Ojai

Ojai is a city in Ventura County, California, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains about 15 miles (25 kilometers) from the coast. The streets run mainly along Ojai Avenue, which forms the downtown core and is lined with low buildings featuring arcades and shops on both sides.

The area received its first town name in 1874 in honor of writer Charles Nordhoff, who had described the region in his travel accounts. The current name was introduced in 1917 and comes from the language of the Chumash, who inhabited the valley before the arrival of Spanish missionaries.

The Libbey Bowl amphitheater in the center of Libbey Park serves as an open-air stage for concerts and performances that both visitors and residents attend. The venue dates from the 1950s and shapes the cultural atmosphere of the town through its open architecture and proximity to the surrounding mountains.

The city sits about an hour's drive north of Los Angeles and is reached via winding mountain roads that pass through valleys and hills. The downtown area is easy to explore on foot, and many shops and cafes are within a few blocks along the main street.

The former railway route to Ventura was converted into a paved walking and cycling path that runs through orchards and open fields. Parts of the old rail infrastructure remain visible along the way and recall the earlier connection to the coast.

Location: Ventura County

Inception: August 5, 1921

Elevation above the sea: 227 m

Part of: California's 19th State Senate district, California's 37th State Assembly district

Shares border with: Meiners Oaks, Mira Monte, Los Padres National Forest

Website: https://ojaicity.org

GPS coordinates: 34.44825,-119.24658

Latest update: December 15, 2025 12:53