As a Southern California native and frequent Ojai-goer, I can’t get enough of the sunsets, agricultural festivals, spirituality, and anti-chain stores that make Ojai one of the best California mountain towns around.
Ojai, pronounced “O-Hi!,” is a small town home to the famous Pink Moment. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most popular Ojai attractions, and I’ll throw in tons of local hidden gems you won’t find in other guides.
This creative haven is the perfect slow travel destination. Here’s what to do there!
Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
My 27 Favorite Things to Do in Ojai
Pink Moment
An Ojai Valley icon, soak in the pink glow during sunset on the Topatopa Mountains.
🌐 Website | Hours: Sunset, daily, on clear days
One of the most breathtaking things in Ojai is watching the pink moment at sunset. When the Topatopa mountains appear to be glowing pink, you’ll know you’re experiencing the quintessential moment loved by locals and visitors alike.
Find the Pink Moment at any tall lookout point, including Ojai Valley Inn, Shelf Road, Ojai Valley Lookout, Boccali’s, Scenic Overlook, and Meditation Mount.
Ojai Valley Inn
Rejuvenate at a luxurious hotel and world-class spa.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (855) 697-8780 | Website | Entrance: Free, $200+ for spa and golf sessions
Ojai Valley Inn is a popular 2-hour getaway from Los Angeles and a 7-minute bike ride from downtown Ojai. It offers a golf course, bikes, cooking classes, fitness classes, and multiple pools. It also has a Kuyam specialty: a Chumash-inspired desert clay session at its top-notch spa.
Whether you’re a hotel guest or booking a reservation at one of the 5 restaurants, I highly recommend watching the famous Pink Moment around a fireplace at the Ojai Valley Inn’s outdoor hacienda.
👉 Local Tip: Looking for cheaper accommodations? Book a stay at Blue Iguana or go glamping at Caravan Outpost.
The Studio Interactive
Splash paint-filled balloons onto canvas, Jackson Pollock-style.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 4 pm daily, Closed Sundays, Open till 7 pm on weekends | Entrance: $85/person
The Studio Interactive is a new emerging art center in Ojai. Luke, the artist, has created the most unique hands-on experience inside his studio. Suit up in complimentary protective onesies for some paint-throwing fun, and leave with a custom souvenir.
Sonic Butterfly
Attend a one-of-a-kind long-string harp show inside an Ojai local’s studio.
📍 Private Residence | Website | Entrance: $65, adults
Attending a Sonic Butterfly show is a unique experience. Watch performing artist Andrea Brook play 60-foot harp strings as you sit beneath the sensory acoustics with lighting effects and Andrea’s theatrical storytelling. Check back on her website for other Sonic Butterfly pop-ups, including sound baths, retreats, and yoga.
🚗 How to Get There: Once tickets are purchased, you can find the address to Sonic Butterfly. It’s in a beautiful home towards the entrance of Ojai along Highway 33.
Ojai Certified Farmers Market
Shop the best weekend farmers market in California.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 698-5555 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 1 pm, Sundays | Entrance: Free
I highly recommend spending a Sunday afternoon at the weekly Ojai Certified Farmers Market downtown. Stock up on fruits, veggies, homemade tinctures, and more. The quality of produce, quantity of vendors, and location of the market surpasses those of other towns in California (and I’ve been to over 45 markets across the state)!
Ojai Rotie
Eat the best Lebanese-style rotisserie chicken under a shady tree.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 798-9227 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 11 am, 12 pm- 8 pm daily, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays | Entrance: Free, meals $15+
Ojai Rotie is located at the end of the block in Ojai’s historic downtown. It features my favorite Lebanese-spiced chicken, local pixie tangerine-infused lemonade, hummus dips, and fresh sourdough bread.
Ojai Rotie has fair prices, delicious lunch, and an outdoor ambiance that’s always lovely. What more can you ask for?
Valley View Preserve (Shelf Road Trailhead)
Frolic up a moderate hill with the best views of the city.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 649-6852 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free
The Valley View Preserve (at the Shelf Road Trailhead near downtown) is run by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. It offers breathtaking views of the valley and mountainscape. The trail is generally all vertical, but overall, this is a moderate hike. Any time of year is great for hiking, but the spring wildflowers here are a must-see.
Libbey Park
Relax, picnic, play, and listen to music at Ojai’s downtown central park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 646-5581 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: Free and concerts vary in price
Libbey Park is downtown Ojai’s central park. “Meet me at the fountain,” sounds as romantic as it is convenient at this popular meeting spot in downtown Ojai.
Libbey Park is a multi-use spot that has a children’s playground, tennis courts, and a community stage. It also has the famous Shakespeare-style outdoor theater known as the Libbey Bowl.
From incredible live music to festivals and frequent vendor artisan markets, there’s always entertainment at Libbey Park.
Bart’s Books
Get lost in literature at the world’s largest outdoor bookstore.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 646-3755 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily, Closed Thursdays | Entrance: Free
Bart’s Books outdoor bookstore is an open-air reading mecca for all genres. This bookstore has been a historical part of downtown Ojai since the 1960s and adds to the character of this eclectic town.
The best time to visit is first thing in the morning so you can really enjoy roaming the artistically designed aisles before it gets too crowded.
Ojai Olive Oil Company
Stroll through an old olive grove and taste a variety of oils.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 646-5964 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: Free
The Ojai Olive Oil Company makes award-winning products that are sold in many stores. But you must visit their farm to go olive oil and balsamic tasting. The farm is less than 10 minutes from downtown and is a lovely olive grove with guided tours.
You can also grab some of their products at the Ojai Farmers Market on Sundays. I love their seasonal Ojai Pixie tangerine oil and lotions.
Ojai Valley Museum
Learn about Ojai’s history, art, culture, and haunted Char-Man legend.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 640-1390 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily, Closed Mondays-Wednesdays | Entrance: $5, adults, $1 children 6-18
The Ojai Valley Museum is right in Ojai’s charming downtown, just a block away from Bart’s Books. The museum packs a lot into a fairly small space, so it’s a great spot to explore on the way to other activities in the area. I highly recommend learning about the Char-Man legend and then going to Camp Comfort on Creek Road to get your ghost fixed.
Firestick Pottery Studio
Create a piece of pottery in just a few hours.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 272-8760 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Classes: $55 and up for workshops | 👉 Book Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour on Viator
Although Firestick Pottery Studio is home to serious ceramic artists, it welcomes beginners to enjoy a pottery class. You can try recurring classes or book a studio tour and workshop and leave with your own handmade piece.
You can also shop for some great gifts inside the gallery at Firestick Pottery Studio. A simple 2-hour workshop runs about $55 which is pretty reasonable for the area.
Meditation Mount
Meditate on a cliff of bewilderment overlooking the city.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 646-5508 | Website | Hours vary | Entrance: $27+
Meditation Mount is probably the best view in town. It is a sanctuary for creative meditation and seekers of enlightenment.
The grounds are breathtaking, with options for both guided and self-guided paths. From meditation classes to sound baths, drum circles, retreats, yoga, and sunset salutations, something beautiful is always taking place here.
👉 Local Tip: Knock out 2 attractions at once! Attend a meditation event here at sunset just in time to witness the Pink Moment.
Camp Comfort
Camp at the legendary haunted home of the Ojai “Char-Man.”
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 654-3591 | Website | Entrance: Free, Camping, $46+/pp
Camp Comfort off Creek Road in Ojai Valley is where the infamous sightings of the Ojai legend, “Char-Man,” happen. This is the place to go if you’re into being spooked!
However, Camp Comfort is also a beautifully serene campground. Go for a weekend of getting lost in the wilderness and listening to the San Antonio Creek flowing through. After camping, make sure to keep exploring quirky Ojai by enjoying a meal at Ojai Deer Lodge.
Lake Casitas
Fish, camp, and boat at a pristine 2,500-acre lake.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: $10/vehicle off-season, $20/vehicle on-season
Lake Casitas is Ojai’s closest lake. It’s a 55-minute drive from downtown. This 2,500-acre lake is known for bass fishing, RV camping, cabin rentals, and a drinking water reservoir. While you cannot swim in this lake, Lake Casitas offers boating and a water park, both great for families.
Tibble and Ramble
Sip and savor at a styled outpost off the beaten path.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 220-3373 | Website | Hours: 3 pm – 7 pm daily, Closed Mondays-Tuesdays, Weekends 12 pm – 7 pm
Tipple and Ramble is a hidden gem in Ojai. It’s technically a wine bar, but the local charcuterie boards, funky furniture, plus mini gift shop make it a rather unique spot in town. For such a small space, there’s ample seating both indoors and at the cute outdoor patio. Tipple and Ramble is a relaxing getaway for those looking to get away from the crowds on the main street.
Willett Hot Springs
Hike 10 miles to the warm and secluded Hot Springs.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Permit Required
You’ll find Willett Hot Springs less than 2 hours Northeast of Ojai in Los Padres National Forest. It’s a 10-mile hike from the trailhead, but this is a great free activity to do when near Ojai.
The hike is great for mountain views and primitive-style springs. It is open year-round, but the best times to visit Willett Hot Springs are spring and fall.
Los Padres National Forest
Hike California’s second-largest National Forest.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 968-6640 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 4:30 pm daily, Closed Saturday-Sunday | Entrance: Adventure Pass Needed, $30/night campsites
Los Padres National Forest is in the Ojai Ranger District and is California’s second-largest National Forest. Los Padres National Forest is known for fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, and camping. Make sure to make a reservation on weekends, holidays, and the summertime influx.
Ojai Valley Bike Trail
Bike from Ojai to Ventura on this 9-mile trail.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7 am – sunset daily | Entrance: Free
The Ojai Valley Bike Trail is a beautiful rail path. Cycle from the tree-lined path of Ojai to the coastal views of Ventura. Ojai also has the Pratt Trail Loop with a mountain bike trail. But for all levels of cycling, the Ojai Valley Trail is one of the best in the area.
Majestic Oak Vineyard and Wine Tasting
Taste local wine in a cozy garden.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 794-0272 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 6 pm daily
For wine-tasting lovers, I highly recommend Majestic Oak Vineyard and Wine Tasting, right in the heart of downtown Ojai. I recommend this over The Topa Mountain Winery, which has recently closed, and the more corporate-feeling Ojai Vineyard tasting room, which is a bit overrated.
Ojai Pixie Month
Sip and savor the harvest of pixie tangerines.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The best time of year to visit Ojai is April for Ojai Pixie Month. This is when the local pixie tangerine is harvested. Ojai Valley has a unique micro-climate to grow its fruit and veggies.
All of Ojai celebrates the April harvest season. Businesses offer Pixie-infused food, drinks, spa treatments, hotel packages, activities, and pixie-themed shopping. You can still find these ripe tangerines from March to May.
Ojai Meadows Preserve
Enjoy a beautiful stroll with fresh air, wildlife, and plant life.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 649-6852 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free (donations accepted)
Ojai Meadows Preserve is a fairly easy and paved trail that’s dog-friendly and family-oriented. This 1-mile stroll includes different plants and wildlife for those who appreciate the natural world. It is also a popular place for painters.
When you’re looking for outdoor adventures, Ojai Meadows Preserve is the most suitable for all ages. It’s also conveniently located in the heart of Ojai.
Revel Kombucha Bar
Taste a flight of locally made, digestion-friendly kombucha.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 272-0028 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free, drinks $5.15+
Ojai is all about homemade, fresh ingredients and living off the land. It wouldn’t be a full trip to Ojai without a stop inside Revel Kombucha Bar to taste the rotating flavors on tap.
Revel Kombucha Bar is a great central hangout, especially in the hot summer months. Cool off in the air conditioning with a refreshing bubbly. Make sure to try the Pink Moment Kombucha.
Fig Curated Living
Shop for home decor and uncommon gifts in the cutest little hideaway.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 646-6561 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 5 pm daily, Open till 6 pm Friday and Saturday
Ambiance sums up the town of Ojai, and Fig Curated Living offers visitors the quintessential Ojai ambiance.
Ojai is buzzing with art galleries, boho apparel, and herbal and crystal shops. Fig Curated Living is a home decor and gift shop that offers unique souvenirs for all your beloved friends, kids, and family members inspired by local artists.
Santa Barbara Lavender Festival (formerly Ojai Valley Lavender Festival)
Celebrate the Lavender season with treats, gifts, and entertainment.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 451-7147 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Annually in June | Entrance: Free
Attend the region’s best-smelling festival to celebrate everything lavender. The Ojai Valley Lavender Festival started in Libbey Park and has moved to Santa Barbara. Enjoy a bigger festival with more accommodations around town. Regardless, you’ll still want to visit Ojai during the Lavender harvest, as it’s a beautiful time to visit.
🛎️ Need a Hotel? Book the El Encanto in Santa Barbara to stay overnight for the Lavender Festival.
Ojai Music Festival
Enjoy four summer days of tunes at the Libbey Bowl.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 646-2094 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Saturday and Sunday | Tickets: $130/4 day lawn pass
The Ojai Music Festival is over 70 years old. Every June, locals and visitors alike enjoy four days of classical and contemporary live music at the back of Libbey Park, inside the Libbey Bowl. Ojai Music Festival is iconic, so plan your trip early and book a hotel in advance.
Krotona Institute of Theosophy
Walk the path of a labyrinth.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (805) 646-1139 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 5 pm daily, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays | Entrance: Free
You might miss this gem, as the Krotona Institute of Theosophy sits on a hillside on the western edge of Ojai. Krotona is a residential community with a library, research center, and bookshop, surrounded by gardens and meadows.
Enjoy walking along the stone labyrinth, open to the public during daytime hours. Explore your spirituality and head to Krishnamurti Educational Center too.
***
That’s a wrap for my list of the best things to do in Ojai. Leave a comment and let me know what you’re most excited to do. I hope you love exploring California’s central coast!
