The Ojai Valley is a small agricultural valley whose citizens have a tradition of being an eclectic mix of backgrounds and interests. Ranchers give the valley its look with their orange, lemon and avocado groves filling the valley with heavenly scents in the Spring and the green, lush look as you view the valley from the winding road that joins the high upper valley with the lower valley. It is the vista that was used in the movie "Far Horizons" depicting Shangri-La.

It's proximity to Hollywood has made it for many decades a home to many in the entertainment business from actors to script writers, directors to producers. It is also home to many religions and philosophical groups, the Theosophists and Khrisna Murti being amongst the better known.

It's charm and perfect weather, has appealed to Easterners especially in the winter resulting in an early enclave of winter visitors who established several boarding schools for their children. They were also drawn as were the native indians who lived here before us by the natural sulfur hot springs.

Today, with the internet, many entrepreneurs have joined the mix being able to live in paradise and still run their empires. There are several golf courses with the resort and spa, The Ojai Valley Inn, being a world class resort and destination in itself. But it is the small town charm built with a Spanish style and the old California country side that gives the valley its unique character.

With many hiking and horse trails, national park land and natural beauty, this is a destination for those who just want to relax and wander around the village as well as for those who relax with vigorus outdoor pursuits. Tennis and golf are also available as is the bike trail that leads from the center of town to the coast in Ventura. The charming stores in the shady arcade offer everything from snacks to complete meals, art galleries, gift shops and clothing stores not to mention the famous department store "Rains".

There is not room for many visitors so there is limited lodging and restaurants available. We will list the best of what there is at several levels.