Solo Weekend Getaway to Ojai
I traveled to Ojai just last week, and I’m already dreaming of coming back.
From my hometown, it’s a day trip, but it is just as equally worthwhile to drive out to visit Ojai and its sister cities, Santa Barbara and Ventura. I went on this trip with a plan, and, as with all plans, things went slightly haywire. I had planned a straight shot up the coast, but ended up backtracking several times in a bit of a swirl to revisit some favorite spots along the central California coast. It ended up looking like this!
First: 9:30 Farmer’s Market
Address: 300 E Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023
Open Sunday 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM
If you happen to be in Ojai on Sunday, don’t skip this! The vendors are so sweet and often offer free samples. This is also quite the introduction to Ojai’s hippie-dippy scene. I grabbed a coffee, and while in line, overheard the conversation between two older gentlemen discussing the perfect recipe for hummus. Everyone here wore Merrells and semi-hiking gear, sported greying hair and muscles, and had smiles as wide as the sun. This isn’t hating, mind you- it’s admiration. I walked by a knife sharpener who said he “loved my whole vibe.” Everyone in this town seemed ready to chat and were quick with a compliment- a good sign of happy people. And it seems the farmer’s market is their hub.
There is more than just fresh fruits and veggies too- plants, mushrooms, bread, soaps. There was even a poetry writer who had a whole typewriter set and everything! This is such a cool experience, and I don’t want you missing out.
Bart’s Books
Bart’s Books is the world’s largest outdoor bookstore, serving the Ojai community since 1964. We believe that there is a book for everyone, and that reading is the catalyst for a connection amongst passionate people. Bart’s hosts a collection of over 130,000 used and new books, ranging from rare out-of-print gems to well loved paperbacks. The staff – composed entirely of dedicated book-lovers – can not only help you find a book but can also offer a recommendation for a new favorite. Over 50 years after its conception, Bart’s lives on as a haven for passionate readers, intrigued travelers, wandering artists, and those just looking for a good “beach read.” (Bart’s Books)
I found this place to be super cute and surprisingly not-crowded! I got there around 10:30, and was the only other person besides a staff member and a mother with her son. They were reading the Hungry Hungry Caterpillar, which informed me that Bart’s Books also has lots of children’s books in store! It is quite a maze to get around, so enjoy the process of getting lost and finding that one true book!
Treasures of Ojai
This is a huge antique store! There are so many corners to get lost in. Apparently, there is a “hidden vinyl room,” which I kind of stumbled into (it’s not so hidden), but it makes a neat scavenger hunt anyways! Check out the weird items they have in store, like this fake stuffed bear that looks like a toasted marshmallow and these radioactive dinnerware! Yum!
Fig Curated Living
There is a reason why this spot is on everyone’s list when coming to Ojai. It’s a gorgeous home furnishings and gift shop with lots of cool little sets and trinkets. It’s far above my budget personally, but it’s well-worth the walk around, especially with it being so central to everything in Ojai.
The Lennon Closet Consignment
Cute thrift spot, not too bad on prices. Worth a look, especially to just sit out on the bench by the pretty flower water fountain right out front!
Ojai Museum
I cannot pass up a good museum! This tinsy tiny one is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 10 am – 4 pm. 3rd Fridays 10 am – 7 pm
Address: 130 West Ojai Avenue. Free maps and other info are available Tuesday – Sunday in our Visitor Center
Tickets: No ticket to enter, but the suggested donation is $5 for adults, and $1 for children 6-18
Free all day on the 3rd Friday of the month, 10 am – 7 pm
The Ojai Museum also offers walking tours, where you can interact with the various plaques around town! How cute!
I will say, this museum is TINY. There is a reason there is only a suggested donation, and no actual ticket price. I walked through at my usual leisurely pace, and was done in about twenty minutes. So, if you’ve time to kill or it’s a rainy day, this is a neat spot to check out!
Crystal Corner
Whether you’re spiritual or a crystal mama or not at all, stopping by the Crystal Corner is always worth a look. It’s fun to wander around the shop, smelling the incense, and checking out all the pretty gemstones!
Downtown Shopping
This is pretty varied- there’s a main road down Ojai where pretty much everything is off of. It’s such a walkable town, making it super fun for a solo traveler like me. There’s also a lot of cozy nooks to sit down and take in the sights. Right outside Libbey Park, I saw a cute little notice sign painted onto the tower nearby. Pause and read the signs for a bit of history in town! The mural pictured below was made with the help of local students during 2020, as a symbol of hope and peace.
To Eat (Not sponsored, but I wish I was!)
Runners up are the Dutchess, Pinyon, and Ojai Rotie!
When you’re done eating, why work off all that tasty food with a nice hike? Right nearby Ojai is Fox Canyon Trail, Rose Valley Falls, and Cozy Dell Via Foothill Trails!
Optional Hikes:
Fox Canyon Trail: Get to know this 2.9-mile loop trail near Ojai, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 42 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. The hike features diverse terrain and is adorned with wildflowers during spring and early summer. (Alltrails info)
Rose Valley Falls: Enjoy this 0.8-mile out-and-back trail near Ojai, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 24 min to complete. This is a popular trail for camping, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Begin near Rose Valley Campground and follow Rose Valley Creek upstream to the waterfall cascading down a mossy cliff. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, it is most impressive during the spring and following recent rain. (Alltrails info)
Cozy Dell Via Foothill Trail: Explore this 4.0-mile loop trail near Ojai, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 24 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Begin by climbing up the hillside traveling up towards Cozy Del Rd. You will arrive at a creek just before reaching the road. Most of the route is along a hillside that is often sunny. (Alltrails info)
Overall, would I come back to Ojai? Absolutely! Can this little town be explored in a day or two? Absolutely! Trust me, Ojai is definitely not San Francisco or Santa Barbara. There aren’t oodles of things to do here. But that’s quite frankly the point- come on down to Ojai to relax, enjoy the nature scenery, and really get your toes (or Merrells) in the dirt. Plus, there’s lots of nearby towns within a day trip away to explore if you ever get bored! I visited them all on my solo trip through California’s Central Coast recently. Check it out if you’d like! Toodles!
