Ojai Guide (2025)

Ojai is a magical place you will find in the valley of the Topatopa Mountains of Ventura County – about two hours northwest of Los Angeles.  It is known as one of the world’s spiritual vortexes.  What’s a spiritual vortex you ask?  Spiritual vortexes are cross-points between energy fields in the earth’s grid system.  A few vortex spots you may already be familiar with are in Sedona (Arizona) and Crater Lake (Oregon).  Spiritual vortexes are conducive to meditation and spiritual soul-searching.  In addition to these spiritual benefits, Ojai is a perfect place to spend the day or weekend when you want to get away from it all while enjoying nourishing food, nature, and a laid-back vibe.  As a bonus, Ojai happens to be one of the most dog-friendly places I have had the pleasure to visit! 

These are my favorite places to stay, eat, drink, and soul-search in Ojai.  I will keep this Ojai Guide updated as I explore more of what this enchanted destination has to offer.

WHERE TO STAY:

Blue Iguana Inn:  Peaceful retreat nestled just outside the hustle and bustle of town.  Spacious rooms with artistic décor and tranquil surroundings.  It’s the perfect escape for relaxation and creative inspiration. *Dog-friendly

Capri Hotel: Sleek, mid-century modern vibes in a prime location.  You can relax by the sunny pool or enjoy cozy evenings around the firepit. *Dog-friendly

Hummingbird Inn:  Basic yet charming hotel in a convenient location, offering all the essentials for a relaxed stay. Enjoy a dip in the inviting pool or unwind under the stars on their spacious front lawn.  Random note: they have plentiful TV options – like every channel you could imagine which is a big bonus for me! *Dog-friendly

Ojai Rancho Inn: Retro-inspired hotel perfectly situated at the entrance to Ojai, offering easy access to the town via a scenic walking path. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool or explore the area on one of their complimentary bikes. My favorite part is Chief’s Peak – their hip bar featuring natural wines and good music.

Ojai Valley Inn:  Exceptional resort offering fantastic dining, a beautiful pool, and a luxurious spa for the ultimate getaway. It’s a popular spot on the pricier side that tends to book up quickly – so even if you're not staying there, try to stop by to dine or grab a drink at the bar. *Dog-friendly

RESTAURANTS:

Nocciola: Delicious Italian food with a warm & cozy ambience.  Thoughtfully curated wine list that features a few local selections, you’ll want to come hungry to savor dishes such as their Beef Tenderloin Ravioli and their Braciola di Maiale (Kurobota Pork chop, porcini vermouth, cream).

Ojai Noodle House: Love this Vietnamese restaurant!  The vibrant patio and beer garden create the perfect atmosphere for enjoying their memorable dishes. The Spicy Garlic Noodles and Smashburger are standout favorites, but it's their Pho that really warms you up on a cool Ojai evening. Such a great spot!

Ojai Roti: I’m obsessed with this place!  They specialize in French-Lebanese style rotisserie chicken and their food is fantastic!  While the chicken is a must, I am quite partial to their side dishes.  Their “Dippity Dips” comes with Hummus, Charred Eggplant, and Muhammara served with Grilled Manouche.  They also offer fresh sourdough bread and fun wine options.  You can enjoy all of this on their lively patio. *Dog-friendly

Olivella: Located in the Ojai Valley Inn, this place is a treat.  Think California cuisine with just the right amount of Italian influence.  This is a tasting menu situation, and may I suggest ordering the wine pairing to enhance it.  Their menu is super seasonal, as they highlight ingredients from local Ojai valley ranches, orchards, and farms.

Rory’s Place: Fabulous dinner spot in Ojai!  You can’t go wrong with anything on their ever-changing, seasonal menu, and their unique wine list is a delightful bonus.  *Dog-friendly

The Dutchess:  While they serve Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, The Dutchess truly shines for weekend brunch. The vibe is lively and fun, with plenty of seating and a patio in the back. Their baked goods are picture perfect, and the brunch cocktails have just the right amount of punch. Don’t miss their Chicken & Waffles—some of the best I’ve ever had! Just be sure to arrive early, as it gets busy on the weekends. *Dog-friendly

Wineries/Tasting Rooms:

Side Street Wine:  I love hanging out at Side Street Wine – they have a charming outdoor seating area that's dog-friendly, of course! You can sample their distinctive wines on tap as well as bottles.  They focus on grapes from Ojai vineyards and use ancestral winemaking techniques.   Their Moment rosé is an ode to the magical “Pink Moment” Ojai sunset. I recommend taking some time to chat with their winemaker – Fabien Castel – he has great stories to share on Ojai and his winemaking journey.

Ojai Mountain Estate:  I’m clearly a wine lover, and enjoying a glass 3,000 feet above sea level takes the experience to a whole new level. Ojai Mountain Estate, perched atop a mountain with stunning ocean views, offers exceptional wines. They provide intimate, appointment-only tastings where you can tour their organically farmed vineyards. Their wine is crafted with minimal intervention, allowing the true essence of the grapes to shine - my favorite is their Estate Red (GSM).

The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room:  Another great spot to unwind and enjoy some delicious wines. You can choose from a tasting flight or sip wines by the glass. For wine nerds like me, their exceptional library tastings offer a chance to savor older, rare gems. With a winemaking history dating back to the early 1980s, they offer an impressive selection, many sourced from renowned Central Coast vineyards. *Dog-friendly

Walson Holland:  Benjamin Holland crafts exceptional wines at this intimate family-owned winery, using both estate-grown grapes and select fruit from the Central Coast. You can book an appointment for an exclusive tasting experience at Walson Farms. I’m a huge fan of their Duvarita Pinot Noir! Exciting news—this year, they’ll be opening a tasting room in the heart of Ojai!

THINGS TO DO:

Bart’s Books:  I adore all bookstores, but I think Bart’s is my favorite one yet!  This is an outdoor bookstore…yes, an outdoor bookstore!  They have every type of book you can imagine, and I could wander around this place for hours!  They also have incredibly helpful staff that can point you in the right direction when you get overwhelmed by the vast selection!

Firestick Pottery Studio:  I highly recommend visiting Firestick – either to peruse their pottery for sale or to take a class or workshop.  I took a beginner’s workshop and had the best time!  I think I may need a few beginner courses before becoming a proficient potter – but I found spinning the pottery wheel to be super cathartic. 

Heavenly Honey:  All of the honey you can dream of!  They provide more varieties of all-natural, raw, local honey than I even knew was possible!  You can shop for honey, tea, and gifts here, but I recommend taking the time to enjoy a honey tasting!  Each honey is more delicious than the last.  I think my favorite is the Avocado Blossom Honey… or maybe the Fiddleneck Flower Honey… or… never mind, I could never decide.

Magic Hour:  Stop by Magic Hour to shop for tea and gifts for friends or spend the afternoon indulging in their leisurely tea ceremony – complete with homemade cookies and treats.

Nutmeg’s Ojai House:  I love a metaphysical shop, and Nutmeg's is one of my favorites. It’s the perfect place to browse for crystals, candles, tarot decks, and so much more. They also offer a diverse range of readings, from astrology and tarot to intuitive healing and beyond. Plus, their charming back patio, shaded by a 400-year-old oak tree, provides a peaceful spot to relax and reconnect with yourself.

Ojai Meadows Preserve: Relaxing place for a morning stroll!  There is an easy loop around the preserve – perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the peace and quiet of nature.  *Dog-friendly

Shelf Road Trail:  Relatively easy trail with stunning views of Ojai!  My favorite part of the journey is the delightful scents emanating from the tangerine orchards below. Limited shade so be sure you bring your sunscreen!  *Dog-friendly