A day trip to ojai, ca

Ojai, CA, is a great getaway. It is located just 90 miles away from Los Angeles and is a great day trip destination for those who are looking to take a break from the hectic city life.

 10AM Bart’s bookstore

This is an outdoor bookstore!  It’s been open since 1964. The inspiration came from Paris’ bouquinistes along the river. When winding down the shelves and beautifully styled areas with plants and artwork, you realize that this must have been someone’s house before it became a bookstore. The house’s layout looks untouched, just lots of shelves added to the walls. Very cute! And the quality of book selection is really wonderful. There are about million titles! There are even books lined up on shelves outside, available for purchase 24 hours a day, just drop 50 cents through the letterbox (honor system) and pick up a book of your choice. Oh, I could stay here for hours!

Bart’s Bookstore 302 W Matilija St. Ojai, CA 93023

11AM Favorite Stops in downtown ojai

It’s hard to describe the culture of Ojai. Peace and harmony here is mixed with edginess. People here love quality food and things and have a nice collection of shops and restaurants. All individually owned, chains are not allowed in Ojai. 

farmer’s market

The Farmer’s Market here is very reflective of local interests Here you will find a variety of edible flowers, ingestible flower and fungus extracts, herbal and flower teas, local honey, and olive oil.

Farmer’s Market 300 E. Matilija st. Ojai, CA, 93023

fig curated living store

Beautifully designed, nicely curated selection, this store is an experience. You will find some unique items by local artists.

Fig Curated Living 327 E. Ojai Ave Ojai, CA

2PM Farmer and the cook

Farmer and the Cook, the husband and wife team (he farms, she cooks) is a great spot for a healthy and super delicious lunch. Strictly organic, produce they use is from their own 15 acre farm. We had Veggie Burger and Classic Burrito, both delicious. Line can get a bit long during peak hours, so keep that in mind. The place looks more like a small grocery store, but don’t be fulled, it is healthy and absolutely delicious. Definitely worth the visit.

Farmer and the Cook 339 W. El Roblar Dr. Ojai, CA

4PM Ojai valley olive oil co

The Ojai Valley has a very unique geography. It runs perfectly east to west, which is very rare in the world. Because of that it has is early sunrises and late sunsets, and it’s a great conditions for olive trees. Ojai Olive Oil is a third-generation family owned and operated farm. Here you can have free olive oil tasting. It’s fun, you learn a lot about the industry. Some people set up picnics during tasting, and it looked great. Should try it next time.

Ojai Valley Olive Oil Co 1811 Ladera Rd. Ojai, CA 93023

olive oil co.jpeg

6PM Sunset hiking

Sunset is probably one of the best attractions here. This is truly the best way to end the day. The best spot I heard, is Meditation Mount. There are also a few other beautiful hikes. Here are a some easy but beautiful ones.

 Rose Valley Falls (it may be a bit hard to find, but Google maps recognize the location, so it should be helpful) 

Valley View Preserve (Shelf Rd. Trailhead): Shelf Road at N. Signal St. or Shelf Road at Gridley Rd. 

Meditation Mount (best for sunsets, check the operation status due to COVID-19)  10340 Reeves Road, Ojai, CA 93023

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