Long weekend to Ventura area
 

We are planning a weekend trip to the Ventura area and need information on where to stay.We plan to spend an afternoon in Ojai and can't decide whether to stay in Ojai or Ventura. I know Ojai is inland but not too sure of how far it is from Ventura. I would like to be near the beach but that's not a necessity. Just 2 adults looking for a quiet weekend away.

Ojai is a quaint little town, but I wouldn't suggest staying there in the summer months. Being inland, it gets pretty hot. I'd recommend finding a place in Ventura or Santa Barbara.

The Pierpont hotel in Ventura is virtually on the beach (only problem is it was built before they put hwy. 101 in, so it's adjacent). Regardless, it's a nice hotel to consider. Ojai has a great resort & spa (I think it's called Ojai Valley Inn), where you can golf, bike, hike and relax at the spa. Lots of celebrities there. Ventura is more of a beachy and historic town with a funky atmosphere, lots of shopping and a wonderful assortment of restaurants. Lots to do there! So, if you really want to veg out, go to Ojai, but for a wider assortment of activities, and of course the beach, stay in Ventura.

Also meant to write that Ojai is about a 20 minute drive inland from Ventura on a 2 lane road. Can get congested on weekends.

We've stayed at the Holiday Inn in Ventura. Great location, except for when the train goes by! But you get used to that. Ventura is a cute little town. My husband goes to the go kart racing school, and I futz around the town.