Soundbaths & Sourdough
Your guide for the best of majestic Ojai, California
Some may know Ojai as the place of pixies— those small, delicious easy-to-peel sweet citrus fruits. Others might know it as a celebrity hide out (Robert Pattinson kept a low profile here during the cheating scandal) or where Emily Blunt lives. But I know it as a potent place of calm. There is something special about the topography of this small California town. It’s rustic and hippie, trendy yet old school. I’ve been coming here for decades and it never loses its charm. From the magical “pink hour” overlooking the Topatopa Mountains during a sound bath to the summertime Lavender Festival (now moved to Santa Barbara) it’s a place where you can come to recharge whether you’re woo woo or not.
Ojai (pronounced like Oh, hi!) comes from the Chumash word 'awha'y (A-HA-EE) meaning "moon." It was a former cattle ranch in 1837 granted to Fernando Tico and turned more into a town after “the father of glass” Edward Drummond Libbey developed it in the early 1900s. There’s even an annual celebration called Ojai Day in October honoring him. The town prohibits big chains so you won’t find a Starbucks or Subway but there are plenty of better options around here.
If you’re there in the fall, be sure to check out Taste of Ojai, Storytellers Festival or the year round events at Libbey Bowl. Sundays offers up an organic famers market.
TLDR Overnight Trip Itinerary: Wake up at Ojai Valley Inn, grab breakfast at Farmer and the Cook, take a workout class at Zalla Pilates or a trauma-informed movement class at Somatic Sanctuary, pop in for a tea at Magic Hour, enjoy lunch at The Nest, shop at Crystal Corner, Ojai Valley Arts and Bart’s Books, along with other moon goddess earthy boutiques downtown, take a hike and check out Ecotopia hot springs, cool off with a small-batch gelato at Sanders & Sons, eat dinner at Dutchess and catch the sunset at Meditation Mount or an outdoor concert at Libbey Park.
If you’re in Southern California, it’s worth a day trip or overnight stay. It’s about 80 miles north of Los Angeles and while some spots are walkable, a car is highly recommended. Note that it gets pretty hot and crowded in summer, especially during their 4th of July parade.
Here are 10 can’t-miss spots in beautiful Ojai:
The Dutchess. Oh my god, this place! First, it’s CUTE! Second, they offer fresh baked breads and pastries as well as coffee and teas for brunch, but really you must go for dinner. Reservations are recommended. They make almost everything in-house including the most delicious sourdough naan I’ve had in my life. The crispy, chewy delight is served with their homemade garlic butter and honestly I could have just eaten that with some of their small-batch cocktails. Everyone ate it up and ordered more (thus, no photos!) as we looked over the menu to order entrees. It’s a good place for vegetarians and offers vegan options too like the tea leaf salad (fermented tea leaves, cabbage, heirloom tomatoes, Burmese nut mix). Make sure to try one of their seasonal desserts. We had the coconut creme brûlée with lemon verbena and Queen of the South Tarte. Chef Saw Naing and Pastry Chef Kelsey Brito head this Michelin-star gem.
Magic Hour. As a Libra who appreciates aesthetics, this tea place (and online shop filled with recipes and unique blends) is worth a stop. Not only are the drinks pretty but each blend is done with wellness in mind. Founder Zhena Muzyka uses organic leaves from regenerative farms and all products are fair trade that even “align with the cosmos through astrological timing as practiced by Biodynamic farmers.” It’s all about finding a moment during the day to slow down, appreciate and enjoy.
Meditation Mount. Even if you’re not very spiritual, go here for the stunning views! They’ve changed their policies over the years so be sure to check to see if you need to reserve ahead of time. I love their outdoor sound baths but don’t have photos of this (it’s kind of a pet peeve when places take photos while I’m trying to meditate and relax).
Bart’s Books. I love an indy book shop and Bart’s is even more special because it’s outdoors (“the world’s greatest outdoor bookshop”) and has a house cat roaming around with plenty of tables and chairs to sit and read a bit before you buy a gently used book.
Ojai Valley Arts (OVA). This gallery of local artists has a little something for everyone— paintings, cutting boards, ceramics, clothing and more. Side note: my sister and I used to be in Girl Scouts and our former troop leader sells her mosaic art there! And it’s stunning.
Sanders & Sons Gelato. Not only does this local small batch gelateria have seasonal flavors, but they offer handmade matcha, blue corn or midnight vanilla waffle cones. (Though Ojai Ice Cream is a close runner-up with their perfect lavender ice cream.)
Rainbow Bridge Grocery. There used to be this organic crunchy-granola-type grocery store called Mrs. Gooch’s (founded by trailblazer Sandy Gooch in 1977) when I was growing up, before Whole Foods and Erewhon, so Rainbow reminds me of the day when organic goods weren’t so pretentious. You can stop here for some grab-n-go foods like wraps, salads and sushi rolls for a picnic. I always love checking out their superfood beverages like Pure Wild’s Blueberry Holy Basil, Goldthread’s Green Minerals or Sparkling Botanical’s Grapefruit Quince.
Ojai Valley Museum. Learn more about local Chumash history, see rotating art exhibits or go on the 3rd Friday of the month for free live music in the courtyard, art demos and other surprises.
The Crystal Corner. For those who love gemstones, this place has a nice selection of raw geodes and jewelry as well as larger works like amethyst angel wings. You can also get a reading done, like chakra, tarot or human design.
Ojai Valley Inn. This century-old luxury hotel is a celeb favorite (George Cukor, Clark Gable, Judy Garland and more were regulars). Treat yourself to a spa day, or something very Ojai— a sound healing or Chumash Kuyam, an essential oil and clay mud sauna experience. They also offer guided hikes and creative practices at their Artist Cottage where you can make your own candles, scrubs, pottery or mixed media art. (The 1919 Hotel El Roblar did just reopen after a multi-million dollar renovation if you want to check it out.)
There are so many other places but this gives a nice overview of this beautiful valley. I hope you get to go soon!
Have you been to Ojai before? Let me know if I’m missing any cool spots!
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Christina Berke MFA M.Ed. is a Los Angeles based travel writer. Her work is in Teen Vogue, The Sun, NPR and elsewhere. She is the inaugural Carol Shields Prize Winner at Hedgebrook. Find out more at www.christinaberke.com.💕