libbey Park is centrally located right off the main street. There is an elegant water fountain right by the entrance, followed by walking paths and lots of shaded areas to rest. This park also has a public restroom and a performance stage that often features music and events.

The kids’ playground at Libbey Park is one of the nicest ones I’ve been to in Ventura County. My toddler enjoyed the slides, swings, and running through the misters (a nice touch for hot summer days).

7. Ojai Valley Bike Trail

Ojai is the starting point for the Ojai Valley Bike Trail. This is a paved 15-mile-long pathway that starts in downtown Ojai by Soule Park Golf Course and travels all the way to downtown Ventura.

Many of the local hotels provide bike rentals that you can ride down this pathway. You can also enjoy a more leisurely walk on foot by doing shorter sections at a time.

The Ojai Valley Bike Trail mostly goes downhill towards Ventura. I have walked sections of this bike trail with my dog and also run the Ventura Half Marathon that follows it. The scenery along it is just gorgeous with lots of trees and shade!

Read Next: 10 Best Hiking Trails In Ventura, California

8. Ojai Olive Oil Company

If you’re looking for something relaxing to do on your trip, stop by Ojai Olive Oil Company. At this organic, family-operated farm, you can try award-winning olive oils and balsamic vinegars in a gorgeous outdoor setting surrounded by a 200-year-old olive grove.

The tasting room is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. The flights cost around $15-$20 and will allow you to sample olive oils, vinegars, and oils infused with unique flavors like lemon, rosemary, truffle, and garlic.

You don’t need to make advanced reservations, and this farm is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along!

9. Go Glamping

If you always wanted to try out glamping, instead of booking a traditional hotel, opt to stay at the Caravan Outpost instead! This gorgeous property is located in downtown Ojai and offers comfortable accommodations in modern Airstream trailers. 

The campers are situated on private grounds with lush gardens and picnic areas that feel like your own private oasis. Each of the units includes a private bathroom, a patio, and a terrace for hanging out.

During your stay, grab the complimentary bikes and go for a ride along the Ojai Valley Bike Trail or walk to the nearby Ojai Valley Brewery to enjoy handcrafted beers and wine.

Check Caravan Outpost rates & availability here!

10. Yume Japanese Burger Cafe

While there are many places to grab lunch in town, if you’re looking for something unique, I highly recommend the Yume Japanese Burger Cafe. This casual eatery is located right off Ojai Avenue and serves Japanese street food.

Their specialty is the Wagyu Burger, which is so tender and full of flavor! I also tried the Takoyaki (flour and egg balls filled with octopus), Karaage Chicken (deep-fried chicken), grilled salmon salad, and loaded fries.

The small indoor seating has a funky ambiance with neon signs and vintage Japanese posters covering the walls. There is also an outdoor patio in the back where you can enjoy your meal al fresco.

If you love burgers and something a bit different, this place is a must!

11. Ojai Rotie

Ojai Rôtie is another one of my favorite places to grab lunch in town. This is a casual restaurant with picnic-style outdoor seating that overlooks the main street.

Ojai Rôtie specializes in French-Lebanese style rotisserie plates, freshly baked bread, and a variety of unique side dishes. The chicken is so tender, and the side dips are just phenomenal!

This restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, so be sure to check their opening hours before heading out there.

12. Rory’s Other Place

Looking to get your caffeine fix before heading out to explore the town? My recommendation is to stop by Rory’s Other Place, a small but busy coffee shop in the downtown serving delicious coffee and small bites.

On my most recent visit, Rory’s Other Place was my first stop before walking around the main street. I tried their latte (very strong!), Hojicha roasted green tea latte (less caffeine), a quiche, and a couple of pastries.

The inside of the coffee shop is very small, but there is some outdoor seating where you can enjoy your beverages and food.

13. Ojai Ice Cream

If you have a sweet tooth, Ojai Ice Cream is the spot to go! With lots of interesting handmade flavors and some classics to choose from, this ice cream shop will satisfy any kind of craving.

My personal favorites were the Valley Honey Lavender and blueberry flavors. The staff was so friendly and let me try a few other flavors before settling on those two.

The ice cream was very delicious, and it wasn’t overly sweet, so we didn’t have the dreaded sugar crash after.

14. Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company

If you’re looking for a fun activity for the entire family, book a horseback riding tour with Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company!

Their one-hour tours travel along a scenic trail within Ventura River Valley Preserve, offering incredible views of the surrounding nature and mountains. Depending on the season, you can also book a sunset ride followed by a picnic at the Oso Ranch.

The horses are very gentle and go at a slow pace, so the rides are suitable for beginners and kids. If you have little kids, you can also book a 30-minute Pony Ride that goes through the Oso Ranch and visits the various animals that reside there.

15. Rose Valley Falls

Located a 30-minute drive north of Ojai, Rose Valley Falls is a wonderful outdoor destination if you’re looking to get out in the fresh air.

To reach the waterfall, you will need to drive along the windy mountain Highway 33, which offers stunning scenery around every corner. The Rose Valley Falls Trail is only 1 mile long round-trip and starts at the Rose Valley Campground.

Depending on the season of the year, the water levels of the falls can fluctuate. For the most powerful water flow, it’s best to visit Rose Valley Falls in spring or after a recent rain. I’ve also done this hike in the winter when the waterfall looks partially frozen and so magical!

I hope this post has helped you discover a few fun things to do in Ojai on your next trip! Have you been to Ojai before? Let us know your favorite spots in the comment section below!

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This post is written by Laura. Hi, I’m a California local and the founder of the California Wanderland travel blog. I currently live in Ventura County and help 50,000 readers a month discover things to do in Central California! Read more about me here.

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