Ojai a good choice?
 

I have a college friend flying into Santa Barbara from Texas for a short weekend getaway and we have done this so many times over the last few years... we are spoiled, I know... that we are a little tired of Santa Barbara!

I'd like to find a wonderful hotel for no more than $300 a night that can be a base for heading to the beach and maybe into LA to the Getty or the Huntington.

I have lived in California all my life and nver been to Ojai... and it looks like a possibility! Only 35 min south of SB... 20 min from Camarillo (beach) and under 2 hours to head in LA.

If you have favorite restaurants, shops, or suggestions I'd love to hear them. in general... if you've been there... would you go back?

Thanks in advance

lynnie (formerly onemoneygirl)

Some people really like Ojai..personally I do not becasue Santa Barbara and Pacific Ocean have so much more to offer.

In Santa Barbara I rec Oceana Hotel: close to beach, town etc yet feels like a lush place to be spoiled.
http://www.hoteloceanasantabarbara.com/

Santa Barbara Restaurants


Los Agaves Mexican
http://santabarbara.com/dining/revie...estaurant=1540

Jeannines Breakfast, BAkery
http://www.jeannines.com/menu/index.html

Four Seasons Brunch
http://www.fourseasons.com/santabarb...g/bella_vista/

I use to go to Ojai once or twice a year as family members lived there. It is a small "artsy" town and would be a good spot for a weekend getaway if that would appeal to you two.

The movie "Easy A" was entirely shot in Ojai and may give you a feeling of what the town is like. But Ojai is really no closer to LA than Santa Barbara is.

If your intention is to visit the Getty and/or the Huntington; I would look at coastal towns in LA County...like Malibu, Santa Monica or Marina del Rey.

I'm in the I love Ojai crowd.

I'll never forget the first time we met. I was on my way to see a client at Ojai Valley Inn; there was a storm the day before and the skies could not have been any bluer and the grass not any greener, but the sight of those Topa Topa Mountains took my breath away. The Ojai Valley Inn was icing on the cake. I kept thinking am I really getting paid for this? This CA native could not believe they had never been there either!!! I was hooked. And returned often.

If you and your girlfriend need 'stimulus' when you're together then Ojai will disappoint. It's one of those places that is more about the energy and connecting. I think we call it peace. ;)

We have enjoyed quite a few meals at Suzanne's and the Ranch House , but check with Chowhound for current reviews. And do spend time on the grounds of Ojai Valley Inn regardless if you stay there. Do you golf? WOW what a drop dead gorgeous course at Ojai Valley Inn! And of course there's the spa splurge there! There are quite a few 'health' retreats located in Ojai if that is your thing. Or plain ole hiking at Lake Casitas along with biking along the trail. When are you going? The Ojai Music festival at Libbey Bowl is wonderful! Check to see if any concerts are playing at Lake Casitas. I never really got into the shopping there, but you might enjoy it.



BTW, Camarillo is inland. :) Ventura is the closet beach and then Oxnard. Have you been to the Channel Islands before? That would make a great day trip. A lot of Californians have never done that either! Very unique.

I agree with others if you want to do L.A. sites, Ojai isn't the ideal location and takes just as long from Santa Barbara. You are inland from the 101 approx. 25 minutes.

Just to give you an idea of the Topa Topa Mountains check out the link below.


http://www.discoverojai.com/Ojai_Lin...ry/Photo1.html

The Emerald Iguana Inn is very nice. But I consider Ojai a getaway, not a good halfway point between the beaches and the city. And it's more like 40 minutes to the nearest beach, not 20.

I should have been clearer... perhaps I should have just asked for restaurant recommendations and left it at that! lol

Forgive me, I alsways mix up Camarillo(whish has the outlets and is more inland) and Carpinteria (which has a charming beach)because they look basically the same when I am driving through on the 101.

I am fully aware of drive times into LA if we decide to go that route...I don't mind driving... we will do whatever we feel like. That is the whole point of the weekend! :)

I live an hour north of Santa Barbara and work there... so I am well acquainted with SB and the beach...not necessary for this trip, in fact I believe I was clear that we wanted a change this time.

SOCALOC: Thanks! I ended up booking a suite at www.sunidoinn.com and have already perused the menus for The Ranch House and Azu... they look like "must trys" for the weekend!Also, the outdoor bookstore that deals exclusively in out of print books will be on the list as well as any concerts that may be in the area. (Haven't had time to research that yet!)AS soon as I log off of here I will be checking out the spa meno at the Ojai Valley Inn and a few other spots recemmended to me! Thanks so much for the info!

Thanks to each of you that responded! :) I wil be sure and post a trip report upon my return!

The bookstore is called Bart's. It's amazing...not just out-of-print books, but used books and new ones as well. Go for a walk or play tennis in Libbey Park. Another recommendation for the Ranch House. There used to be a great place for crepes called L'Auberge -- you could sit on the deck and wait for the "pink moment" on the Topa Topas. Go see a play at the Ojai Art Center. Stroll the Arcade and sniff the orange blossoms.

Just realized how much I miss Ojai!(Former Ventura girl now transplanted to the Pacific Northwest.)

lynni
when you say "the hunington" does that refer to a beach or a spa or something else?

Ojai is a little off the beaten path, not much excitement, but one of the most beautiful and relaxing little towns you'll find anywhere. So if you're looking for beauty and relaxation, Ojai is a great place. And you're right about it being nicely situated between LA and Santa Barbara as well as Malibu and the PCH.

paulhelmick: I was refering to the Huntington Library in Pasadena. www.huntington.org If you have never been there, it is incredible... go next time you are in the area.

I have a friend who lives in Ojai and it's a nice little town. Very relaxing, if that's what you're looking for. Imo, a nice place to visit.

I hope to make a visit thanks

~~~~Just realized how much I miss Ojai!~~~~

Me too! Enough to look at Ojai Valley Inn rates at specific dates. Signed up for specials. :) We're going!

lynni,( I liked onemoneygirl)

Sunido Inn looks lovely!

I had a chuckle while I was researching Ojai Valley Inn rates- (I know where you got the numbers for Camarillo and Santa Barbara. :)

For fun..time your drive from Santa Barbara Cabrillo exit(to be generous) and if you can make it from the Inn to Camarillo in 20 minutes I'll buy you a night there!!!! (Within the speed limit of course!)

Look forwarding to hearing about your experience in Ojai!

Would love to hear your opinions on your trip. Have lived in Ca. a long time, too, and have considered Ojai for a getaway, but it never makes the final cut...let us know how you like it.

Had a wonderful weekend in Ojai...the Su Nido Inn was lovely... I highly recommend it and we had some great meals, enjoyed the small movie theater and enjoyed walking through the small galleries.

Trip report will come tomorrow in a separate post.

Lynni..happy you "found" Ojai to your liking. My son and DIL have lived there for years so we visit often. Both have their own bands and play up and down the coast, but there home venue is Zoeys in Ventura. They also play in Ojai itself from time to time, especially for their festivals. Always a nice visit. Ojai Pizza...great offerings. Now you've given away the secret.(Another nice getaway is San Luis Obispo and their Thursday night market..great experience...some very attractve B and B's in and around town...The Garden Street Inn.
stu