Since we were just in Ojai shooting Anna Getty, I thought I’d share my Ojai with you. I’ve loved Ojai ever since I was a kid growing up in neighboring Santa Barbara. I went to the Tony Trabert Tennis Camp at the Thacher School one very hot August when I was about twelve years old and fell instantly in love with the place. It was more rural then. I started coming more often about twenty years ago to visit the wonderful Turtle Conservancy, as well as the many friends who had since moved up from Los Angeles to live a more bucolic life. Ojai has changed a lot since I was a kid, but nicely so, with an especially vibrant farm, music, and food culture. I hope you will soon get to visit this magical place.

      Photos KENDALL CONRAD

 *Just click on the underlined links for info on each place below.

STAY

Thacher House  A romantic inn with charming cottages.

Ojai Rancho Inn  An updated motel, very nicely done. Fun vibe and affordable.

Ojai Valley Inn  A nice resort with a fantastic spa and Kuyam.


EAT / DRINK

The Dutchess on the left and a plate from Farmer and the Cook 

Kate's Bread So delicious. Uses natural fermentation and grains from Tehachapi Heritage Grain Project.

The Dutchess  Co-founded by Kate of Kate’s Bread, a wonderful bakery and sandwich spot, great for breakfast and lunch with incredible Burmese/California cuisine at dinner.

Izakaya Full Moon  Tiny little restaurant with delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine and sushi.

Ojai Tortilla House  Authentic Mexican food with handmade tortillas.

Nocciola  Delicious fish and sophisticated Italian fare in a beautiful old craftsman house.

Farmer and the Cook   Vegan food + organic market.

Rory's Place  Brand new farm-to-table restaurant with a raw bar, natural wines, and a small market that sells eclectic culinary goods.

Chief's Peak

Chief's Peak Bar   Intimate and cozy with a roaring fire.

Deer Lodge  Lively bar and music, very old-school in a fun way.

Tipple and Ramble   Wine bar with a nice garden and little boutique.

Watkins Ranch Butcher Shop   The cleanest, best meat around.

Rainbow Bridge Natural Foods  Well-stocked health food market.

Earthtrine Farms Amazing organic produce from my favorite farmer, BD!

Farmers' Market Ojai  Wonderful outdoor market on Sundays, 9am - 1pm.


SHOP

Bart's Books 

Bart’s Books The coolest, indoor-outdoor curated bookstore with a vast collection of mostly used books.

Summer Camp  Cute gifts with an adjacent frame store. 

Sam Roberts LA   Very Ojai, vintage boutique.

Dekor & Co. and Fig Curated Goods 

DeKor & Co.  Great selection of home goods and gifts.

Magic Hour  Teahouse with ceremonial teas made in-house and small home gifts.

Fig Curated Goods  Plants and little items for the home, strong emphasis on locally produced goods.

EarthTonics  Gorgeous organic herbal creams and potions, everything is locally-sourced and made in-house.

SEE / DO

A 15 year-old Galapagos Tortoise and one of the many beautiful gardens at The Turtle Conservancy 

The Turtle Conservancy  My favorite place in Ojai, the name says it all. Click the link to visit and donate.

Beatrice Wood Foundation  A beautiful center for the arts with music, exhibitions, and workshops. Visit Friday - Sunday, 11am - 5pm.

Greater Goods  Groovy community art space, with live music.

The Mob Shop  The best way to see the beauty of Ojai is by bike! 

Light and Space Yoga  An old gas station converted into a beautiful light-filled yoga studio and garden.

The Spa at the Ojai Valley Inn  Great selection of offerings in a lovely setting. 

Leaving the Sespe Wilderness on a stormy day

HIKES/MEDITATION/RIDE

Ecotopia  Take a trip back to the 70s, get naked and relax in the natural hot springs.