We’re weekend getaway people here at MGD, and one of our absolute favorite destinations for a weekend getaway is Ojai! About an hour inland of the Santa Barbara Area, this small farm town has the most beautiful views and winding back roads. Being just a few hours drive from Orange County, we were able to escape to Ojai for a girls weekend getaway, and it’s truly such a special place. Today we’re sharing a travel guide of our favorite places to stay, eat, and shop in this quaint town. Keep reading for all of our recs!
Ojai
Known for its farmers’ market of local organic agriculture as well as its picturesque views of the Topatopa Mountains, Ojai is a charming town filled with a classic resort and a few boutique hotels, mom-and-pop-style food spots, and curated shops. It’s a peaceful place to spend a long weekend with friends or family.
Where to Stay in Ojai
Ojai Valley Inn
The main attraction in town and equally beloved spot to stay is the Ojai Valley Inn. The grounds are surrounded by mountains and golf courses, and the architecture and landscaping throughout the inn is gorgeous and perfectly quaint. Tip: borrow the bikes and ride them into town for some shopping!
Thacher House
The Thacher House compound is comprised of five buildings: a four bedroom house and four private cabins. It’s truly a tucked away magical oasis with beautiful grounds, chickens, goats and locally sourced food. This is our next spot to stay, and hoping one day we can even plan a retreat here.
The Capri
The Capri Hotel is a mid-century modern roadside hotel, and the newest accommodations in town from Shelter Social Club, who are known for their boutique-style dwellings for travelers. It was renovated in collaboration with makers and artists just two years ago, and the resulting design is inspired and fresh. This is great for travelers looking for a cost savings alternative from the resort in town.
Ojai Rancho Inn
The Ojai Rancho Inn is an old-fashioned hotel meets motel with a laid-back feel. The spot used to be a roadside motor lodge that they’ve since fixed up a few years back. It’s comfortable and family friendly, and also owned by Shelter Social Club.
Where To Eat in Ojai
The Nest / Link
Created by an Ojai native, this spot serves classic comfort food made with organic and locally sourced ingredients. Every dish is unique and fresh!
Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room / Link
A charming vine-covered exterior leads way to a cozy little tasting room right in town. Perfect for after lunch.
Rory’s Place / Link
The best dinner spot, and very loved by locals. Be sure to start with the hearth bread with marinated feta, one of their house cocktails, and then explore their seasonal menu family style so you can try as much as possible. We loved everything we tried and will most definitely be back!
Pinyon / Link
Casual neopolitan pizza spot, and some of the best pizza we’ve had. Great for takeaway as well if you want to bring back to your hotel for a picnic.
Topa Topa / Link
Grab drinks before dinner at the brewery or stop in for a bite at Little Sama Sama, Santa Barbara’s beloved sister restaurant.
The Dutchess / Link
The perfect spot for your first morning pit stop. Incredible house made pastries and coffee. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation and don’t want to leave. Their bistro interiors make it extra charming. This is also a great place for dinner, just be sure to make reservations!
Beacon Coffee / Link
If you’re in the mood for craft coffee, this is your spot. We also love The Dutchess for morning coffee and tea.
Ojai Rotie / Link
Open for takeaway bread and pastries in the morning, as well as lunch and dinner. We had lunch here and couldn’t stop raving about how delicious everything was. Definitely worth having at least one meal here, if not all three – breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Tipple & Ramble / Link
This wine shop is great for afternoon drinks and apps out on the patio. Be sure to stop by for happy hour!
Where To Shop In Ojai
Summer Camp / Link
Vintage collectibles and colorful home decor galore. You’ll pass by on your way into town, so it’s a fun pit stop for a little taste of Ojai in design form.
Fig Curated Living / Link
A magical and funky little shop filled with colorful outdoor bistro furniture, pots, and lots of eclectic home goods.
DeKor & Co / Link
A collected home goods and womens wares shop, owned by Swedish designer, Isabelle Dahlin, with a sister store and design studio in LA.
Fern’s General Store / Link
Situated adjacent to The Nest, this pint-sized home goods shop is perfectly merchandised and filled to the brim with so many goodies you’ll want to bring home.
Noted / Link
Stationery and such; the kind of shop I always leave with something in hand, including the sweetest birthday candles for Ollie’s first birthday.
Ojai Olive Oil Co. / Link
Stop by for olive oil tasting experience on a family owned and operated farm. Also available at the Ojai Farmers’ Market!
Farmers’ Market / Link
Head to the Ojai Farmers’ Market on Sunday for locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables harvested daily.
We hope you enjoyed our Ojai travel guide and saved some places to visit on your next weekend trip. For more travel guides from our team, head to the travel section of our blog. If you’re looking for more local destinations, we have guides for all over California, from our hometown of Orange County, California to The Santa Ynez Area. Where should we head next? Let us know in the comments! Thanks for following along.