Ojai Pizza

For such a popular destination, Ojai has surprisingly few accommodation options; Caravan Outpost and its fleet of eleven tricked-out, freshly-refurbished Airstreams aims to remedy the situation. The whole experience brilliantly combines the get-back-to-nature appeal of camping with all the creature comforts of a boutique hotel: cozy beds, small yet well-equipped bathrooms, and all the tech hook-ups. There’s also a well-manicured outdoor common area and activities, like biking and marshmallow roasting, to keep the littlest guests occupied.

Formerly a 1950's retro roadside motel, the Ojai Rancho Inn, a no-frills but character-filled option in town. The guest rooms each have their own front porch, log cabin-style interiors, and the design brings together artwork and furnishings by area artists with a quirky, throwback vibe. There's a stable of bikes to ride into town (which is maybe ten minutes, tops), BBQ grills, and a fire pit that encourages communal hangs. Chief's Peak, right next to the swimming pool, is a cozy little bar that has a good selection of wines and craft beers.

Known for its scale (the property spans 220 acres) and its Spanish-style casitas, this resort is the best known in town, and a destination in its own right. The Moroccan Hammam-style spa is popular, particularly on weekends for LA locals seeking a quick dose of R&R and often hosts groups on girls' getaways.

Hovering somewhere between a bed and breakfast and organic co-op farm, LA-transplant Calvin Zara’s refurbished four-bedroom Thacher house and its four private cabins is where you want to be for a fully-immersive, get away from it all experience (it accommodates no more than 20 guests at a time). If you stay here, be prepared to share the lush grounds with chickens and a family of goats, in addition to citrus and pomegranate trees and a garden. Needless to say, all the food served at the beautifully appointed dining room is sourced locally or from the Thacher House farm itself. Also on offer: classes in cooking, baking, olive-oil pressing, wine-making, and so much more.

Under the watchful eye of Steve Sprinkel and Olivia Chase (the farmer and the cook, respectively), this Mexican restaurant/health-food hybrid has been in the business of all-organic, farm-to-table tacos, salads, and burritos since before it was cool. You can go the pre-made sandwich route for picnics and on-the-go lunches or have a proper sit-down meal of veggie tacos, salads, enchiladas, and more in the café (choose between indoor and outdoor seating).

Grab a table on the patio and catch the sun set on the Topatopas in the distance at this new-ish Italian spot run by Pietro Biondi formerly of Piccolo in LA. As is the case with much of the fare in Ojai, the menu takes advantage of seasonal ingredients for a classically Italian line-up of homemade tagliolini with mushrooms and leeks, pappardelle served with slow-roasted wild boar, as well as freshly-caught fish; if you're feeling hungry, spring for the reasonably priced 5-course tasting menu where chef really gets to show off.

While the oversized burritos (the veggie version is bomb) are the claim to fame at this teeny central-Ojai stand, the tacos, nachos, and quesadillas (we’ve heard good things about the bacon-wrapped hot dogs, too) are also well worth the time you’ll spend standing in line. Note: they’ve been known to run out of ingredients on busy days so come early.

An Ojai institution, Bart’s Books has been in the rare and pre-loved book business since the 1960s. (Don't miss the thirty-five cent specials which line the outside walls, and are still for sale on the honor system—a long-held Bart's tradition.) There's a particularly good selection of cookbooks, and a nook of children's books to occupy littles for hours.

This sun-soaked, artfully curated little shop perfectly embodies Ojai’s special brand of magic and take-it-easy vibe. A massive farm table and the surrounding displays are a treasure trove of giftables for kids, stationery, home décor, accessories, and pottery—much of it handmade by local artisans. Best part: you enter the shop through a semi-hidden walk-through garden.

Mid-century gas station-turned-concept store, Summer Camp, offers custom framing services in addition to vintage camping gear, Kilim rugs, succulents, and Ojai-themed souvenirs that are a far cry from touristy trinkets. There's a small corner of childrens' wear and small gifts including sweet chambray rompers and knit yarn cactus rattles, all lovingly made in Ojai.

Hike Last Chance Trail for sweeping views of Santa Paula canyon and its several waterfalls. At a little over nine-miles long, it’s best suited for experienced hikers. In the summer months, some of the waterfalls empty into swimming holes that are perfect for cooling off on the long trek.

Lauded by locals as one of the most spiritually sound spots in the valley, Meditation Mount is prime for catching a famous Ojai “pink moment”—or a guided, walking, and full-moon meditation, depending on the day. Time it so you're there around sunset, and bring your camera.

For wildlife spotting, Ojai Meadows Preserve is sprawled over 58-acres of lush wetlands and counts bobcats, rabbits, and over 40 bird species as residents. The project is actually a restoration led by a local conservation group, which runs environmental education programs and guided tours year-round. If you come on your own, there's an accessible trail that makes for a low-key, 30-minute hike.

A quick but winding drive outside town, the Ojai Olive Oil Company opens its groves to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays; a guided walk through the history-rich property is a lesson in the virtues of sustainable farming. Exit through the gift shop for certified-organic olive oils of every variety to take home.

At the Ojai Vineyard tasting room (a firehouse in its past life), you can work your way through 300-plus wines on offer, though the deliciously elegant Ojai-vineyard grown Syrahs, Pinots, Chardonnays, and Sauvignon Blancs are the main draw—and a testament to owner Adam Tolmach’s purist approach to winemaking.

On the gentler side (a 3.5-mile out-and-back), Shelf Road Trail passes through fragrant tangerine orchards and leaves you at a scenic lookout over Ojai Valley. Ask your concierge if someone from the hotel can drop you off at the trailhead near Shelf Road, as the street parking (while plentiful) can land you far from the trailhead on weekend days.