Travel: Oh, Hi Ojai! The Perfect Day Trip from LA

See our fun and relaxing itinerary for Ojai, CA – the perfect day trip from Los Angeles. For us, it was a way to instantly unwind. We enjoyed the silence, the beauty of the outdoors, and the slow pace of country living.

With options like jetsetting and cruises and glamping and an overwhelming list of of international destinations, sometimes it's nice to plan a simple day trip. My definition of "simple day trip" means not having to plan very much around when you leave or when you drive home – so about an hour away. Luckily, from Los Angeles, we have so many options for day trips.

A few weekends ago, my husband Cam and I headed up to Ojai for a 12 hour Sunday adventure. We left our apartment at 10am, and we were home by 9pm. Check out our itinerary and try it for yourself!

Most photos by Cameron Lee Art

First Stop: Stop & Smell The Oranges

As we were entering Ojai, Google Maps took us past this address: 511 Carne Rd, Ojai, California and we were welcomed by sweet perfumes of orange blossoms (actually, clementines). In April, the Ojai Valley was in full bloom from the recent rains, and the air was completely filled with the sweet smell of flowers.

Of course we also pulled to the side of the road and did a quick photoshoot.

Second Stop: Downtown Ojai

LUNCH: FOOD HARMONICS

What I ate: Salad Bowl with Bison (added) and a Turmeric Matcha Latte

WALK: LIBBY FREEMAN PARK

We did a LOT of walking on this day trip – that's what going to the wilderness is all about. Our first easy stroll was through Libby Freeman Park.

REFRESH: KOMBUCHA AT REVEL

We had the most delicious kombucha of my life at Revel. It's made from green tea and honey – flavored with sweet local fruits.

Third Stop: Ojai Meadows Preserve

Going deeper into our outdoor adventure, next we stopped at Ojai Meadows Preserve (1601 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, CA 93023) to walk the loop around the wetlands. We saw some toads and birds. Would have been a great place to picnic.

There's something so refreshing about laying in tall grass.

Fourth Stop: Valley View Preserve

Our next hiking stop was a little harder to find as Google Maps gets confused, so pay attention to where you are going, and you may need to manually guide yourself (must be the boonies!). To make things easier, try putting this address into Google Maps: 1224 N Signal St., Ojai, CA. If you look at the map, you want to drive past the end of Signal Street where it turns into Shelf Road. Then, drive to where this road dead-ends and people park in a little cul-de-sac. Pay attention to the parking signs.

This trail goes on for miles, but we just walked for half an hour or so to catch some views and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Fifth Stop: Meditation Mount

This was the most magical place to end our time outdoors. Signs remind guests to respect silence. So we took half an hour to soak in the views and do some walking meditation. Truly breathtaking.

Last Stop: Suzanne's Cuisine

This was our last (and most romantic) stop. We didn't make a reservation, so we didn't get to sit on the stunningly beautiful garden patio. Try to go around sunset and make your reservation days in advance. It's kind of pricey, so perfect for a special occasion.