Not every adventure requires a travel companion. Recently, I’ve been enjoying the simple pleasures of solo travel. I love curating the perfect road trip soundtrack, picking up my favorite gas station snacks (Slim Jims, Sour Patch Kids and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos), getting lost and finding my way back, all while enjoying my own company.
I’ve been shooting a movie while I’m out here in Los Angeles and I found myself with a free day and a weather app with a perfect forecast. One place that I had pinned on my map was the dreamy town of Ojai, so I decided to do hop in my Mustang convertible and do a little day trip. This gem of a town, just a 90-minute drive from LA, is often called the Shangri-La of California. Think chill vibes, trendy cafes, quirky local shops, and some seriously gorgeous scenery. Here’s my itinerary for a perfect day in this charming mountain valley town.
Morning: Ojai Olive Oil Company
I kicked off the day trip at the Ojai Olive Oil Company, a family-run spot producing and selling estate-grown olive oils and vinegars. I went for the $10 tasting, which let me try a bit of everything they make. The best part is that you get to enjoy your haul on their beautiful property, surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills.
Mid-Morning: Ojai Arcade
Next up, I strolled over to the historic Ojai Arcade, a super cute shopping center with a ton of character. I found three awesome local shops that I absolutely adored: Fig Curated Living, for some seriously cool home goods; Treasures of Ojai, which sells antiques and junk (i.e. treasures); and Summer Camp, a thoughtfully curated lifestyle store housed in an old gas station.
Lunch: Hip Vegan Café
Thank you, internet, for guiding me to my next stop, lunch. At Hip Vegan Café, I tried the jackfruit torta with a side of gunpowder fries. Both were spicy and delicious. It was vegan food done so good that it made me momentarily forget In-N-Out existed.
Afternoon: Bart's Books
Bart's Books is an outdoor independent bookstore I’d heard about for years. It’s hands down, one of the most beautiful bookstores I've ever visited. It's got all these cozy little nooks to get lost in while trying to find your next read, all while breathing in some fresh mountain air.
Late Afternoon: Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
I couldn't leave Ojai without a little hike. I had planned to do a more intense trail, but the sun was already getting low, so I opened up my AllTrails app and chose a nearby path at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. It was totally rejuvenating and a great way to work of those gunpowder fries.
Sunset: Pink Moment at Topa Topa Mountains
Just as I was driving out of town, I caught the famous Pink Moment, which occurs when the Topa Topa Mountains glow pink right after sundown. It was absolutely breathtaking and the perfect way to wrap up my day trip to Ojai.
With its blend of chill vibes, tasty eats, one-of-a-kind shops, and some pretty mind-blowing scenery, Ojai is a great destination for any solo traveler looking for a break from the city.