Ojai Welcome

welcome to the ojai valley

YOUR INTRODUCTION TO OJAI

1 — Experience Ojai

Ringed with stunning mountains framing a rare east-west valley, Ojai has lured visitors since time immemorial. The Chumash peopled the valley for thousands of years, as did eastern aristocrats seeking sun and warmth since the 1870s. As you take it in, you’ll see why so many visitors have fallen in love with this astonishing place and have become residents. There is something for just about everyone here — hiking, fishing, boating, camping, birdwatching, shopping, and access to the Los Padres National Forest’s magnificent backcountry.

2 - The Town Itself

With around 7,500 residents, Ojai has held strong to its identity as Southern California boomed around it. The population of the entire Ojai Valley, from upper Ojai in the east to Casitas Springs in the west is about 21,300. Active, organized residents have kept away freeways bisecting the valley, a major landfill project, gypsum and uranium mines, major subdivisions and other threats. Protecting the Ojai Valley against these existential threats is a huge source of our identity and pride.

3. The Arcade & Downtown

Inspired by the City Beautiful Movement, as exemplified by

the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, glassmaker and philanthropist Edward Drummond Libbey organized a group of civic-minded people who took the dusty town of Nordhoff and transformed it into the remarkably beautiful place you see today. The iconic Post Office Tower, the Ojai Valley Museum, the Arcade and Episcopal Church, Libbey Park and Libbey Bowl were all built between the fire of 1917 that wiped out downtown Nordhoff and the city’s charter in 1921.

4. Event Full

Ojai has hosted the Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament, affectionately known as “The Ojai” since 1896. It is one of the most prestigious amateur tournaments in the world and home to the PAC-12 championships. Legends like Arthur Ashe, Billy Jean King and Pete Sampras have all passed through Ojai on their way to greatness. The Ojai Music Festival was launched in 1947 by a group of visionaries who found the perfect home for the world’s leading festival of modern and contemporary classical music. Aaron Copland, Igor Stravinsky and Pierre Boulez have all conducted programs of adventurous music. The four-day festival takes place the second week of June. Ojai Day — the third Saturday in October — is when the town comes together to celebrate itself with a street fair and fun and games. There are many other important and fun events nearly every weekend in Ojai, including the Ojai Film Festival, Ojai Storytellers Festival, the Ojai Valley Inn’s guest events and more. Check out OjaiHub. com for complete listings and information.

5. Backcountry

The Sespe Creek wilderness is merely a 15-mile drive north of Ojai and offers astounding natural beauty. Of particular note are Rose Valley Falls, the gleaming white rock formations of Piedra Blanca and the Wild & Scenic Sespe River itself, which plunges 18 miles through gorges and hot springs to come out in Fillmore. There’s also the Carrizo Plain National Monument, an hour-and-a-half drive north, where condors soar and herds of Tule Elk and pronghorn antelope play.

6. Health & Wellness

Since our earliest days as a sanatorium destination for sufferers of tuberculosis, Ojai has lured people seeking a healthy, active lifestyle. With the Ojai Bike Trail, yoga studios, the dozens of miles of hiking trails, golf, tennis, horseback riding and more, there is always something to do to relieve stress and improve fitness. The Ojai Valley Community Hospital is also renowned for its range of services as well as its Hospital Foundation, a thriving philanthropic organization.

7. Lake Casitas

Casitas Recreation Area offers nearly 400 campsites, creating its own village on busy weekends. The lake is well-known for its world-class bass fishing (in 1980, the world’s second-largest bass at 21 pounds, 3 ounces was caught here) as well as catfish, panfish and trout stockings in the winter months. You can also see a blue heron rookery and nesting bald eagles.

The Ivy rst opened its doors on Ventura Blvd in Studio City in 1993 and closed in 2011 as so many corporate stores were opening, and it didn't feel right for The Ivy a anymore. But now we discovered the magical town of Ojai and thought that this would be the perfect place for The Ivy to re-open. Our wide range of items includes antiques, ne estate jewelry, sterling silver, European porcelains and pottery, linens, and exceptional antique furniture from around the world. As always at The Ivy, tabletop a accessories abound in ne dishware, crystal, and silver to nish off your table in style. Come see our newly expanded showroom featuring exclusive, very modern, and unusual furniture, art, rugs, and accessories. If you need to nd the elusive "perfect" gift, The Ivy in Ojai is the one-stop-shop for all your needs. Come join us, after all: 'Everyone shops at The Ivy. '