Ojai, which in the Chumash language stands for the "Valley of the Moon," is a small town that lies in northeastern Ventura County in Southern California. The city, which enjoys a reputation as a spiritual retreat and health and wellness center, attracts artists, musicians and health enthusiasts, as well as outdoor and camping aficionados eager to take advantage of the area's natural bounty.
Location
Located just 15 miles from the ocean and just half an hour's drive from Santa Barbara to the west, Ojai lies in a tranquil valley surrounded by mountains and oak groves. This city of 4.4 square miles enjoys a Mediterranean climate--dry, hot summers and mild winters. The main east-west artery through town is Ojai Avenue, where numerous restaurants, shops and art galleries line its downtown district.
Spas
Ojai is renowned for its premium, world-class spas, and many visitors come here seeking an escape from stress by way of the spa vacation. Specialties include a Moroccan mud treatment with guided mediation at Ojai Valley Inn's Spa Ojai, a olive oil body souffle treatment at the Oaks of Ojai and the tropical spa experience at Shangri-La Paradise.
Outdoor Activities
Ojai's natural settings affords many recreational opportunities that can be taken in by foot, bike or horse. The Ojai Valley Trail is popular for cyclists, joggers, horseback riders or for walking pets, and don't be surprised if you see pigs meandering on the trail. Lake Casitas, just a 5-minute drive from town, is popular for trophy bass fishing. Finally, if you happen to like tennis, the city hosts the Ojai Tennis Tournament every April. It's the oldest amateur tournament in the country.
Spiritual Retreat
The city's reputation as a center of rejuvenation and healing makes it an ideal spot for spiritual retreats. You might discover the beauty of scripture while walking through the Biblical Garden at the Ojai Presbyterian Church of Foothill and Aliso or find peace and calm while on retreat at the secluded Krishnamurti Center. The Krotona Institute houses an A-to-Z library of 10,000 books in wisdom, religion, philosophy and the occult.
Campgrounds
The pristine natural surroundings are a camper's dream come true. Ojai provides a handful of RV accommodations, the most popular being the Lake Casitas Recreation Area. Lake Casitas offers more than 400 sites to suit tents, campers and RVs, some located right at the water's edge. Wheeler Gorge Campground off Highway 33 sits at the north fork of the Matilija River in a grove of trees and chaparral. Holiday Group Campground in shady Live Oak Canyon is one the more smaller and intimate sites in the area.
Interesting Facts
The 1935 film "The Last Horizon" called Ojai "Shangri-La" because of its vibrancy and innate beauty. As the sun fades into the Pacific Ocean in the early evening, the fading light casts a pink glow over the east-lying Topatopa bluffs called the "Pink Moment." Its close proximity to Los Angeles also means it would not be uncommon for you to run into a celebrity anonymously while out grabbing coffee or breakfast.
Agritourism
Ojai has more health and organic food stores than one can count, and it is no coincidence given the number of farms that line its back roads and include old-fashioned roadside fruit stands, olive groves, lavender farms and wineries. Steve Sprinkel provides lunch at his downtown organic cafe The Farmer and The Cook in exchange for volunteer time such as picking, packing and washing vegetables during the morning hours at his 12-acre farm off Highway 150,
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