The small, charming city of Ojai in Southern California is known for its artsy resort vibe, wellness retreats, beautiful architecture, and dramatic “pink moment” sunsets. Just 1.5 hours driving from Los Angeles, it makes for a fantastic escape from the city.
In fact, Ojai was recently named in World Atlas‘s list of “California’s best small towns for a weekend escape,” alongside fantastic spots like Julian, Carmel, and Avalon.
Have you ever made the drive to Ojai? Let us tell you why it’s worth it.
Things to do in Ojai
The name “Ojai” comes from the Chumash word for “nest,” a reference to the town’s location cradled by the Topa Topa Mountains. The Indigenous Chumash people inhabited this area long before Spanish and American settlement shaped the valley as we know it today. Now, Ojai has a population of about 7,500 residents.
Downtown Ojai retains a distinctive Mission Revival and Spanish style of architecture, dating to its development as a health and resort destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These days, Ojai continues to preserve its local character by upholding some of the strictest limits on chain stores in the state.
The surrounding Ojai Valley is a popular location for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It’s also known for harvesting stellar produce and natural products, such as citrus and olive oil.
Many visitors lean into the area’s natural serenity by booking a session at the award-winning Spa Ojai or Meditation Mount, and literature lovers will want plenty of time to explore Bart’s Books, an enormous maze of bookshelves stocking 130,000 works.
Don’t leave before sunset, because you’ll need to catch Ojai’s famous “pink moment” when the setting sun hits the mountains just right.
Visiting Ojai from L.A.
Ojai makes for a nice visit in spring and fall, when daytime temps are pleasant, as summer can be quite hot inland. In the winter, you can expect cooler weather and greener hills with a quieter ambiance in town.
During the 1.5-hour drive to and from Los Angeles, some visitors stop along the coast in spots like Ventura or Carpinteria before heading inland on Highway 33.