FREE THINGS TO DO

With its prestigious restaurants and hotels, Ojai isn’t always the cheapest place to visit. But armed with a little information, you can give your wallet a rest and still immerse yourself in the Ojai experience. Here’s a few suggestions.

HIKE:

Encircled with more than 100 miles of trails, it’s easy to get off the beaten track and immerse yourself in Ojai’s remarkable natural beauty. We recommend driving north on Signal Street, take a left at the Pratt Trailhead, or park on Signal Street itself and hike Shelf Road. Between Pratt Trail and Shelf Road’s access to other trails like Luci’s Trail, you can wander for miles and miles. Pack plenty of water.

WHEELER GORGE INTERPRETIVE CENTER:

Eight miles north of Ojai on Highway 33 is Los Padres National Forest’s first visitor center, with an array of educational programs and activities between May and September each year. It is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

There you can find information about trails, wildlife, geography, geology, and free maps. The center also features an outdoor classroom. Past popular programs have included Introduction to Backpacking, These Misunderstood Critters, Nature Walk with