What does your ideal getaway look like? For some, it means shopping and wine tasting, while others are looking for hiking and physical adventure. And then there are those who want to settle in and luxuriate for a couple of days. One small, unassuming town offers the perfect weekend getaway in Southern California, whether you are looking for a laid-back weekend with friends, a nature adventure trip, a luxurious retreat, or some combination of everything.
Ventura’s small secluded town of Ojai is located in the picturesque Ojai Valley, surrounded by mountains and filled with history and culture. You can have whatever kind of getaway you want in Ojai, close to home but a world away.
Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Locally-owned shops and boutiques, cafes, galleries, and restaurants line Ojai’s walkable main street behind the beautiful and historic arcade. Work up an appetite shopping and checking out local artwork before choosing one of the diverse options for lunch.
Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Ojai, CA 93023, USA
Why not try something a little different at Ojai Rotie which serves up freshly prepared French-Lebanese rotisserie chicken, handmade sourdough, and a mouthwatering selection of sides and options in a casual al fresco setting.
Robert Mungary (Bobby)/Google Local
The former St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel is over 100 years old and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The beautiful building now houses the Ojai Valley Museum. A collection of exhibits and a rotating gallery showcase Ojai’s history and culture, local artists, and a variety of other topics.
Ken Lund from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Even if you are not a huge bookworm, we think you will find the enchanting Bart’s Books worth a visit. Browse books and periodicals by category. Most of the store is made up of outdoor shelves and nooks, but you can duck into small rooms for special themed collections, like the vintage art book room, or the kitchen filled with food-related books.
Marcella Cadenas/Google Local 302 W Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023, USA
The hills and mountains surrounding Ojai are filled with scenic trails, lakes, creeks, and waterfalls. Enjoy a short and easy hike to Rose Valley Falls, take your mountain bike up one of the trails in the Ventura River Preserve, or enjoy a scenic drive up Highway 33 for incredible views of mountains, rock formations, and the Pacific Ocean.
Rodolfo R./Google Local Ojai, CA 93023, USA
If camping is your style, we suggest snagging a spot at Wheeler Gorge Campground, just a few miles from downtown. This small wooded campground has beautiful rustic sites along a running creek that feel very private. Enjoy hiking, swimming holes, and dark skies perfect for stargazing.
Patricio Camacho/Google Local 17017 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, CA 93023, USA
There are several boutique hotels in town to choose from, one of which is Ojai Valley. Tucked away in this quiet town, the Inn has been named one of the world’s best resorts. If what you need is to escape the ordinary and be pampered, wined, and dined in a lush, luxuriant atmosphere, look no further. With a world-class spa, horseback riding, yoga, a children’s camp, and eight different dining options, you won’t need to leave the premises for an incredible, rejuvenating getaway.
Ojai Valley Inn/Google Local 905 Country Club Rd, Ojai, CA 93023, USA
This is just a taste of what the sweet, historic town of Ojai in Southern California has to offer. This town really really does have it all. What would your ideal weekend getaway include? Have you been to Ojai? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Here are a few other SoCal weekend getaway ideas for you to check out.
Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Ojai, CA 93023, USA
Robert Mungary (Bobby)/Google Local
Ken Lund from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Marcella Cadenas/Google Local
302 W Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023, USA
Rodolfo R./Google Local
Patricio Camacho/Google Local
17017 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, CA 93023, USA
Ojai Valley Inn/Google Local
905 Country Club Rd, Ojai, CA 93023, USA
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