Looking for the best things to do in Ojai, CA?

Over the years, the famed Ojai Valley Inn has cemented the town’s reputation as a gorgeous golf and spa destination. But there’s a lot more to this charming town, especially if you’re a foodie!

Located in Ventura County at the foot of the Topatopa Mountains (at the southern edge of the Los Padres National Forest), Ojai is surrounded by natural beauty.

It’s a great place to escape city life, and it makes for a fun day trip from Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, or anywhere in between.

I’ve been exploring the town of Ojai for more than 25 years. It was less than an hour from my home in Malibu wine country. And even though I am now in San Diego, I still manage to visit at least a few times a year on California road trips that my husband Mike and I take.

The downtown hasn’t grown all that much over the years. Many of the same shops and galleries remain, but every year the food scene gets stronger and tastier.

Best Things To Do in Ojai

Strolling down Ojai Avenue to shop the boutiques and stroll through the art galleries is a no-brainer. However, the town is so small that no matter how slow you walk, you’ll need a few more options for things to do. For foodies, the following is your list of great choices.

The entrance of downtown Ojai, California — The entrance to downtown Ojai, California

1. Sip Some Local Wine 

Back when Mike and I first started coming to Ojai, Old Creek Ranch Winery was a hidden gem in neighboring Oak View. Nowadays, if you want to avoid the country roads and walk between sips, there are tasting rooms in town too!

wine tasting at Majestic Oaks Vineyards in Ojai — Wine tasting at Majestic Oak’s patio is comfy and cozy.

Old Creek Ranch Winery

Enjoy hand-crafted wines at a rustic ranch that dates back to 1898. It’s the perfect spot to explore the vineyards while learning about the history of Ojai.
Old Creek Ranch Winery: 10024 E Old Creek Rd, Ventura 

The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room

This tasting room is located next to the Ojai Art Center. Do a little wine tasting and then go next door and peruse the works of local artists.
The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room: 109 S Montgomery St, Ojai

Majestic Oak Vineyard & Wine Tasting 

This tasting “room” is a lovely patio below Ojai Ave. With comfy cushioned chairs and couches, it’s like an outdoor living room. 
Majestic Oak Vineyard & Wine Tasting: 321 E Ojai Ave, Ojai

2. Taste the Local Beer 

Prefer your bevvies in a pint glass? No problem! Ojai has a few craft brewery offerings on tap for you.

Topa Topa Taproom

I have to admit, my husband and I were quite excited when the Topa Topa Taproom opened back in 2018. Once you visit, the inviting atmosphere and view of Chief Peak from their patio will have you returning again and again. The wide variety of excellent craft beers is a nice bonus!
Topa Topa Taproom: 345 E Ojai Ave, A, Ojai

Ojai Beverage Company

Ojai Beverage Company is well stocked with a vast selection of wines, beers, and liquors. Perhaps surprisingly, it has a pretty good menu of pub food as well. It’s also the best place in Ojai to load up on drinks to go.  
Ojai Beverage Company: 655 E Ojai Ave, Ojai

Ojai Valley Brewery

With an emphasis on creating beers using botanicals from the hills and farms of Ojai, Ojai Valley Brewery pours some of the most unique brews in their beer garden.
Ojai Valley Brewery: 307 Bryant St, Ojai

3. Eat at the Local Restaurants

You may notice that downtown Ojai does not have any chain stores or chain restaurants. That’s not a coincidence; the town actually have a ban on such businesses. Maybe that’s why the restaurant scene here is so diverse and thriving.

We have a whole article dedicated to the best Ojai restaurants. Below is a small sample of favorites.

Rory’s Place

I love coming to Rory’s with friends to share some creative small plates rooted in California cuisine. With seafood from the nearby Channel Islands, you can count on fresh oysters, sea urchin, and fish. Produce and proteins from local farms are featured in the tasty terra firma dishes.
Rory’s Place: 139 E Ojai Ave, Ojai

The Nest

The Nest is a very casual restaurant at which you order at the counter and your food is brought to your table. The vegan Caesar salad with added salmon is one of our favorites. Pro Tip: Ask for extra dressing when you order. 
The Nest: 401 E Ojai Ave, Ojai 

Agave Maria

Sitting on the patio with a tasty margarita will put anyone in a festive mood. All of the traditional Mexican foods served here are good, especially the guacamole and the huge burritos. Post photos of whatever you decide on, and use one of these captions: Mexican Food Quotes.
Agave Maria: 1106 S Montgomery St, Ojai

4. Visit an Olive Oil Farm

The climate in Southern California is similar to that of the premier olive oil regions in Spain and Italy. So, although the United States isn’t exactly known for its extra virgin olive oil, some small producers like Ojai Olive Oil Company bottle offerings that are every bit as tasty as their European rivals.

Olive trees at Ojai Olive Oil Company — The orchard of Ojai Olive Oil Company, just outside of downtown Ojai

The tasting room and boutique is located right on the farm where the olives are grown, just a short drive from the heart of town. The main olive grove was planted way back in the 1800s, and the farm is still family owned and family operated.

All the olive oils are 100% organic, and you can do a full flight tasting of all their oils and balsamic vinegars (with bread) for $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends.

I vary my oil purchases (last time it was white truffle), but I never leave without a bottle of the peach balsamic vinegar. Take your tasting board to one of the outside picnic tables for a beautiful setting and view of the olive groves while you savor your samples.
Ojai Olive Oil Company: 1811 Ladera Rd, Ojai

5. Go to the Farmers Market

The Ojai Certified Farmers Market takes place every Sunday, rain or shine, from 9 am to 1 pm at 300 East Matilija Street. The market has been going strong for over 18 years, with an emphasis on organic local produce. If you see Ojai’s famous Pixie tangerines, definitely get some! They have a unique flavor you’re sure to enjoy.

A variety of mushrooms at the Ojai Farmer's market — A variety of mushrooms at the Ojai Farmers Market

In addition to local fruits and vegetables, you’ll find natural meats, sustainably caught fish, and jams, honeys, and baked goods made by local artisans.

If you want to purchase some of the Ojai Olive Oil Co. olive oil and can’t make it out to the farm, you can visit their booth at the farmers market.
Ojai Farmers Market: 300 E Matilija St, Ojai

6. Go on a Picnic

Whether you want to take advantage of the many biking and walking trails, or just want to bask in the scenic beauty of Ojai, pack up a picnic and enjoy.

Hiking trail at Ojai Meadows Preserve — One of my favorite hikes at Ojai Meadows Preserve

Nature Preserves

The beautiful Ojai Valley is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy does its best to preserve 2,300 acres that include the Ventura River Nature Preserve, Ojai Meadows Preserve, and Valley View Preserve.

Lake Casitas

If the nature lover in you is more agua oriented, try the picnic tables overlooking nearby Lake Casitas (which is really a reservoir). There’s no swimming, but fishing, boating, and rowing are permitted. Different types of watercrafts are available for rental onsite.

Ojai Valley Bike Trail 

Bicycle tourism fans, this one is for you. This nearly 17-mile biking trail connects Ojai to the beaches of Ventura, a great place for a picnic! A word of caution, however: Summers can get quite warm and may not be the best time of year for this outdoor activity unless you are truly fit and keep yourself well hydrated.  

7. Cool Off with Frozen Treats

I was raised believing when you’re on vacation, ice cream makes an ideal lunch—and I still stand by that philosophy. Frozen treats are also a great way to cool off any time of day, no matter when you had your last meal or plan to enjoy your next one.

If you plan on posting your favorite frigid finds, we have some cool ice cream quotes for you too!

Ojai Ice Cream

Ojai Ice Cream has been a longtime locals’ favorite—going back to 1979. On hot days, it is certainly a popular spot and often has a line. Order one of the flavors made from local ingredients like Valley Lavender or Ojai Orange. 
Ojai Ice Cream: 210 E Ojai Ave, Ojai 

Ojai Bliss

Specializing in frozen yogurt, Bliss serves everything from creative flavors like Cherry Almond Cake to the standard vanilla bean, chocolate, and strawberry classics. 
Ojai Bliss: 451 E Ojai Ave, Ojai

Sanders and Sons Gelato

Sanders and Sons churn out the creamiest gelato. Unfortunately, their Ojai shop closed recently, but you can still find their gelato at some of the restaurants in town and at the Westridge Market.  
Find Sanders and Sons Gelato

8. Look For Rare Cookbooks

No trip to Ojai is complete without a trip to Bart’s Books, the world's largest outdoor bookstore. With over 130,000 used and new books, Bart’s truly offers something for everyone.

Cookbook section of Bart's Books — Perusing the cookbook section of Bart’s Books is one of my favorite things to do in Ojai.

And if you’re a foodie and/or cook like me, there’s always something at Bart’s that you won’t find anywhere else. Last year, I found a really old copy of Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

The most amusing part of rummaging through the cookbooks here is that they are housed in a room that’s made to look like a kitchen. 
Bart’s Books: 302 W Matilija St, Ojai

9. Eat Breads and Baked Goods

One of the top things to do in any new town you’re visiting is to check out the local baking scene. My husband and I have our favorites in every city we visit, and Ojai is no exception. Here in Ojai, however, our faves are sold at all different types of outlets, not at traditional bakeries.

Blood Orange Scones at The Dutchess — We are always spoiled for choice when it comes to baked goods in Ojai.

Ojai Rotie

The sourdough boule at Ojai Rotie became an instant local and personal favorite when this spot opened in 2019.  
Ojai Rotie: 469 E Ojai Ave, Ojai

Pinyon Ojai

The bagels at Pinyon are the best in town (but I have to admit that I skip the pizza here).  
Pinyon Ojai: 423 E Ojai Ave Ste 101, Ojai

The Dutchess

If you’re craving fresh pastries, come and sample the creations at this bakery/cafe/restaurant. 
The Dutchess: 457 E Ojai Ave, Ojai 

10. Explore Food Events

Ojai hosts a number of different types of special events throughout the year, some even in the center of town at Libby Park. There’s always a banner as you enter town announcing the next fest.

A set table at the Ojai Valley Inn — Culinary experiences are a great excuse to visit the Ojai Valley Inn.

Ojai Wine Festival 

If you can handle a full day of wine tasting, you’ll have a great time sampling lots of different local wine and listening to live music. The dates for this annual event vary, but it’s usually in June. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance.
Ojai Wine Festival: Held at the Lake Casitas Recreation Area 

Farmhouse

The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn offers epicurean experiences that range from tequila tasting to BBQ dinners to culinary classes for kids.
Farmhouse: 905 Country Club Rd, Ojai, CA 93023 

Ojai Food and Wine Festival

For extreme foodies with lots of coin, there’s a 4-day extravaganza presented by Food & Wine magazine. 
Ojai Food + Wine: Venues vary.