Tune into our episode of “Eat Play Stay” in Ojai to see some of our favorite spots to explore in and around this Southern California’s lowkey community with lush valleys and juicy vineyards.
Where is Ojai?
Ojai is a small city in Ventura County, California, northwest of Los Angeles. The village-like town is known for its great restaurants, hiking trails, and farmers’ markets. Ojai is just a 6-hour drive from Sacramento down I-5, making it the perfect place to spend a long weekend.
Watch the full episode of Eat Play Stay: Ojai on the Very Local app
EAT – RESTAURANTS IN OJAI, CA
Little Sama
📍 Ojai, California
Inhouse with Topa Topa, Little Sama allows you to drink but not on an empty stomach. It’s a modern Asian restaurant in celebration of Southeast Asian culture and food. The walkup window allows for a quick grab and go. Try the signature wings or the best burger in the region to go with your beer.
The Dutchess
📍 Ojai, California
This eatery is like two restaurants in one, in the morning it’s a bakery and at night it becomes a Burmese restaurant. The Dutchess kitchen starts at 4 am and doesn’t shut down until 11:30 pm. From the bread dough and jam to fermenting tea leaves to handcrafting vermouths and bitters, they make almost everything in-house. The ingredients are scorched from the local farms and come in fresh daily. The bakery’s menu highlights the locally seasoned produce. The bar serves amazing cocktails that keep the patrons coming back for more.
Ojai Roti
📍 Ojai, California
Located next door to The Dutchess, you will find Ojai Rotie, a lovely Lebanese eatery that marries a picnic concept and sourdough bread with 90% of the menu being vegan. Like the other restaurants in Ojai, it takes advantage of the Ojai farms so you know where everything is from. They also have an exceptional wine list that has a wine box meaning the wine is sourced within 70 miles of the restaurant. This place is paradise!
PLAY – THINGS TO DO IN OJAI, CA
Topa Topa Brewing Co.
📍 Ventura, California
Topa Topa is named after the mountains that line the valley in Ojai. The style of beer making is based on the farmers they buy from by letting their ingredients shine. There are different types of beers to choose from from refreshing to beer that sobers you up, you can find what you need here.
Ojai Valley Taxidermy
📍 Ojai, California
You may know the legendary Charles “Chuck” Testa from his viral commercial in 2011, this local taxidermist knows the ins and outs of the business that contains art, physics, and science amongst other things. As the owner of Ojai Valley Taxidermy, he is precise and thorough with the process taking several months. His reputation precedes him with the most unique thing he had to make was a silverback gorilla!
Bart’s Books
📍 Ojai, California
Bart’s Books is the world’s largest outdoor bookstore, serving the Ojai community since 1964. Richard Bartinsdale was inspired by the book carts placed on the banks of the Seine, so at his home, he started building shelves out on the street and started selling books that way. There is a book for everyone and people come from far and wide to experience the interaction with others and find the books for you.
STAY: WHERE TO STAY IN OJAI, CA
The Blue Iguana Inn
📍 Ojai, California
Located two miles from downtown Ojai, The Blue Iguana Inn exists as an enclave of custom decorated guest rooms, suites and cottages. These beautiful grounds are adorned with artwork created by Ojai locals and you can enjoy a dip in the pool or jacuzzi or sit around the woodburn fireplace or enjoy the private patio and courtyard.
Looking for more Getaways Near Sacramento?
Check out the other episodes of Eat Play Stay Sacramento for more great spots for day trips and weekend getaways near Sacramento.
START STREAMING
Watch all of the episodes of “EAT PLAY STAY” for free on the Very Local app. Available on Amazon Fire, Roku, Apple TV, & Android.
Very Local is your source for shows about local communities, bringing you 24/7 access to news, weather updates, and more. The Very Local app brings you fresh, untold stories from your very own city and communities like yours. Get the channel to stream Very Local free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV. Follow Very Local on Facebook and @VeryLocal on Instagram for more