Looking for an affordable, low-stress getaway from Los Angeles? Let me introduce you to Ojai, California—a charming small town near Santa Barbara that’s perfect for a quick day trip. I’d been hearing about micro-traveling (exploring local cities or neighborhoods instead of going far), and with some PTO to use before the holidays, I was ready to try it myself.
Ojai offers a perfect mix of greenery, quiet, and creative vibes—so here’s my full Ojai day trip itinerary if you’re planning to visit soon.
12:00 pm – Leave the San Fernando Valley
We kicked off our LA to Ojai day trip with a detour: Santa Barbara tacos.
1:30 PM – Lunch at East Beach Tacos (Santa Barbara)
I’d heard about this place from a friend who went to UCSB and recommended it hard. These aren’t your basic tacos—they’ve got creative combos like Ahi Tuna. I ordered the Triple Play, which came with three tacos. It was the perfect portion—not too heavy, which is exactly what I wanted before exploring.
Pro Tip: We didn’t realize how far Santa Barbara is from Ojai… with traffic, it took us 45 minutes to drive back down. Learn from us and save East Beach Tacos for a Santa Barbara day instead. LMAO.
3:00 PM – Ojai Olive Oil Company Tasting
This was the highlight of the whole trip!
When someone first told me about olive oil tasting, I was like… why? Olive oil doesn’t even taste that good. Oh, how wrong I was.
It’s $15 per tasting and comes with two pieces of sourdough bread (bless). They let you sample a crazy variety of olive oils—from savory to sweet—and balsamic glazes too. The woman running the tasting was super kind and informative. I left with a bottle of olive oil. Yes, it was that good.
Ojai Olive Oil Tasting
4:15 PM – Bart’s Books
A huge, charming outdoor bookstore that’s been around since 1964. This place is quiet, calming, and full of personality—some books even had little notes from previous owners tucked inside. Afterward, we strolled through the plaza and did some window shopping. Definitely one of Ojai’s staple spots.
6:00 PM – Majestic Oak Vineyard & Wine Tasting
We stumbled into this spot and were so glad we did. Romantic outdoor tables, warm lighting, music playing softly in the background—pure Hallmark movie vibes. Being there during the holiday season made it feel even more magical.
8:00 PM – Pinyon Ojai
Okay, so… we were originally going to eat at Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta, but our wine tasting server let us know they were closed for the holidays. So we pivoted to Pinyon Ojai for pizza, and I was… disappointed.
First, we had to pay a service fee, even though it’s not a full-service spot. You order at the counter and serve yourself water. But whatever. The real issue? We waited 45 minutes for burnt pizza. The table next to us was also arguing with the manager over delays. We asked for a redo, which we got—but with no real apology.
The second round was better, but not amazing. Honestly, I should’ve just gone to Blaze Pizza and called it a night.
Final Thoughts
There were definitely a few learning moments, but overall this trip was exactly what I needed. Ojai is quiet, cute, and gives you a little bit of everything—greenery, art, good food (mostly), and cozy small-town energy. I’d totally go again—just with a couple tweaks to the plan next time.
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