The Ojai Experience

Hiking

Situated at the edge of 2 million acres of the Los Padres National Forest, Ojai offers myriad opportunities to trek, hike, mountain climb and camp. Whether you walk along paths at Ojai Foundation or Meditation Mount overlooking the valley (which resembles Tuscany) or you hike up to watering holes and waterfalls, you will want to return. Just within walking distance to the Inn, there are 2 trails; Pratt trail & Shelf Road trail are located around the corner and up to the top of Signal Street. The Ojai Meadows Preserves offers an easy stroll looping around protected wetlands and meadows, lined with Eucalyptus trees, against the stunning backdrop of the Topa Topa Mountains.  Maps are available in the library or just ask an innkeeper for directions.. For the ultimate hiking tours, you’ll want to talk to Stacy & Ian of Trails by Potter. They’ll take you on guided hikes that include learning about the native flora, herbs & history. They also have package tours that include Hike & Wine or Hike & Olives.

Events

Special events during the year include the Ojai Music Festival (www.ojaifestival.org) , Ojai Film Festival (www.ojaifilmfestival.com), Ojai  Wine Festival, Ojai Playwrights Conference, Ojai Studio Artist Tour, Art in the Park , the annual Storytelling Festival, and The Ojai Tennis Tournament – one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the U.S.

Biking

Ojai has an abundance of biking options for every skill level, whether it’s a simple spin through town, a rugged mountain bike trip through the countless trails in the canyons and foothills, or a scenic  ride through the endless, winding roads in the Valley.   Want to ride from Ojai to the beach on a safe, designated  bike trail?  Take this popular ride on the 20-mile bike path and picnic on the ocean or eat on the pier or at one of the adjacent downtown Ventura restaurants.  It’s a ‘breeze trip’ for those who ride regularly, but If you prefer a relaxed ride back to Ojai, we suggest you rent an electric bike and do a combination of pedaling and cruising.  Another favorite, casual ride is Rice-Wills Loop, 4.5 to 12 miles, which goes to the Ventura River Preserve. For an actual biking personal guide, check out Ian at Trails by Potter.  The MOB Shop (themobshop.com) , around the corner from the Lavender Inn on Ojai Avenue is excellent for renting any type of bikes, purchasing accessories, and providing maps of all the trails in the Ojai Valley, including more challenging rides.  Another location to rent an electric bike is Ojai Electric Bikes; book online at ojaielectricbikes.com.  If you bring your personal bike, you can safely store it inside our garage or lock it up outside in the back garden.

Yoga

Ojai has numerous quality yoga studios.  Just a few buildings down from Lavender Inn is Move Sanctuary (movesanctuary.com) at 306 E. Matilija St.  They not only have yoga but also pilates classesMove Sanctuary, a beautiful space with light,  has drop-ins but we suggest you call them to make sure the class is available.  On the East End of downtown is Light and Space which has Vinyasa Yoga, Kandalini Yoga, and Power Yoga , Meditation and Workshops.  The setting is beautiful and the teachers are outstanding. Be sure to sign up online for a class at [email protected] .   With prior notice you can hire one of our recommended yoga teachers for a private class in our garden (Times must be coordinated with our innkeeper Beth to ensure your privacy).

Wine Tasting

Wine enthusiasts visiting are delighted when it comes to exquisite tasting experiences. One must-visit destination is the Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room, where guests can sample a diverse selection of artisanal wines crafted from locally sourced grapes. Another gem is the Casa Barranca Organic Winery & Tasting Room, renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices and exceptional organic wines. For those seeking a charming ambiance, the Old Creek Ranch Winery offers a rustic setting amidst scenic vineyards, inviting guests to savor their handcrafted wines in a serene, picnic setting. Additionally, the Topa Mountain Winery provides a unique blend of wine tasting and live music events, creating a vibrant and lively experience for visitors. Each of these establishments showcases the rich tapestry of flavors that Ojai has to offer, making wine tasting in this idyllic valley an unforgettable journey.

Meditation Mountain

Take a short drive up the hill at the other side of the valley for a peaceful setting with a view, a spiritual sanctuary center on 32 acres of land! Take walks, enjoy guided meditation and yoga. One of the attractions of Meditation Mount is its natural setting and access to the abundance of Nature’s beauty.  One of the objectives is to preserve as much of the serene feeling as possible so access is limited. Every Sunday at 10a you can attend Morning Sound and every Thursday Yoga and Sound is offered at Sunset.   Call: 805-646-5508 for reservation for access to your own visitation experience or a yoga or sound meditation.

Golf

Our local golf courses are breathtaking!  Try both outstanding, picturesque golf courses, www.ojairesort.com and www.soulepark.com.  Soule Park is a public course but vacationing golfers can schedule  a tee time at Ojai Valley Inn even though you are staying with us at Lavender Inn. Both courses offer excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing is popular in the Ojai Valley, and Ian from Trails by Potter, is happy to take you there! Climbs are tailored to each individual’s level of fitness and experience and is available to first time climbers, novice, intermediate and advanced climbers. The climbs are approximately 80 feet in height; you will need to be in moderate shape and have good balance. Strength is not essential. Your rock climbing experience will take you into Ojai’s beautiful mountains and foothills. Call 800-255-8175 to learn about the packages.

Bart Books

This is Ojai’s landmark outdoor bookstore, a collector’s paradise of used books. This is just 2 blocks down the street. 805.646.3755 www.bartsbooks.com

Casitas Water Park

Open in July, August, and September, Casitas Water Adventure Park in Ojai, California, is a refreshing oasis nestled within the serene landscape of the Ojai Valley at Lake Casitas. This family-friendly destination offers a delightful escape from the heat, featuring an array of exhilarating water attractions suitable for all ages. From thrilling water slides to relaxing lazy rivers, the park boasts an extensive variety of aquatic activities to suit every preference.  The park’s lush green surroundings provide a picturesque backdrop for a day of fun and relaxation, offering ample space for picnics. Whether playing with your kids, taking an aerobics class (Monday, Wednesday, or Friday), or  cooling off, laid-back enjoyment, Casitas Water Adventure Park promises a worthwhile experience for all who visit.  https://www.casitaswater.org/recreation/casitas-water-adventure

Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts

See the permanent collection of renowned artist Beatrice Wood and contemporary artists. Gallery is open Sat. & Sun. 11-5. www.beatricewood.com

Ojai Museum

Relics of yesteryear together with artifacts of the Oak Grove people and Chumash Indian cultures are displayed. Attractions often include local Ojai artists. www.ojaivalleymuseum.org

Ojai Olive Oil Tour

For a special afternoon, visit the studios of some of Ojai’s premier artisans including the famous potter Otto Heino. Tour our olive groves & taste the varieties of our award winning oils, open 7 days a week, 10a-4p.  www.OjaiOliveOil.com

Sunday Ojai Certified Farmers’ Market

Just steps away from Lavender Inn is our Sunday Farmers’ Market 10a-1p, featuring local grown fruits, vegetables and flowers.  Choose from a selection of  jams, honey, bee wax candles, locally caught  seafood, organic grass-fed meats and eggs, handmade soaps,  our famous Ojai Olive Oil products, and during the spring, Friends’ Ranch Ojai Pixie Tangerines.  After shopping, you can keep your fresh food in one of our refrigerators until you leave for home.

Thursday Ojai Community Farmers’ Market

If you would like a ‘local Ojai’ experience go to the Thursday Farmers’ Market conveniently located at the end of the block from 3p-7p. The vendor’s provide farmer to consumer shopping while locals gather, picnic, and listen local musicians. Kids enjoy playing on the grass and participating in child-focused activities. Take a blanket and enjoy an early picnic dinner from one of the delicious healthy vendors.

Swim & Workout

Ojai Athletic Club – One free day pass is available to use the club to swim in the Olympic-size pool, play tennis, or exercise in a class or weight room for a small daily fee/person. Check with our innkeeper on the small fee for additional passes to the club..

Boating and Bass fishing

Less than 15 minutes away at Lake Casitas is one of the best bass-fishing lakes in the world. So much fun on a hot sunny day!  For boat rentals and info go to www.casitaswater.org

Surfing

In just 20 minutes you can be at the beach in Ventura to surf the famous C Street.    If you are interested in learning to surf,  with  advance notice we can arrange private surf lessons or your children can attend Mary Osborne Surf Camp.  Mary  is not only a professional surfer and champion longboarder, but she is a positive, confidence-building person.  Go to https://maryosbornesurf.com to see your options.

Tennis

Public tennis courts are located just steps away in Libbey Park. Local Stacy Potter teaches individual, group, stroke production, and game analysis. Call 805-646-0382. The Ojai is a renown annual Tennis Tournament with unique tradition dating back to the first event in 1896.

Shopping

We can’t forget shopping, especially when the shops in Ojai are one-of-a-kind and a shopping destination for out of town guests. Stroll along our tree-lined streets along the small-town charming “Arcade”, built in 1917,  the vortex of Ojai’s shopping scene then continue along the side streets.  The locally-owned boutiques, artisanal shops, and eclectic galleries feature talented local artisans.  Ojai’s shops showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of the community.   Some of our favorite shops are Cercana, Fig, Pixie’s General Store, Noted, Rains, and women’s clothing Barbara Bowman, Julia Rose and Ali Golden and so much more!

Games & Books

Don’t  forget to relax and simplify!  We have an abundance of games to play available both in our library and for those who are staying in the Cottage.  Do you need a book to read?  Check out our library and feel free to take a nonfiction book with you.  No need to return the book to us,  just pass it on when you are finished.

Sunday Trip

Arrive in Ojai and park at the Lavender Inn. Peruse the Sunday Farmer’s Market, only 2 doors away, for fresh, local items. Keep your fresh purchases in our frig until you leave the next day. Return for a lunch cooking class from 1-3:30. Relax and enjoy the rest of your evening at the Lavender Inn and a dinner at one of the restaurants across the street. Monday morning take a hike before breakfast! Just go around the corner and up the hill to the start of Shelf Road where you can capture the warm colors of the tapestry of Ojai!

Ojai is truly an experience for everyone! There is so much more… Spas, Restaurants, Workshops, Seminars, Festivals, Skateboarding Park… You name it, the Ojai Valley has it!