A Laid-Back Day Trip to Ojai, CA: Where We Went and What We Loved

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A day trip to Ojai is an easy escape from Los Angeles, just 18 miles inland from the Pacific coast. Though only an hour and a half away, this small town feels like a world apart, with wineries, citrus farms, olive oil tastings, and scenic views.

We first visited Ojai toward the end of the pandemic, craving a change of scenery. It was the break we needed—fresh air, a slower pace, and plenty to explore. After 16 years in LA, it’s easy to overlook nearby gems, but we’ve been making an effort to rediscover places close to home.

featured image: A collage of three images showcasing an Ojai, California day trip: the Ojai Post Office Bell Tower, books displayed outside at Bart’s Books, and a scenic swing under an oak tree at Ojai Olive Oil Company.

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For a day in Ojai, you can stroll through Downtown Ojai for boutique shopping and wine tasting, stop by Bart’s Books, or visit the Ojai Olive Oil Company. You can cover a lot in a day, but Ojai also makes a great weekend retreat if you have time for a longer stay.

If we return overnight, the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa is at the top of our list. But even in just a day, Ojai is the kind of place that makes you slow down and recharge.

Things to Do in Ojai in a Day

Based on our experience, these are the must-visit spots and top things to do during a day trip to Ojai—or even a weekend getaway.

Exploring the Heart of Ojai (Ojai Village)

336 E Ojai Ave, Ojai
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A sunlit covered walkway in Ojai’s Historic Arcade, featuring white stucco arches, wooden beams, hanging lanterns, and tiled flooring. Parked cars and benches line the corridor, with a clear blue sky and trees visible in the background.

Downtown Ojai is the heart of this small town, with tree-lined streets, boutique shops, art galleries, and great places to eat. Stroll through the historic arcade, a covered walkway lined with shops and restaurants, or grab a coffee and enjoy some people-watching.

You’ll likely spend an hour or two here before heading to lunch or exploring more of Ojai.

Highlights in Downtown Ojai:

Unique local shops
Restaurants & cafés
Art galleries
Wine tasting
Libbey Park
Ojai Valley Museum
Bart’s Books (a must-visit outdoor bookstore)
Ojai Coffee Roasters (we stopped here multiple times!)

Start Your Day at Ojai Coffee Roasters

337 E Ojai Ave, Ojai
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Interior of Ojai Coffee Roasters, featuring a wooden counter, shelves stocked with coffee beans, and a vintage-style 'Caffe Espresso Servizio' poster on the wall. Chalkboard menus list various coffee options, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

After parking in Downtown Ojai, we made a beeline for Ojai Coffee Roasters—a must-stop for coffee lovers. If you need a caffeine fix to start your day, this local spot won’t disappoint. They also serve breakfast and lunch, but we were here for the coffee.

It was exactly what we needed after the drive—strong, flavorful, and the perfect pick-me-up before exploring Ojai.

Shopping in Ojai: Unique Local Finds

A welcoming entrance to an outdoor shopping area at Fig Ojai, framed by green doors. The space is decorated with hanging lanterns, eclectic home decor, potted plants, and colorful furniture, leading to a cozy marketplace.

An outdoor shopping space at Fig Ojai, featuring vine-covered walls, string lights, and an eclectic mix of colorful pillows, handcrafted decor, and unique home goods arranged in a cozy setting.

A ceramic plaque hanging on a wooden slatted background, featuring the quote: 'Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.' - Helen Keller.

A display of handcrafted wooden bowls, spoons, and kitchen accessories at Fig Ojai, along with a ceramic olive oil bottle, vintage books, and decorative trinkets on a white shelf.

One of the best parts of exploring Ojai was wandering through its locally owned shops—no big chains, just small businesses full of personality. Every store felt thoughtfully curated, offering everything from handmade crafts to unique home decor and gifts.

One that stood out was Fig Ojai. Walking in felt like stepping into a hidden treasure trove—vintage finds, handcrafted goods, colorful textiles, and eclectic decor filled every corner. Shelves were stacked with unique kitchenware, cozy pillows, and artistic keepsakes, while twinkling lights and vine-covered walls added to the charm. If you’re looking for a meaningful gift or something special for yourself, this shop is well worth a visit.

Bart’s Books: A One-of-a-Kind Outdoor Bookstore

302 W Matilija St, Ojai
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The entrance to Bart's Books in Ojai, partially covered by lush green vines. A wooden sign with 'Bart’s Books' hangs among the foliage, with bookshelves filled with books visible in the background."

Bookshelves lining the exterior wall of Bart’s Books in Ojai, surrounded by green vines and potted plants. The outdoor display allows passersby to browse books along the sidewalk.

A bookshelf at Bart’s Books in Ojai, labeled 'Travel,' filled with a variety of travel-related books. The wooden shelves are stocked with colorful book spines under a partially open roof.

A rustic wooden sign at Bart’s Books displaying the store’s hours: 'Open 7 Days A Week, 10:00 - 6:00.' Below, a note explains the honor system for after-hours book purchases.

If you are a book lover, Bart’s Books is a must-visit in Ojai. This independent bookstore has been a local staple since 1964, offering an incredible selection of new and used books, from classic novels to bestsellers, comics, and unique collectibles.

What makes Bart’s Books truly special is its layout—an entire bookstore set outdoors. Shelves line open-air walkways, inviting you to browse under the sun or stars. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time, flipping through pages in the fresh Ojai air.

Wine Tasting in Ojai: Small Town, Big Flavor

Wine tasting is one of the best things to do in Ojai. Despite its size, this small town has a thriving wine scene, with multiple vineyards and tasting rooms showcasing locally produced wines. If you’re looking to sample Ojai’s best, you don’t have to venture far—some tasting rooms are right in the heart of town.

Wine Tasting Rooms in Downtown Ojai

Majestic Oak Vineyard Tasting Room: A cozy spot in Downtown Ojai with a charming patio where you can enjoy a full-tasting flight.
The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room: Offers an impressive selection of over 300 wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, in a redesigned colonial-style space.
Feros Ferio Winery: A lively tasting room with a fun, artistic vibe featuring live music, art displays, and a friendly atmosphere.
The Vine: A bar serving local wines, tapas, and artisanal cheeses in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting.

Scenic Wine Tasting Just Outside Downtown

Topa Mountain Winery: Located west of town, this winery offers breathtaking mountain views and a laid-back setting. Reservations are highly recommended.

Go Olive Oil Tasting at Ojai Olive Oil Company

1811 Ladera Rd, Ojai
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A rustic wooden sign for Ojai Olive Oil Company, mounted between two logs and surrounded by olive trees under a clear blue sky.

A woman (kathy) in a green dress and denim jacket swinging from a tree at Ojai Olive Oil Company, surrounded by olive trees and picnic tables in the background.

A grove of olive trees at Ojai Olive Oil Company, with sunlight filtering through the branches and dry earth beneath the trees.

An outdoor seating area at Ojai Olive Oil Company, featuring wrought iron chairs, a barrel planter with a small olive tree, and a scenic view of mountains and olive groves.

A close-up of ripe olives hanging from a branch at Ojai Olive Oil Company, surrounded by green leaves.

A shaded picnic area at Ojai Olive Oil Company, with rustic wooden picnic tables set beneath olive trees along a dirt path

Visiting Ojai Olive Oil Company was one of the highlights of our day trip. Walking among the olive trees felt like a brief escape to Italy, adding to the charm of the experience.

Olive oil tasting here is simple and enjoyable. Four olive oil samples and four balsamic samples are served in a wooden box, each in its own container. You can take your time tasting them outside on the patio or at one of the shaded picnic tables.

Their Tuscan extra virgin olive oil was our favorite—we couldn’t leave without bringing a bottle home. The setting was incredibly peaceful, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves on a weekday.

Take a Stroll at Ojai Meadow Preserves

1601 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai
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A rustic dirt trail at Ojai Meadow Preserve, lined with a weathered wooden fence and surrounded by dry grass, trees, and distant greenery under a hazy sky.

Ojai Meadow Preserve offers a quiet escape with open trails perfect for walking or biking. The loop trail is less than a mile long, making it an easy and relaxing walk. The wide-open space, framed by rolling hills, gives it a peaceful feel—especially if you visit on a quieter day.

Wildflowers likely bloom across the meadow in the spring, adding bursts of color and making it an even more scenic spot. Even outside of peak bloom, it’s a great place to take in Ojai’s natural beauty, get some fresh air, and enjoy a slower pace before heading back into town.

Eat at Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta

3277 E Ojai Ave, Ojai
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A woman (kathy) sitting at a green picnic table under shady oak trees at Boccali’s outdoor dining area in Ojai, with a relaxed atmosphere and a QR code menu on the table.

A plate of sautéed garlic mushrooms at Boccali’s in Ojai, glistening with herbs and seasoning, served on a white dish.

A freshly baked cheese pizza from Boccali’s in Ojai, with a golden crust and melted cheese, served on a silver tray on a green picnic table.

A bowl of Boccali’s strawberry shortcake in Ojai, topped with fresh strawberries and a generous swirl of whipped cream, served on a green picnic table.

With only one day in Ojai, you won’t have time to try every restaurant, so it’s worth checking ahead for reservations. If you’re craving casual Italian, Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta is a great choice—family-owned, loved by locals, and known for its fresh, farm-to-table ingredients.

We ate at their ranch location, where picnic tables sit under large oak trees, creating a relaxed outdoor dining experience. By the time they opened at 4 p.m., a line had already formed.

For appetizers, we ordered their garlic mushrooms, followed by a cheese pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven. We’re picky about pizza, but the crust here was excellent.

The highlight? Their famous strawberry shortcake. If strawberries are in season, don’t leave without trying it. The combination of fresh strawberries, fluffy shortcake, and whipped cream was the perfect sweet ending to our day in Ojai.

A sign at Boccali Ranch Pumpkin Patch in Ojai explaining the honor system for purchasing pumpkins, placed on a small wooden stand with pumpkins and an American flag in the background.

A woman (kathy) in a green dress and denim jacket playfully walking through Boccali’s Pumpkin Patch in Ojai, surrounded by scattered pumpkins, hay bales, and a cornfield in the background.

A rustic pumpkin patch at Boccali Ranch in Ojai, featuring an old tractor, scattered pumpkins, corn stalks, and a scarecrow figure under shady oak trees.

🍂 Fall Bonus: If you visit in the fall, Boccali’s pumpkin patch sits right behind the restaurant. On the day we visited, they even had an honor system set up for picking out pumpkins—just another charming touch that makes this spot feel extra special.

FAQs: Planning a Day Trip to Ojai

The Ojai Post Office Bell Tower framed by lush green and autumn-colored leaves, with the Topatopa Mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. — Ojai Post Office Bell Tower is a historical landmark.

How do I spend a day in Ojai?

There’s plenty to do in Ojai, whether you prefer a laid-back day exploring town or something more active like biking or hiking in Los Padres National Forest. The moment you arrive, it feels like a mini-vacation—fresh citrus trees scent the air, cows and horses graze on farms, and the scenery is stunning. While there’s plenty to experience, take some time to simply drive around and soak it all in.

How many days do you need in Ojai?

A day trip is enough to see the highlights, but if you want a slower-paced getaway, 2-3 days give you time to enjoy Ojai’s spa resorts, wineries, and outdoor activities.

How close is Ojai to the beach?

Surfers Point Beach, the closest beach to Ojai, is just 15 miles away, about a 23-minute drive.

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Kathy Ava

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.