Palm Springs. Laguna Beach. San Diego. Santa Barbara. These areas get loads of attention as “Other Great Spots to Check out on Your Trip to Los Angeles!” whether you're looking for a day-trip excursion or simply want to see more of Southern California during your visit. But there's one destination you should quickly add to the top of that list—Ojai.
Just 80 minutes from Los Angeles, with most of that time being an easy scenic drive up Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu, Ojai is an extremely chill, low-key town nestled in a valley surrounded by the Topatopa mountains. The city has a small population but is very tourist-friendly—so long as your interests are wellness, spirituality, outdoor adventure, art and design, and wine-tasting. While those sound like very adult things to engage in, we can assure you the town is super kid-friendly. Here's a shortlist of where you should stay, what you should do, and where to do it.
STAY:
The Ojai Valley Inn Resort & Spa: Hands-down this is THE BEST place to stay in Ojai for families. The sprawling resort has everything you need—spacious rooms, several restaurants including a casual gastropub, kids' menus, kids' pool, a spa, golf course, and most importantly, a kids club called Camp Oak. This was one of our favorite clubs too. There's even a giant fish tank that you can pop your head into.
But just know that since it's a sprawling resort, depending on where your room is located, you could be walking distances to get to the pool or restaurant. The resort has shuttles but the waits can be long. So be sure to bring your strollers, scooters and even bikes if you want. Rates are typically around $300 a night, plus a $35 resort fee. You can easily fit a family of four into one room.
PLAY:
Even though the resort will keep your kids plenty occupied you must make a visit to the Libbey Park in the middle of Ojai's main drag (Ojai Avenue.) This playground has fun and interactive play structures for kids of all ages from toddlers to tweens. Even better, it's totally bikable from the Ojai Valley Inn. In fact, the resort can make you picnic baskets to take on your bike ride into town. Otherwise, you can walk or take the Ojai Trolley which stops at several places in town.
If you're looking for a mellow way to kill some time in the afternoon, pop into Bart's Books, an outdoor bookstore. (Yes, really! Don't worry the books are covered by little roofs in case it rains.) There's a small kids section with used books as well as new books (classics, comics, and whatever's currently popular.)
Another way to wind down is to visit Meditation Mount, located at the top of a winding, steep road. If that sounds like a bad adventure to do with kids, it is—if your kids are in the terrible toddler stages and are skipping nap times. But older toddlers, elementary school kids, and of course, sleeping young babies will appreciate the gardens at meditation mount and the incredible valley views. There's a proper meditation hall for adults who need some mindfulness time on their own. Every morning a meditation session happens from 8:30-9:30am. The mount is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
One more “off campus”spot is the Topa Mountain Winery, located next to the Ojai Vally Inn and alongside the Ojai Valley biking and jogging trail. The winery is actually very family-friendly (and dog-friendly too!) with live music on Saturdays and Sundays and a range of games to play in the surrounding gardens.
EAT:
By law, Ojai doesn't have any chain stores, shops or restaurants so you'll have to kick your Starbucks addiction for the weekend. But if you simply stroll along Ojai Avenue, you'll find plenty of outlets to please your taste buds. You may even prefer them to the chain gang.
Ojai Tortilla House is just across the street from Libbey Park and has one of the best chicken burritos we've ever tasted. Kids can get bean and cheese burritos and agua fresca. Plus, the street-style tacos are a must. There's no seating inside so plan on taking these treats to go. Also, it's a cash-only operation. Don't worry, there's an ATM inside the shop.
Keeping in tune with the earthy vibes of Ojai, Hip Vegan serves up what sounds like greasy bar food—burgers, reubens, quesadillas and root beer floats—but all made with local and seasonal vegan ingredients. (It's not uncommon for the café to close early if they run out of food.) And you may even be able to get the kids to eat their vegetables without complaints!
Kombucha is an acquired taste for some but Revel, a dedicated kombucha bar, crafts yummy seasonal flavors that they serve on tap. The shop also serves acai bowls and kimchee, making it a good place to stop for a healthy, but filling snack.
FPO: FOR PARENTS ONLY
When the kids are in kids' club, sneak away to Tipple & Ramble, an adorable wine and cheese bar with a huge outdoor patio. There's also a specially curated selection of home goods, entertaining wares, and other one-of-a-kind trinkets inside that you will find irresistible. (Seriously, everything here is covetable. If you can't buy something, just Instagram it and fake like you did.) Just note: it's only open Thursday-Sunday.
VIDEO BONUS: TOUR OJAI ON SNAPCHAT WITH CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER HERE.
ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN OJAI? LET US KNOW! HAVE YOUR OWN TIPS ABOUT OJAI TO SHARE? DO IT IN COMMENTS BELOW.
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