Walk, Run, or Bike the Ojai Valley Trail
The 9-mile trail connects Ojai and West Ventura. It is paved which makes it easily accessible for most people. There are many places to stop and enjoy the scenery as the trail passes through wooded areas and alongside riverbeds. The Ojai end of the trail is less than a mile from the Lavender Inn. Follow it all the way and you will be a few short blocks away from the Pacific Ocean. You may be lucky enough to see horses along the way as a post-and-rail wood fence separates the paved path from a dirt bridle path.
Play Tennis at Libbey Park
Ojai has been named one of the best tennis towns in the country. This is in part because the oldest amateur tennis event, “The Ojai,” is hosted here each year. But you do not have to be an amateur competitor to enjoy the eight hard surface courts in the park. This is a favorite location for locals of all tennis levels. While you are in the park, take time to visit the Sound Arch. This unique interactive sculpture was dedicated in 2011.
Spend a Day at Lake Casitas
The Lake Casitas recreational area has more than half a million visitors each year. They come to go boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and picnicking. Libbey Park is not the only spot famous for a sports event in Ojai. Lake Casitas hosted canoeing and rowing events in the 1984 Olympics.
- Fishermen have caught largemouth bass, rainbow trout, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. Las Casitas Marina Bait & Tackle Shop is conveniently located half a mile inside of the park. They have everything you need from boat rentals to fishing licenses to bait. On certain weekends they allow fishing from shore until 11 pm.
- Bald eagles are prevalent in the park, especially during the January to September nesting season. Keep your eyes open for possible eagle sightings along the 40 miles of trails. More than 160 other bird species have also been spotted in the Lake Casitas area.
- The Coyote Point Disc Golf Course overlooks Lake Casitas. Bring your hiking shoes for the challenging course as it traverses tough terrain. It is also recommended that you bring your own water on the course.
- Casitas Water Adventure is fun for the whole family. The ticketed water park boasts a lazy river, waterfalls, slides, and a lagoon. Swimming in the actual lake is not permitted, however, the water park is so much fun that you will not miss swimming in the lake.
Play a Round of Golf Beneath the Mountains
In 2021, Golf Magazine named Soule Park Golf Course “The Best Course You’ve Never Heard Of.” The Topa Topa Mountains stand sentry alongside a course that welcomes all skill levels. The course was renovated in 2005 by architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. Gil Hanse went on to design the course for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. The course is relatively inexpensive with fees ranging from $30-$49 based on the day and time.
Explore Los Padres National Forest with a Guide
Trails by Potter offers guided hikes for all skill levels. This is great if you want to get out on a hike but are not comfortable exploring a new area alone. The expert guides teach guests about local flowers and herbs along the way. All guests are provided with water, snacks, and a waist pack making this the easiest way to hike in Ojai.
See the World from a New Perspective by Rock Climbing
Trails by Potter also offers rock climbing tours. First time climbers up to experienced climbers are welcome to book guided tours. If you are brand new to the sport, they will help with knots, climbing, and rappelling tips and instruction. Equipment including climbing shoes, harnesses, and helmets are all included.
Take in the Views from an Open Air Jeep
Sometimes you want to enjoy the outdoors while letting someone else do most of the work. That is where Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours comes in with their “All Around Ojai” tour. The private jeeps can hold up to seven passengers. Your professional guide and driver will bring you along quiet country roads and past landmarks. You will be treated to seemingly endless orange, olive, and avocado groves. You will have the opportunity to take a short hike and stop for wine and olive oil tastings. They offer door to door service in the Ojai Valley area. Request a pick up at the Lavender Inn and let them do the rest of the planning. You can also add a craft beer tasting, longer hike, or visit to an artist’s studio to your day.