I took a long weekend trip from San Diego to Ojai, and it was everything I could’ve hoped for and then some! If you’re bringing your pup, you’re in luck. It’s super dog-friendly, with gorgeous trails you can both explore.
Think amazing food spots, jaw-dropping scenery, and cozy wine bars you won’t want to miss.
Add Ojai to your ultimate California road trip for a beautiful blend of outdoor fun, art galleries, and New-Age shops.
Sounds like your kind of getaway? Stick around as I share the best things to do in Ojai for a weekend trip, where to stay, and top places to eat and drink.
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Where is Ojai?
Ojai, pronounced ‘Oh-High’, is in the Ojai Valley in Ventura County, Southern California, less than an hour from Santa Barbara.
Its name is a word from the Native American Chumash language, meaning “the Nest” or “Valley of the Moon”.
What is Ojai Known for?
Ojai is best known for its magical “pink moment,” which describes when the sun sets over the Topatopa Mountains and Ojai Valley.
If you visit Ojai, you cannot miss this. It’s usually only available for 10–15 minutes when the sun hits the mountains just right, but it makes for the most beautiful pictures.
How To Get to Ojai
Ojai is near Santa Barbara, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from San Diego via the I-5 N.
If you’re driving in from LA, it should only take you about an hour and a half via US-101 N. The closest airport to the city is Santa Barbara Airport (SBA).
Where to Stay During Your Weekend in Ojai
Planning an Ojai vacation has never been easier or prettier thanks to these charming hotels and resorts in the area.
Here are my top three picks, all close to many Ojai attractions and restaurants, to make your trip as convenient as possible.
Ojai Rancho Inn
Formerly a 1950s retro roadside motel, this cabin hotel is cozy personified. It has a lively bar and a swimming pool, which I loved.
The only con I found was that the walls are very thin, but thankfully, I slept so well since our neighbors were pretty quiet.
Check rates and book on: Booking.com | Expedia.com
Ojai Valley Inn
This historic and celebrated resort is the ideal place to sit back and relax.
It has a golf course, spa, pools, and five restaurants on-site, so you don’t have to stray far to kick back in your chair.
Check rates and book on: Booking.com | Expedia.com
Caravan Outpost
Switch things up by staying in one of 11 dog-friendly Airstream caravans or a tiny house set in a botanical garden.
The lush trees and outdoor fireplace make for the perfect backdrop for a quiet evening after hiking the nearby trails.
Check rates and book on: Airbnb.com
What to do in Ojai, CA this Weekend
I don’t blame you for not knowing about the top things to do in Ojai, California.
The city is small but has so many good food and wine places, plus many outdoor attractions that could easily take up a whole day.
Here are the things I enjoyed during my extended weekend in Ojai Valley.
1. Shop at Ojai Roots
This farm shop and wine garden is the perfect place for a slow morning, picking up locally sourced olive oils, fresh produce, and wine.
It has a friendly, warm boho-chic vibe with colorfully painted outdoor furniture and champions sustainability every chance it gets.
It is also a part of the farm, which produces most of the vegetables, fruits, and eggs sold in the shop.
Arrive early on weekends to snag up limited-edition product drops and a tasty Persimmon cider before the crowds swarm in.
Sometimes, they host live music shows and pop-up events like burger nights.
Follow the Ojai Roots Instagram page to get the dates and behind-the-scenes snippets.
2. Go Horseback Riding with Ojai Trail Riding Company
Saddle up with Ojai Trail Riding Company for your horse riding lesson through the wildflower meadows and oak groves.
You’ll find it within Oso Ranch, adjacent to the Ojai Land Conservancy.
The owner, Susan Gruber, is an award-winning rider who rehabilitates champion horses on her ranch, ensuring you are always kept in safe hands (and hooves). The guided ride is one hour long through the rocky Ventura River Valley.
You have a choice of a ride during the day to take in the mountain ranges and wildlife or a sunset ride. No experience needed.
If you have the time, book the sunset trail ride to mark off two Ojai bucket list activities at once and enjoy a glimpse of the famed pink moment. This is a popular time to book, so make a reservation well in advance.
I recommend wearing long pants and closed shoes when visiting, and leave the pup at home.
3. Hike the Ojai Meadows Preserve Trail
The Ojai Meadows Preserve is a restoration project for the area that aims to restore the wetland.
After years of work, the water returned, and soon after so did its wildlife. Now, you get to enjoy it as well.
The Ojai Meadows Preserve Trail can be enjoyed on foot, by bike, or with a pet on a leash.
It is approximately one mile long and an easy out-and-back hike. It should take you approximately 19 minutes to complete.
Try to go late in the afternoon and bring your camera to catch the pink moment.
Bring a picnic basket of treats from Ojai Roots or Rory’s Other Place for a sweet picnic post-hike under the pink sky.
4. Attend a Tasting at Ojai Olive Oil
Ojai Olive Oil is a small family-owned farm that harvests its liquid gold from trees over a century old.
While their expertise is in extracting olive oil, it isn’t the only thing they produce here. They also make and sell balsamic vinegar and olive oil-based skincare products.
Visit for an olive oil tasting to sample the differences in this award-winning farm’s oils.
The tasting includes a range of estate-grown extra-virgin oils and balsamic vinegars paired with fresh local bread.
Tastings are available Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm. You can also find them at their pop-up shop at the Ojai Farmers Market to pick up your favorite bottles.
Weekends are busy, so try to book your session in advance.
Note: Leashed dogs are welcome.
5. Ride the Ojai Trolley in Downtown
The Ojai Trolley is one of the most convenient and affordable things to do in Ojai, CA.
Your trolley travels through the city between 10 am and 7.30 pm, arriving every 30 minutes.
There are two routes, each with 10 stops. Fares are about $1.50 to ride, or $4.00 for an all-day pass.
You’ll pass through unique boutiques, orchards, and murals in the city, allowing you to coffee shop hop with ease.
Note: Route A with extended service to 7:30 p.m. will continue. Route B was temporarily discontinued.
Check the routes and schedule times here.
6. Turn the Page at Bart’s Books
This bookstore has been educating and entertaining the Ojai community since 1964.
The quaint shop holds over 130,000 used and new books, making it the world’s largest outdoor bookstore.
It’s not too far from the main road, meaning you can sit at a cozy coffee shop nearby, reading your new piece of literature.
Where to Eat During Your Ojai Weekend Getaway
Between all your adventures, you’re bound to get hungry or thirsty. Luckily, Ojai has plenty of restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. Here are my favorites.
Izakaya Full Moon
Izakaya Full Moon is a Japanese restaurant in the city center. It sells a range of dishes from fresh fish to skewers and fried chicken.
This is an excellent place for a relaxed Saturday night dinner, as they’re only open from 5 pm to 9 pm and closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Ojai Rôtie
Ojai Rôtie is a casual eatery with plenty of outdoor seating that serves French-Lebanese style rotisserie in Downtown Ojai.
They are also big on supporting locals, so they often use wine and fresh produce from local farmers to make their own breads, pickled turnips, and olive blends and rubs in-house.
Rory’s Other Place
Rory’s Other Place is a no-frills cafe on the city’s main road. It serves breakfast, sandwiches, coffee, tea, and wine for brunch.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, try their cheese boards or soft serve.
Note: There’s also Rory’s Place right next door, which is a restaurant open from 5 pm.
Pinyon Ojai
Pinyon Ojai is a wood-fired pizza joint that incorporates local flavors into its dough for a unique regional taste profile.
Their menu consists of pizzas, vegetarian dishes, and snacks, all sourced from small-scale producers in the area for ultimate sustainability.
The Dutchess
I really enjoyed this Burmese-Californian restaurant in the heart of the city. The Dutchess is open from morning to night, with a short hiatus from 2 pm to 5 pm, then open until about 9 pm.
Its menu is lengthy, with something for everyone from chickpea fritters to beef satay. They have an extensive drink menu featuring small-batch spirits, handmade vermouth, juices, and syrups.
This is Your Sign to Book Your Ojai Weekend Trip Now
There you have it. Everything you need to know about what’s worth doing on your Ojai vacations.
From horse riding and snapping pictures of the famous ‘pink moment’ to balsamic vinegar and olive oil tasting on a local farm, your Ojai weekend itinerary will be packed.
The small city has everything you need for a quiet, peaceful getaway, blending outdoor adventures with tranquility to create unforgettable memories.
Ready to escape? Book your Ojai weekend getaway today and reclaim your peace.
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