The California Coast Guide - Ojai
The Ojai hit list
Hellooo!
I was hot on the CA Coast guides a couple months ago (see below) but decided to skip over Ojai until I could pay another visit, as I hadn’t been there since 2020. I treated myself to a cute solo overnight trip recently and got the scoop on alll the latest spots - let’s get into it!
My other California Coast Guides:
The California Coast Guide - Santa Barbara County Part One (Santa Ynez, Solvang, and Buelton)
The California Coast Guide - Santa Barbara County Part Two (Los Olivos, Los Alamos and Lompoc)
The California Coast Guide - Santa Barbara County Part Three (Santa Barbara and Montecito)
The California Coast Guide - Central Coast Part One (Morro Bay and Baywood-Los Osos)
The California Coast Guide - Central Coast Part Two (Cambria and San Simeon)
Ojai is a small town nestled in between the Topa Topa Mountains & on the way to Santa Barbara. It sits at the very edge of Ventura County and is comprised of essentially one main street of shops + restaurants and tons of sprawling farmland. There is so much quintessential California in Ojai.
Stay
Options for stay are minimal in Ojai, as residents are very protective of the town and do not permit short-term rentals (i.e. Airbnbs). However, there are a few boutique hotels that are all equally charming, listed below - these are all owned by the same hospitality group, Shelter Social Club.
Capri Hotel - Capri is where I stayed on my most recent visit and it was delightful. Mid century mod, Palm Springs-type feel and loved the little touches like free bikes to ride into town + the cozy fireplace in the lobby
Ojai Rancho Inn - I stayed here on my first visit to Ojai and loved the ranch rustic style of the place. Rancho also has a bar, Chief’s Peak, serving natty wine & more in the outdoor courtyard
Hummingbird Inn - Though I haven’t stayed at Hummingbird (yet!) I was able to get a sneak peek of the new renovations - pictured above - and it is looking sooo cute! Excited to see the final product. Renovated rooms are already avail for booking.
To Do
Olive Oil Tasting - For just $10, you can taste up to 18 different olive oils & balsamic vinegars at Ojai Olive Oil Co! I think this is a great deal and it was a nice way to get out of the downtown area and be more immersed in the farm country
Bart’s Books - So so iconic. Bart’s is the largest outdoor bookstore in the world! I love browsing here and never leave empty handed.
Farmer’s Market - If you visit over the weekend, Ojai has an incredible farmers’ market on Sundays right in the center of town
Shops on Ojai Ave - most specifically loved Noted (stationary store) and Treasures of Ojai (huge antique shop)
Take a drive or bike ride through the tangerine groves & wander! It’s soo lovely
Eat/Drink
The Dutchess - though Dutchess is a full blown sit-down Burmese restaurant, they are arguably just as well known for their plentiful pastry case (with bread whisperer Kate behind the carb-y magic) I only grabbed a coffee and a couple pastries here, but will definitely be dining here for dinner next trip
Topa Topa Brewing / Little Sama - Not your average brewery. Topa Topa not only has great beers, but also houses Little Sama, SB’s Sama Sama sibling. Chow down on some Korean wings with your brewski on the patio, it’s bliss
Pinyon Ojai - Pinyon is a newer spot in Ojai, and I loved it immensely. Excellent pizza and natty wine, along with many other fun inventive dishes. Need to go back for tomato pie (love the Philly roots)
Ojai Rotie - Excellent rotisserie chicken with alllll kinds of fun sides to add on
Hip Vegan - Very delish plant-based food!
On My Radar for Next Time
Rory’s Place - I have been dyinggg to try Rory’s for a hot minute, but sadly the restaurant suffered from an electrical fire late last year. I hope they recover soon <3
Ojai Valley Inn - Although this one may have to wait a hot minute as it is $$$, I neeed to experience the luxurious OVI!
What did I miss? Share all your Ojai secrets by replying directly to this email or dropping a comment on Substack! Having fun sharing my latest finds over on TikTok as always- see you online!
Ticket to Sarahdise Event Digest - Week of 1/22
Every week, I’m sharing events you should be checking out in LA. Here’s this week’s download - warning - lots of epic collabs ahead!!
Pop Up Bagels in LA (!!) - Chain is doing everything right I stg. New York’s hottest bagels are ~popping up~ with Chain over the next couple weekends, peep the link for more info + tix
AAPI Art Show - Chunky’s next art show starts this weekend in Chinatown! More info at link
Ola Beach Tennis x Neuehouse Mixer - TBH would go to this just to see inside the Neuehouse Venice space :)