Why We Go to Ojai

One thing I love about LA is not even about LA per se, but its proximity to so many great options for places to take a day trip. One of our favorite places to go on a Sunday is Ojai, located 1.5 hr. north of LA, east of Santa Barbara. We’ve been going there about once a year for the past six years and we always find it to be a relaxing getaway for us and the dog. Ojai’s main street is Ojai Avenue, and it has plenty of places to eat, a few cute shops and Libbey Park.

Every time we go we always seem to stop by Azu, a Mediterranean restaurant that serves tapas. We had a few bites there, and enjoyed their beet salad.

We also spotted a welcomed new addition to the neighborhood. Knead is a cozy, bright bakery with a nice, enclosed outdoor seating area. Apparently, Knead used to sell its baked goods at the Ojai farmer’s market, but since has opened a permanent location earlier this year. We ordered a delicious slice of a cheesy galette and paired with a light wine grape soda, it was a phenomenal snack.

After a nice walk through the neighborhood, we always spend a few hours in Libbey Park, which is dog-friendly and also features tennis courts and a theater too. It’s a perfect place to take a nap under a tree after filling your stomachs with good food.

Finally, we headed to Bart’s Books, the “world’s greatest outdoor bookstore.” You may be starting to worry at this point, asking the same thing I did, which was, “Doesn’t the outdoors absolutely destroy the books?” Luckily, amidst the shaded outdoor stalls, there are several enclosed areas with temperature controls that protect the art books and special editions. And again, dog lovers, this place lets you bring your pooch in with you, so no need to tie her up outside in the hot sun. It’s a pleasure walking around the grounds and certainly on a rainy day, this would be an ideal place to come and snuggle up with a favorite read.

See you next year, Ojai!