Ojai, California is only about 90 minutes from Los Angeles, and yet, it’s taken me 14 years of living in LA to finally get there. Why, you ask? I think the main deterrent was actually how close it actually was to home. How could it truly feel like a vacation when we were in transit for such a short period of time? Well, folks, let me tell you – we were wrong! So wrong, as I recently discovered during a fun- filled 36 hours in Ojai.

As you head north on the 101, it all feels very familiar. interstate exit after exit that looked just like any other interstate exit in greater LA. And then, all of a sudden, we got on highway 33 and it all felt totally different. Tucked away between mountain ranges and into a valley, just 15 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, you feel as if you’ve been transported to another state or country. It feels like you’ve completely escaped.

Once you’re there, surrounded by mountains on all sides, vacationing in Ojai feels like you’re in a big travel hug. The people are all so warm, the city is so easy to navigate, and everyone seems to all be moving on “Ojai Time”, which is pretty similar to Island time, except with more oranges and wine. 🙂

Where to Stay:

For the ultimate relaxation and spa getaway, you have to book a stay at Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. Most rooms have fireplaces for that extra cozy factor, and huge bathtubs that are begging to be filled with bubbles. The nightly turn-down service included lavender on our pillows, which made falling asleep very easy. The spa, including two spa pools, felt like we hopped a plane over the Atlantic and were in a spa in the middle of the Mediterranean. Between the sauna, steam room, pools, and hot tubs, you could easily spend half a day or more lounging there.

Where to Shop:

Rent a (free) bike from Ojai Valley Inn and cycle around town, spinning from one cute shop to another, stopping for a cup of jo or pint of vino. Our favorite shops were all only a short 15 minute bicycle ride away.

• Shop Summer Camp
• In The Field
• Bart’s Books
• deKor & Co
• Tipple and Ramble
• Fig Curated Living

Where to Eat: 

We like champagne, and beer, and coffee, and tacos and pizzas… so our selections include a little bit of all of those things. 🙂

• Topa Topa Brewery, great selection of craft brews and gorgeous glass tiles behind the bar to snap photos at and just be totally inspired by
• The Nest, great food and beer selection- loved the pizzas
• Beacon Coffee (the adjoining shop is super cute)
• Tipple and Ramble, great wine and cheese plates
• The Oak, The Brioche French Toast is the perfect way to start your day

Now that we’ve got a taste of Ojai, I can’t wait to plan a trip back. Perhaps this time we’ll do a romantic getaway or bring Kid A and explore the more family friendly side of the city. I know I saw a huge kid’s park that she would love and the hikes and pool time are right up our alley. Until next time, Ojai!