Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Ojai, California
Ojai’s reputation as a wellness destination is built on its scenic beauty, community-focused spirit, and commitment to sustainability. Visitors stroll down tree-lined streets browsing bookstores, tasting local wine, and exploring meditation gardens. The town is known for its festivals, from film and lavender to music and yoga. Ojai offers a soulful, sunlit alternative to California’s faster-paced beach cities.
Top areas to stay at in Ojai, California
Downtown Ojai
Downtown Ojai is the cultural and social heart of the valley, with galleries, boutiques, and Spanish Colonial-style buildings lining its walkable streets. Rentals in Downtown Ojai include upstairs apartments, stylish cottages, and bungalows tucked behind art studios. Staying downtown offers easy access to restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and the famous Ojai Arcade.
East End Ojai
Located at the edge of the valley, East End Ojai is a scenic neighborhood surrounded by orchards, vineyards, and mountain views. Vacation homes in East End Ojai include luxury estates, poolside villas, and serene Airbnbs with sunset patios. The area is peaceful, private, and perfect for romantic getaways or wellness retreats. East End combines countryside calm with upscale beauty.
Meiners Oaks
A bohemian neighborhood just west of downtown, Meiners Oaks offers a local, artsy vibe and access to great dining and trailheads. Rentals include artist bungalows, eco-friendly homes, and funky Airbnbs with gardens and hammocks. Visitors enjoy a laid-back scene with coffee shops, thrift stores, and creative energy. Meiners Oaks is ideal for free-spirited travelers and young couples.
Arbolada
Known for its shaded streets and older homes, Arbolada is a residential neighborhood with a mix of traditional and modernized properties. Vacation rentals in Arbolada range from architectural homes to cozy hideaways with fire pits and yoga decks. Arbolada offers elegance in a tucked-away setting.
Ojai Valley Inn Vicinity
Near the famous resort, the Ojai Valley Inn Vicinity features upscale accommodations and access to golf, dining, and spa services. Vacation homes in Ojai include luxurious villas, designer Airbnbs, and stylish casitas within walking distance of the resort. This area blends high-end living with the valley’s peaceful pace.
Must-visit places and attractions in Ojai, California
Ojai Valley Trail
Stretching over nine miles, the Ojai Valley Trail connects Ojai to Ventura and offers a scenic route for bikers, joggers, and horseback riders. The trail is mostly flat and runs through neighborhoods, orchards, and open valleys. The trail invites slow travel and outdoor appreciation.
Bart’s Books
An iconic Ojai stop, Bart’s Books is the world’s largest outdoor bookstore and a literary paradise for visitors. Guests can browse open-air shelves, drop coins into old-fashioned boxes, and read under the sun. The shop is a quirky blend of honesty, history, and community charm. Bart’s is as much a destination as it is a bookstore.
Ojai Meadows Preserve
Located on the edge of town, the Ojai Meadows Preserve is a protected natural space with restored wetlands, wildflowers, and birdlife. Visitors can walk gravel paths, observe wildlife, and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. The preserve highlights Ojai’s commitment to conservation.
Ojai Farmers Market
Held every Sunday morning, the Ojai Farmers Market offers organic produce, handmade goods, live music, and prepared foods from local vendors. Visitors can sample seasonal fruit, artisan bread, and herbal teas while chatting with friendly farmers.
Libbey Park and Libbey Bowl
Located in the heart of downtown, Libbey Park features playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis courts, and a lush setting under old oaks. Adjacent to the park, Libbey Bowl is an outdoor music venue that hosts jazz festivals, orchestras, and cultural performances. Together, they form the town’s main gathering space.
Ojai Olive Oil Company
Offering tastings, tours, and gourmet products, the Ojai Olive Oil Company is a small, family-run business nestled in a quiet orchard. Guests can sample various oils and vinegars, walk through olive groves, and learn about sustainable farming practices. The tasting room is open most days and welcomes curious foodies.
Meditation Mount
Known for its sweeping valley views and peaceful ambiance, Meditation Mount is a spiritual center dedicated to inner peace and global harmony. Guests can attend guided meditations, explore landscaped gardens, or simply enjoy the tranquility. The sunsets from here are legendary. Meditation Mount is Ojai’s most transcendent destination.
Rose Valley Falls
Located just outside town in the Los Padres National Forest, Rose Valley Falls is a short hike leading to a misty, multi-tiered waterfall. The trail is kid-friendly and shaded, making it a favorite for families and nature lovers. The sound of cascading water and mossy rocks creates a refreshing atmosphere.
Where to find a vacation rental near Ojai
Fort Bragg, California
On the North Coast, Fort Bragg offers windswept beaches, coastal trails, and glassy shores for curious wanderers. Vacation rentals range from oceanside homes to cozy cottages near downtown. Visitors can explore tidepools, botanical gardens, or take the Skunk Train through redwood groves. For a cool and rugged retreat, unwind in a vacation rental in Fort Bragg, where sea mist and quiet trails create a rhythm all their own.
Monterey, California
A few hours up the coast, Monterey blends marine exploration, historic sites, and seaside charm. Vacation homes include oceanside condos, historic homes near Cannery Row, and family-friendly apartments close to the aquarium. Guests can go whale watching, drive the 17-Mile Drive, or learn about marine ecosystems. For a refined coastal escape, stay in an apartment in Monterey, where science, scenery, and salty breezes meet.
Santa Barbara, California
Just over an hour from Ojai, Santa Barbara is a coastal paradise known for Spanish architecture, upscale dining, and sandy beaches. Rentals include beachfront villas, luxury condos, and historic estates. Guests can walk State Street, tour the Mission, or sip wine in the Funk Zone. For sunlit charm and Mediterranean flavor, enjoy a house in Santa Barbara, where ocean air and classic beauty set the tone.
Laughlin, Nevada
Situated along the Colorado River, Laughlin is known for its casinos, desert beauty, and waterfront entertainment. Rentals range from riverfront condos to spacious homes with pool access. Visitors can try water sports, enjoy live shows, or explore desert trails nearby. For vibrant nights and sunlit days, relax in a house in Laughlin, where river views and bright lights define the desert’s edge.
Asbury Park, New Jersey
Across the country, Asbury Park delivers East Coast beach charm with a thriving music scene, historic boardwalk, and colorful personality. Rentals include century-old homes, boardwalk condos, and retro-style apartments. Guests can catch live shows at The Stone Pony, shop indie boutiques, or lounge on sandy beaches. For retro vibes and coastal character, book a vacation rental in Asbury Park, where surf culture meets soulful soundtracks.
Discover diverse natural experiences across the United States
Nestled in the rolling hills of California, Ojai offers an abundance of natural beauty to explore, from its serene hiking trails to the picturesque landscapes of the Los Padres National Forest. Beyond the borders of California, discover more enchanting destinations that celebrate the splendor of nature. The lush Palouse region offers a calming retreat with scenic airbnb in Moscow, ID. In the shadow of the awe-inspiring Teton Range, you'll find rentals in Driggs, offering a gateway to outdoor adventures and mesmerizing vistas. Experience the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters at Kikaua Point vacation rentals along Hawaii's Big Island. For a contrast between urban life and nature, Syracuse holiday rentals immerse you in the heart of New York State's diverse landscapes, from the Finger Lakes to the pristine parks within its vicinity.