A magnet for artists, musicians, and health enthusiasts, Ojai is an idyllic town with oak-shaded paths, beautiful parks, art galleries, golf courses, and spas. In fact, it gained notoriety when the area was filmed to represent Shangri-La in the classic movie, The Last Horizon. Surrounded by mountains that create an evening glow that locals refer to as “the pink moment”, Ojai is a phenomenal place to gear down and relax.

To peruse art galleries, shop and dine, head to what the locals call “The Arcade”, which is a section of Ojai Avenue in the core of the town. Other important stops downtown include the Ojai Valley Museum and Ojai Library. If you’re traveling with children, a visit to Libbey Park in downtown Ojai is a must. Majestic oaks giving lots of shade surround a children’s playground and there are paths for hiking and picnic areas.

A great place to meet the locals and bicycle, walk or jog is the Ojai Valley Trail, which has a parallel path for horses and runs more than nine miles.

Make sure you check the Ojai events calendar before you plan your visit because the town has some exceptional happenings throughout the year. The line-up includes the Ojai Music Festival at the Libbey Bowl Amphitheater and the Ojai Wine Festival at nearby Lake Casitas in June, and the Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament in late April.

Golfers can tee up at exceptional courses at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa and Soule Park, an affordable public course with phenomenal views on the outskirts of town.