48 Hours in Ojai
I’ve been feeling burnt out lately, so we booked a last-minute trip to Ojai to get a chance of scenery. It was so lovely! I hadn’t been to Ojai in quite a few years, and I forgot how much of a quick escape it is from LA. Joe and I headed up on a weekday to avoid any crowds and spent a few days in the sun by the pool. I’ve always done Ojai as a day-trip, or stayed at the local campgrounds, so it was really fun to actually stay in the lil town for once. It’s truly a daydream type of town straight out of the 60’s. The name Ojai comes from the local Chumash natives who called the Ojai Valley “Awhai” (A-HA-EE), meaning moon, and it’s often referred to as the Valley of the Moon. There are mid-century buildings, artsy shops, gorgeous mountains, and lush plants and cacti everywhere you look which makes it feel like you’re transported to the 70’s. I blasted my Flower Child Playlist on Spotify the whole time. Cue the Mama’s and Papa’s…
We stayed at the Capri Motel–a mid-century dreamland that was just updated by the folks at Shelter Social Club. I love their other hotels, and this one is officially my new favorite. I love the history behind hotels and this century dream was built in 1963, and has all of the magical retro details I love: a cool typography sign, a dreamy post and beam lobby with a rock fireplace, and the loveliest plants all around. It’s surrounded by lovely views of the Topa Topa Mountains, and feels like you’re straight out of the 60’s.
On the way in we stopped by Point de Chene Wine & Beer to grab some bottles of wine. I love grabbing wine from a local shop on trips, and when I saw this wine shop specialized in natural wine I was sure to add it to the list. We grabbed coffee at Beacon Coffee Company–iced matcha, yes please–and then headed straight for the pool at the hotel. I’m still in love with all of the mid-century details at the hotel. They did such a gorgeous job designing it. Along with the pool, it has a huge lush green yard bursting with palm trees and jungle plants where you can lounge, read, or picnic. The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant so it was really cool to bring your own food and drinks to the pool and yard.
The next day we headed straight for the pool after breakfast, and then soaked up the sun all afternoon. For dinner we went to Azu and had some of the yummiest Mexican food. On our way out we stopped by a few shops like Summer Camp, Bart’s Books, In The Field, and Cattywampus Crafts. It was such a nice getaway, and I loved how quick and easy it is to get there from LA.
WHERE TO SHOP
Bart’s Books: is one of the coolest places in town so we had to stop by. It’s the biggest outdoor bookshop I’ve ever seen, and I could honestly spend hours browsing. They even have book outside and a note that says to drop coins in the slot if you buy a book when they’re closed. Such a unique place!
Summer Camp: Ahh I adore this shop! It’s a renovated retro gas station turned shop, and it’s full of adorable plants and goodies. I wanted just about everything in this shop, and left with a bunch of plant pots.
In The Field: The prettiest shop! They had a ton of cute pieces for the home and clothes. Joe loved the men’s section too–it had tons of denim and well-made shirts–Joe approved!
Canyon Supply: Another cute shop in the main street.
Cattywampus Crafts: This little shop is connected to Beacon Coffee, and has the prettiest crafts and goodies. I loved their record collection.
Fig Curated Living: A shop on the main drag with tons of plants. The perfect place to get lost.
Found 203 Studio: This shop was closed when we were there, but it’s on my list.
WHERE TO EAT + DRINK
Tipple & Ramble: Great place to grab a cheese board and hang out outside.
Beacon Coffee Company: The coffee shop to go to in Ojai! We stopped by for a coffee each morning. They also roast their own coffee, so be sure to grab a bag on your way out.
Little Sama: Sama Sama is one of my all time fave Santa Barbara restaurants, and I squealed when I saw there was a small one inside of the Topa Topa Brewery in Ojai. We had some yummy bites from Sama with our drinks.
Topa Topa Brewery: A local brewery with great beers. I had their grapefruit hard seltzer and was addicted!
Azu: Mexican food? Yes, please! I’m still thinking about that dessert…
Topa Mountain Winery: A huge winery where you can hang out, soak up the mountain views and sip some good dry wines. There’s grape vines you can walk through, and it’s a really large space to hang out in. P.S. they have a yummy frose too!
Hip Vegan: Grab lunch at this cute vegan spot with yummy food.
Nocciola: A fancy Italian restaurant with the prettiest outdoor seating. We went at sunset and got to see the sun setting along the mountain while we were surrounded by the lush trees.
WHERE TO STAY + PLACES TO SEE
Caravan Outpost: A cute community of airstreams to stay at!
Capri Hotel: The dreamy mid-cenury hotel we stayed at. Walking distance to pretty much everything in downtown Ojai.
Ojai Valley Inn Spa I didn’t go there on this trip, but it’s not an Ojai trip ithout mentioning this place. I love their spa treatments and if you have a free day in ojai def go here!
Earth Island Medical Herb Garden: A unique garden to visit.
Camp at Wheeler Gorge: I camped here a few years back, and it’s so nice! The campsites are surrounded by the forest and trees, and the view of the mountains can’t be beat.
