Life in Ojai Valley, California -- located about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles -- revolves around both the small, artsy village of Ojai and the surrounding rolling hills dotted with oak trees that lead to the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The village of less than 8,000 residents attracts artists and musicians who bring their talents to town on a regular basis. For enthusiasts of the outdoors, Lake Casitas sits in the 10-mile long valley, which enjoys a Mediterranean climate. All told, Ojai Valley offers an array of opportunities for year-round outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.
Parks and Recreation
- Lovers of the outdoors will find ample room to hike, bike and skate at the city's seven parks. A couple of the city's most visited parks are particularly popular because of the amenities they offer. The Ojai Skateboard Park is a 12,500 square-foot park that comes complete with everything a skateboarder needs, including concrete bowls, ramps and rails. It's free to use and open year-round from dawn to dusk. At Libbey Park, there's a playground for tots and tennis courts, as well as benches to take a break and enjoy the quiet. The multi-use Ojai Valley Trail takes cyclists, joggers and dog walkers on a nine mile trek through the valley. The trail also has a parallel path for horses.
The Arcade and the Arts
- Ojai's old-fashioned downtown encourages pedestrian traffic, particularly through the area known as the Arcade and Arcade Plaza. Take time to stroll through more than 45 shops offering clothing, jewelry, home decor and art; many galleries feature works by local artists. The plaza encourages visitors to contemplate the bronze poppy fountain while enjoying a respite on the surrounding benches. At the weekly Ojai Certified Farmers Market you'll discover fresh, seasonal fruits, vegetables and locally produced foods such as jams and honey. The market is also an excellent place to listen to music and people watch. In addition, take time to appreciate the artistic side of the town by exploring venues and events such as the Ojai Center for the Arts, the Summer Art Stroll, the Ojai Studio Artists Tour and Art in the Park. These events are held throughout the year.
Lake Casitas
- Fishing, boating, camping and playing at a water park are the main attractions at Lake Casitas, a recreational area with 32 miles of shoreline and 3,100 acres of rolling hills. Anglers will most likely catch bass, trout, crappie, sunfish bluegill and catfish. While motor boats, canoes, kayaks and some inflatables are allowed on the water, swimming is not permitted because the reservoir supplies drinking water to the community. While at the lake during the summer, check out Casitas Water Adventure. One of this water park's playgrounds is geared to a younger crowd, with age-appropriate waterfalls, bridges, slides and a lagoon. The other section features a lazy river for floating on an inner tube. At the end of the day, campers at Lake Casitas will find sites for tents and RVs, picnic tables, fire rings and restrooms with showers. The lake is located in the valley adjacent to Ojai; the city provides trolley service to and from the park on Saturdays during the summer.
Music and Wine
- Music lovers should head to Ojai's Libbey Park for music and dancing. Summer brings free concerts to the park, with local musicians performing. The biggest event is the Ojai Music Festival, an annual 4-day classical music festival held in June featuring internationally acclaimed musicians and dancers. Sometimes the event takes to the streets, with extra concerts, films, discussions and social dancing taking place around town. Also in June, wine and beer connoisseurs gather for the Ojai Wine Festival held at Lake Casitas. More than 60 vintners come from nearby California wine-producing regions in order to share more than 250 selections of wine.
