Walking through Ojai, a mission-style town 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles, you quickly understand why “the Village,” as locals call it, has long been a magnet for those seeking escape, restoration and natural beauty. You’re snuggled by magic and surrounded by mountains, hills and protected forests. “There’s something about Ojai that makes me feel centered and restored,” says yoga teacher and new resident Andrea Brook.
Famously a Mecca for new-agers, these days hippy life has given way to craft cocktails and DJs spinning tunes on gallery night. The vibe is still laid-back and peaceful, but tinged with a hipster sensibility. Most you meet here—you will make friends just by walking down the street—are artists, yoga instructors, film executives or chefs. And everyone shares their talents in the array of well-curated boutiques, galleries and organic restaurants clustered around the tiny downtown.
During a two-day stint in Ojai, which has a population of less than 8,000, you can fill your cup with outdoor pursuits, creative exploration and peaceful reflection. This combination embodies the spirit of the valley.
To set the tone for the weekend, stroll down East Ojai Avenue past boutiques and galleries and make your way to Libbey Park. As you begin to breathe the valley air, you’ll realize things here move at a slower pace. The small green space in the town center serves as a community gathering spot with seating areas surrounded by native plantings leading to the newly restored Libbey Bowl. If you’re lucky, you may catch a free performance in the historic amphitheater or one of the park’s many free art festivals.
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