Sometimes, you need to take the road less traveled. With all do respect to Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs, and Las Vegas, there are other options within a relatively short drive from major southern California metro areas. If you haven’t heard of Ojai, it’s high time that you did.
Nestled in the Tapatopa Mountains less than a two hour’s drive outside of Los Angeles, Ojai is a small town beaming with energy. The full-time popular is less than 8,000, but you’d never know it thanks to a plethora of restaurants, shops, and spas worth visiting. But you do get that small town charm, which is a big part of Ojai’s appeal.
Folks in San Diego can weekend in Ojai with ease, as it’s less than four hours by car. And folks elsewhere can fly in to a number of major airports fairly close to the place. One thing is for certain: If you like scenic vistas, magic sunsets, great food, and a welcoming downtown village, Ojai is for you.
With a new year comes new travel. If you’re looking for a road trip adventure, a journey to Ojai is a great one. Read on for places to hit while in the lovely Ventura County town.
It’s tough to argue with great rotisserie chicken with an expansive patio. That’s what’s on the menu at Ojai Rotie, a fast-casual joint specializing in rustic goodness. Obviously, go big on the chicken but be sure to check out the house-made bread, sides like cardamom carrots and tabouli, along with great charred eggplant and fresh-made salads.
Bonnie Lu’s Cafe is a 30-year-old diner and institution. Grab a stool at the counter and let the good times roll. This is where you go for classic Americana and comfort dishes and all-day breakfast. Show up early for a proper breakfast of pancake and eggs and hashbrowns or go for lunch for Monte Cristo or turkey club. Not much has changed at this establishment since it opened in 1995 and therein lies a lot of the appeal.
This eatery might just be the Mexican restaurant in town, if not the region. Ojai Tortilla House doesn’t have the largest menu (nor a website), but what’s one it is remarkable. Try any of the burritos, quesadillas, and tacos and you’ll be quite happy. Most come atop from-scratch tortillas that are out of this world. Be on the lookout for al pastor options as well as flavored tortillas like the garlic and rosemary edition.
This BBQ joint with a ravenous local following is as convivial as they come. We love the atmosphere, as well as apps like the chili and roadhouse cobb salad. Ojai Deer Lodge is the epitome of a tavern, woodsy in build and showcasing great area beers. There are plenty of mouthwatering options, from fried sandwiches to patty melts, along with headliners like the carnivore combo (a mix of BBQ proteins and sides) and the fish and chips, battered in beer as they ought to be.
There are a few great trails in and around Ojai, like the Shelf Road Trail and Ventura River Preserve. It’s pretty easy to get up in elevation without going to far and that’s where some of the best views reside. Check out the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy for more options and a better feel for what’s out there. Just be sure to back some rugged kicks as the terrain can be a mix of everything, from lush meadows to toothy cliff sides.
You don’t have to be a big city to offer a great art scene, just ask Cannon Beach, Oregon or Taos, New Mexico. There are countless options in this fine arts-loving town, dotting just about every corner. We suggest Canvas and Paper, set in a cool bungalow, and the Ojai Art Center. There are great museums, performing arts venues, and pottery spots as well.
The town’s evening ritual of taking in the beautiful sunset over the Topatopa mountains is one you should subscribe to. It’s a little like being in the Grand Canyon or Hawaii as the residents and visitors alike all seem to gravitate towards this daily ritual. We suggest doing so with a Topa Topa Brewing beer in hand, as the locals are wont to do.
There are a handful of standout lodging options in the area. Ojai Valley Inn is one of them, a sprawling resort and spa built along a golf course. There are six different eateries to choose from, including the Wallace Neff Heritage Bar, a historic haunt dating back to 1923. The resort works with local farmers and purveyors to engineer its seasonal menus and the mix of penthouses and rooms on site give visitors ample opportunity to customize their stay.
Other options include the Spanish-inspired Blue Iguana Inn and the delightfully retro Capri Hotel. For something intimate, check out the Lavender Inn, a quaint bread and breakfast.
Eager to travel? We hear you. Check out some of our recent intrepid features on topics like the central Californian coast and visiting Los Angeles.
I’m the youngest person in the room almost every time I travel. In every instance where I had a chance to chat with older adults, I found them asking many questions about my travels and my story. Almost every person I chatted with, from my food tour group in Naples, Italy to the staff at Atlantis, the Palm Dubai, found it enlightening to see young people traveling internationally.
This begs the question: Why is it less common to see younger people traveling? Is it the lack of money associated with youth? Is it the ‘hustle’ culture that doesn’t allow enough PTO time to travel the world? Is this the ‘wait for retirement’ myth so many boomers fell into? This mindset of waiting until our older years to begin really living is one I don’t subscribe to. Instead, I made 2025 the best year of my life — experiencing new cultures, places, and sights that made me see life in a whole new light.
Snowboard bindings are an essential part of your kit, and can make or break a day on the hill. Why? As the tool that transfers your inputs to the board, they’re the conduit from what you’re trying to do and what the board does. But not all models are created equal.
While two-strap, manually fastened bindings are the standard, automated models continue gaining ground. It’s easy to understand why. That removes the laborious process of sitting down, ratcheting down straps, and making tension adjustments.
Cocktail bars are everywhere — but the ones that offer something different and unique always seem to catch my eye. As you roam through the narrow streets of Malta’s capital, Valletta, you’ll find dozens of bars that are great for a mid-day aperol spritz or an after-dinner cocktail.
But KAMY Cocktail Bar is a must-visit for unique cocktails that turn beverages into art. Inside this tiny space lie craft cocktails that are not only Instagram-worthy but are delicious. The bar’s website even describes it as “unlike any cocktail bar you’ve ever seen” — and I completely agree.
The Essential Guide for MenThe Manual is simple — we show men how to live a life that is more engaged. As our name implies, we offer a suite of expert guides on a wide range of topics, including fashion, food, drink, travel, and grooming. We don’t boss you around; we’re simply here to bring authenticity and understanding to all that enriches our lives as men on a daily basis.
