Major city · United States
Ojai
One night covers walkable downtown; add a second only for a planned hike, winery tasting or resort spa day. Skip Ojai if you want big-city sights or a beach base.
Ojai is a small town in a valley about 35 km inland from Ventura, known for a short walkable downtown, a spa resort, and a growing wine scene in Upper Ojai. Most people see the centre in half a day and use the rest of the time for a spa, a hike or a drive. Two nights is the useful maximum unless you are on a spa stay.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (valley heat), and the fire season that runs with it
- Airports
- LAX · BUR · SBA
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Ojai911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ojai, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyThe real risks are summer heat, narrow mountain roads and wildfire: the Thomas Fire burned the town's outskirts in 2017…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLAX Los Angeles International (About 130 km (81 mi) by car; allow 1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min depending on traffic.).LAX Los Angeles International (About 81 mi (130 km) by car; allow 1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min depending on traffic.).
- Getting aroundDowntown is small and easy on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–7
- Sit-down mealDinner, mid-range, per person$25–45
- Street or quick mealDiner breakfast$12–20
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$15–40
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry$5–10
- Budget bedTwo-bedroom rental (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$250
- Mid-range bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$220
- High-end bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$380
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$170 · High US$350
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LAX Los Angeles International (About 130 km (81 mi) by car; allow 1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min depending on traffic.) · BUR Hollywood Burbank (Smaller airport to the north; about 1 h 30 min by car outside peak traffic.) · SBA Santa Barbara (Coastal airport to the west; about 1 h 15 min by car via Route 150.)LAX Los Angeles International (About 81 mi (130 km) by car; allow 1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min depending on traffic.) · BUR Hollywood Burbank (Smaller airport to the north; about 1 h 30 min by car outside peak traffic.) · SBA Santa Barbara (Coastal airport to the west; about 1 h 15 min by car via Route 150.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Feb
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Mar
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Dec
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jan (5 rain days), driest Jun (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ojai: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
5 rd
Feb
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
5 rd
Mar
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
3 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
1 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
0 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
0 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
0 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1 rd
Nov
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
1 rd
Dec
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Downtown is small and easy on foot. For Lake Casitas, Upper Ojai wineries or the national forest you need a car: there is no useful bus network for visitors. State Routes 33 and 150 meet on the west side of town.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 45 min
Drive Route 33 south, about 35 km (22 mi)Drive Route 33 south, about 22 mi (35 km)
Coast, pier and the mission; pair it with a Channel Islands boat if you have a full day.
Santa Paula
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive Route 150 east, about 27 km (17 mi)Drive Route 150 east, about 17 mi (27 km)
Small historic downtown and the California Oil Museum; half a day is enough.
Carpinteria
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive Route 150 west to the coast, about 35 km (22 mi)Drive Route 150 west to the coast, about 22 mi (35 km)
Beach and tide pools; the seal rookery is active Dec–May.
Lake Casitas
cautionDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive Route 150 west, about 15 km (9.3 mi)Drive Route 150 west, about 9.3 mi (15 km)
Reservoir for camping and birdwatching; the island in the middle is submerged in full years, and access rules change with water level.
Los Padres National Forest
cautionDoor to door: About 20–40 min to trailheads
Drive north of town into the mountains
Trails and campgrounds; burn scars and closures from past fires still affect some areas.
Door to door: About 1.5 h
Drive Highway 33 north, over an hour
Remote grassland; spring wildflowers in wet years. Very limited services, so plan fuel and water.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown Ojai
Walk to shops, restaurants and the arcade; the best base if you have no car for the evening.
East Ojai Avenue
Motels and inns along the main road, 1–2 km (0.6–1.2 mi) from the centre; cheaper, still walkable.Motels and inns along the main road, 0.6–1.2 mi (1–2 km) from the centre; cheaper, still walkable.
Ojai Valley Inn area
Country Club Road west of the centre; resort and spa, golf, quiet.
Upper Ojai
Above the valley on Sulphur Mountain Road; wineries and views, but you need a car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–250 excl. bed
- High
- $300+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or inn double room1 × 1 night × US$220 | US$220 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$170 | US$340 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$70 | US$70 |
| Winery tasting, per person2 × US$45 · Often by appointment in Upper Ojai. | US$90 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$76 |
| Trip total≈ US$418 per person per day, bed included | US$836 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax is added at the till. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–7 |
| Diner breakfast | $12–20 |
| Casual lunch | $15–25 |
| Dinner, mid-range, per person | $25–45 |
| Wine tastingOften by appointment in Upper Ojai. | $25–75 |
| Museum entry | $5–10 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $15–40 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer afternoons in the valley regularly pass 35 °C (95 °F): walk early, drive in the middle of the day.Summer afternoons in the valley regularly pass 95 °F (35 °C): walk early, drive in the middle of the day.
- Fire season is real here: the Thomas Fire burned the town's outskirts in 2017. Check conditions and evacuation notices before a hiking or camping day.
- Winery visits in Upper Ojai are often by appointment only: book before you drive up.
- Cell coverage is patchy on the mountain roads north of town.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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OjaiOjai
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Ventura County non-emergency805-654-9511
Embassy
No embassies in Ojai; consulates are in Los Angeles.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- LAX → Ojai by car: about 1 h 45 min, 130 km (81 mi)about 1 h 45 min, 81 mi (130 km)
- Ojai → Ventura by car: about 45 min, 35 km (22 mi)about 45 min, 22 mi (35 km)
- Taxi or rideshare in town: $10–20 for most in-town trips
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the toilet?
- Do you take card? — Can I pay by card?
- Table for two, please — A table for two, please
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Do I need a reservation? — Is there a reservation?
Tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ojai. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (valley heat), and the fire season that runs with it · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LAX, BUR and SBA: drive times by time of day, parking, and a late-arrival fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: downtown arcade, East Ojai Avenue, Country Club Road, Upper Ojai.
- Place pages with verified hours and booking rules (Ojai Valley Museum, Lake Casitas, Upper Ojai wineries) and eat pages with last orders.
- Fire-season and heat fixtures so gates A–D can go green.