This Quiet Southern California City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers
Southern California, with its year-round exceptional weather and incredible array of beautiful landscapes, is a playground for those who love the great outdoors. From the towering Sierra Nevadas and its vast deserts to hundreds of miles of pristine Pacific coastline, this lower half of the state is home to a highly diverse selection of towns and cities, whether it be the bustling streets of Los Angeles and San Diego, or quieter towns, like Ojai.
Renowned for its scenery, a plethora of nearby wildlands to explore, and a community of wellness retreats of all sorts, Ojai is a true gem for nature lovers looking for a perfect weekend escape in SoCal. Join us today as we highlight this charming little town located in the Topatopa Mountains, just about 90 miles north of dowtown L.A.
More About Ojai
Situated in a small valley located in Ventura County, about 18 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, Ojai houses a population of around 7,500 residents. It is surrounded on all sides by rugged, hilly terrain, including lands encompassed by the Los Padres National Forest. This positioning creates a uniquely pleasant microclimate for the town, exemplified by hot, dry summers and mild, but still sunny winters, making it ideal for outdoor exploration all throughout the year.
The valley itself is relatively narrow and oriented east to west, a geographic alignment that allows for distinctly pink sunsets, known locally as the “Pink Moment,” when the mountains glow with rose colored reflected light. The area is also home to some other beautiful sights, including large swathes of oak woodlands, chaparral-covered hillsides, and seasonally flowing creeks that wind through canyons like Matilija and Rose Valley.
Elevation in the valley floor sits around 745 feet, but nearby peaks such as Chief Peak rise above 5,585 feet, offering those who ascend it an incredible view over the lush landscape below.
Top Parks and Other Outdoor Activities in and Around Ojai
Here are some of the best parks, green spaces, and other activities you can enjoy in and around Ojai. From hiking and biking trails to accessible scenic viewpoints, golf courses, and more, take a look a what adventures you can embark on when visiting this peaceful small town.
Los Padres National Forest
Los Padres National Forest stretches from the outskirts of Santa Maria to the northern edge of Ojai. This massive expanse of wilderness provides direct access to over 1.75 million acres of protected land.
The southern portion near Ojai features a network of trails suitable for hiking, horseback riding, biking, and even backcountry camping. Popular routes like the Piedra Blanca Trail and the Sespe River Trail lead past eye-catching sandstone formations, various swimming holes, and remote wilderness where you can find some true peace and quiet. The park also includes a collection of hot springs and seasonal waterfalls spread throughout, the latter of which are especially noticeable after winter rains.
Wildlife sightings are common, and black bears, deer, and golden eagles, as well as many different species of lizards and snakes, are just some of the animals that call this national forest home.
With trailheads only minutes from downtown, it’s one of the most accessible and rewarding outdoor experiences in Southern California, let alone Ojai.
Wheeler Gorge Campground
Sitting a short drive north of Ojai along Highway 33, Wheeler Gorge Campground sits beside a wooded canyon in the Los Padres National Forest. It’s one of the closest campgrounds to town and a popular entry point for weekend visitors looking to experience Ojai’s wilderness without venturing too far off the grid.
The sites here are generally shaded, with nearby Matilija Creek adding a quiet backdrop and an idyllic spot to dip your feet during a hot day (although it does tend to run dry in the summer months). Campers can also explore the short Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail or continue into deeper terrain via nearby trailheads.
While there are no hookups or drinking water, each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. The campground is well-suited for both tent and small RV camping and makes a convenient base for hiking, birdwatching, or simply unwinding under the stars for a night or two.
Another, more secluded, local option for camping is the Rose Valley Campground, located nearby along the unpaved Rose Valley Road.
Libbey Park
You don't have to travel far for a nice slice of nature in Ojai. Located in the heart of downtown, Libbey Park serves as a central gathering space and shaded retreat beneath its mature oaks and sycamore trees.
This park has what most urban green spaces have, featuring a large playground, tennis courts, and picnic areas, along with the Libbey Bowl, a bandshell that hosts concerts and other events throughout the year. You can also see a few historic landmarks here, like the old city jail, which dates back to 1929.
A paved path loops through the park, making it an easy stroll for visitors of all ages, regardless of the weather. It also connects to the Ojai Valley Trail, a multi-use path stretching a little over 9 miles to the coastal community of Ventura.
Soule Park Golf Course
Nestled just south of Ojai, Soule Park Golf Course provides you with a world-class golfing experience. Originally designed in 1962, it underwent a significant renovation in 2005, bringing it up to par with some of the best golf courses in California. The 18-hole, par-72 layout stretches over 6,800 yards, with beautiful features and obstacles that cater to golfers of all skill levels.
In addition to the course, Soule Park boasts an excellent driving range, a practice putting green, and Zaidee’s Bar & Grill for post-round dining with outstanding views of the Topatopa Mountains from its patio.
Improve Your Health in Ojai
Ojai has built quite a reputation as one of California’s leading destinations for wellness and rejuvenation. Its pristine natural setting, combined with a long-standing culture of holistic living, has attracted healers, yogis, and other health practitioners for decades. From luxury spas to meditation centers and health-conscious eateries, come and see some of the best local attractions that will hopefully have you feeling better in no time.
Ojai Valley Inn Spa
The Spa at Ojai Valley Inn is one of the most well-known wellness destinations in the region, and very deservedly so. Located on a historic resort property surrounded by gorgeous rolling hills and oak forests, the spa provides a full range of treatments. Offerings include massage therapy, energy healing, sound baths, customized facials, and more. The spa village also includes more conventional amenities, like pools, steam rooms, and a tranquil courtyard to relax in and soak up some sun.
Guests here can also enroll in wellness classes or creative workshops at various times of the year, further making it a cornerstone of Ojai’s strong reputation for self-care.
Krishnamurti Retreat
Set on 10 acres of olive and orange orchards just east of town, the Krishnamurti Retreat provides its visitors with a peaceful spot, where there's plenty of space for meditation and reconnection with nature. Once the home of Jiddu Krishnamurti, the center now welcomes guests seeking the same kind of surrounding that previously inspired the prolific philosopher.
Lodging at this destination is simple, with only a handful of rooms within its farmhouse, dating back to 1910, and the cottage, dating back to 1950. A small onsite library, meditation spaces, and nearby hiking trails add to the experience and sense of calm that most come here to delve into.
Meditation Mount
Perched atop a serene hilltop east of downtown Ojai, Meditation Mount is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to, well... meditation. Established in 1971, it has come to be known as one of the area's most iconic landmarks and a huge draw in Southern California for those looking to get in touch with their inner selves in a natural environment.
The grounds contain gardens, walking paths, and panoramic viewpoints over the Ojai Valley, making it an ideal spot for a sunrise or sunset meditation session. Open to the public by reservation, Meditation Mount also hosts various events and workshops aimed at both individuals and groups.
Find Peace and Nature in this Idyllic SoCal Community
Want to escape the chaos of big city life? Ojai is the cream of the crop when it comes to small-town charm mixed with tons of things to see and do in the wilderness of Southern California. Make a stop here as part of a longer West Coast road trip, use it for an easy-to-get-to get to weekend escape, or become a resident if you are seeking a calming spot to settle down in; the options here for you to enjoy nature's charms are almost endless!
