Plant-Based Eating in Ojai, California (Part 2)

Sharon Palmer shares her top tips on how to enjoy plant-based eating, travel and adventure in Ojai, California.

I have a tradition of visiting Ojai, California every spring, so I’m bringing you the best of my plant-powered travel tips for enjoying one of my favorite places on the planet. Located in Ventura County, Ojai is nestled in a green, sunny valley surrounded by majestic mountains. You’ll find groves of citrus and avocado trees, lavender fields, and small organic farms thriving in the region, which is equally known for its new age philosophy, hippie bohemian vibe, and artistic expressions. All the things I love wrapped up into one place only a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles.

Plant-Based Eating in Ojai, California

Driving into Ojai Valley

This time of year, the fields are green and gold with wild grasses and mustard. So pretty.

Pink Moment, Ojai Valley Inn

My favorite place to stay in Ojai is the historic Ojai Valley Inn, which was designed by famous architect Wallace Neff. The Spanish Revival architecture, with thick white plastered walls, red tiled roofs, and charming balconies suit the rolling hills and 360-degree views. The Pink Moment refers to the view of the mountains in Ojai right before sunset, when they light up in a soft pink.

Libbey’s, Ojai Valley Inn

This little café on the property offers quick little bites, such as these vegan, gluten-free quinoa turmeric tofu wrap.

Pixie Tangerines and Lavender, Ojai Valley Inn

The iconic flavors and scents of Ojai.

Sulphur Mountain Hike, Ojai

I always try to set out for a hike no matter where I’m visiting. Sulphur Mountain is a 5-minute drive from the town, and it offers a 9-mile hike, with views of green meadows with wild flowers and towering California Live Oak.

Wild Flowers, Sulphur Mountain 

I saw wild flowers in every color of the rainbow: yellow, purple, blue, white, pink…and these red Indian Paintbrushes.

Azu, Ojai

There is so much good plant-based food to choose from in Ojai. I always stop for lunch at Azu, which is a local tapas place with pretty sidewalk tables and this beautiful chickpea salad with tahini dressing.

Azu, Ojai

Ojai also makes some nice local wines, such as this rose I tried.

Ojai Farmers Market

Ojai is home to one of my very favorite farmers markets of all times. It is open every Sunday morning, and you must visit it—even plan your trip around it. The sunny, Mediterranean climate and historic commitment to organics and sustainability, as well as delicious foods, means that there is an overwhelming variety of gorgeous, locally grown organic plants.

Ambrosia Bags, Ojai Farmers Market

I bought one of these linen hemp produce bags for storing produced in the fridge.

Citrus Season,  Ojai Farmers Market

The spring shows off the harvest of citrus, so famous in this valley.

Avocados, Ojai Farmers Market

Ojai Valley is famous for their avocado production!

Heritage Beans, Ojai Farmers Market

I always buy a scoop of these locally grown heritage beans each time I visit. Aren’t they pretty?

Beets, Ojai Farmers Market

Look at these artsy little tufted beet roots!

Pixies, Ojai Farmers Market

Pixie tangerines, a unique variety specific to Ojai, are in season now and the whole valley celebrates these crisp, sweet fruit.

Broccolini, Ojai Farmers Market

Nothing better than these tender little broccoli spears!

Artichokes, Ojai Farmers Market

Just look at these cute baby purple artichokes. Oh, the things you could do with these beauties!

Earthtrine Organic Farm, Ojai Farmers Market

Just love this farm stand at the farmers market—I plan on visiting them on my next trip.

Chamomile, Ojai Farmers Market

Aren’t these pretty? This is what you make chamomile tea from. I have this growing in my garden now. It grows wild in Greece like a weed!

Lavender, Ojai Farmers Market

It’s all about lavender in Ojai—it is in tea, cookies, lotion, and cake.

Olivella, Ojai

We dined one night at the Ojai Valley Inn’s award-winning restaurant, Olivella. They have some beautiful plant-based dishes on the menu, including this “Impossible Cake”, which is vegan and gluten-free.

Food Harmonics, Ojai

We also stopped by this new restaurant in town, which offers vegan fare, such as this raw pizza with salad and sauerkraut. The pizza is on a handmade seed and nut shell, with pesto, cashew cream, and savory roasted mushrooms.

Food Harmonics, Ojai

Cute sign!

To learn more about Ojai, visit Ojai Visitors.

For more plant-based eating guides, check out:

Plant-Based Eating in Walla Walla, WA
Plant-Based Eating in the Big Island, Hawaii
Plant-Based Eating in New York City