Ojai

78 miles from LA. You need: 1 night, 2 days. Visit in the fall or spring.

Easy. With a typical drive time of 1-1.5 hours from LA, Ojai is my go-to town for local shopping, retro hotels, and a complete escape from the metropolis. Start your exploring with a latte from Ojai Coffee Roasters, then stroll down Ojai Ave to Cercana, one of my favorite stores in Ojai. Whether you need (a want can be a need) a new set of champagne flutes, or a coffee table book featuring “150 Hotels to Visit Before You Die,” Cercana  is always on my list of stops. Just down the road you will find Kariella, a women’s boutique (does have a small men’s section) that carries the beach/desert/festival wardrobe you’ve been searching for.

Stop for a glass of wine at the Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room before heading back to your hotel for a break before dinner. My favorite place to stay is Capri Hotel, an adorably renovated motel that I can only describe as “Californian mid-century modern.” Their lobby is the coziest place to read or chat with the incredibly friendly staff. With a pool, jacuzzi, and open lawn, it would be a shame not to take full advantage of the hotel grounds for the afternoon.

For dinner, Nocciola will have you feeling like you are dining on your Italian grandmother’s back deck, but add white table cloths. Have the Tortelli. Finally, head to Chief’s Peak, the local’s favorite spot for a night cap. Located on the property of the Ojai Rancho Inn (the sister property of the Capri Hotel), it’s fresh cocktails and dreamy ambiance are the perfect prelude to a refreshing sleep. 

To refuel befor the drive back to LA, brunch at the Dutchess and be sure to take plenty of freshly baked bread and pastries with you.

Don’t forget to pack: French Girl calming facial toner (or you can pick some up at deKor Ojai).