The city of Ojai, California is 12 miles north of Ventura and 63 miles northwest of Los Angeles and has a population of 7,613 people. It was named after a Native American term meaning "moon" when the Chumash tribe originally inhabited it. It was originally named Nordoff, but was changed to Ojai in 1917 and became incorporated as a city in 1921.
When my wife and I lived in Santa Paula, which is 16 miles northwest of Ojai, my wife and I would take a drive through Highway 150 and enjoy the peaceful drive through Ojai. There aren't a lot of things to do in the city of Ojai itself, but it does have some small clothing stores, a book store, a few restaurants, an ice cream shop, and a small park in the center of the city. One time we took a drive at sunset and we took a few shots of the rural area of Ojai before eating dinner.
Then we stopped off at Boccalli's Pizza, which is a family-run place. The people that work there are really friendly, so we stayed and ordered a pizza there. We were in the mood for a Hawaiian pizza, so we got one of those. Although they used canned pineapple on the pizza, it was still good and the service was excellent. I'd go back and try the pasta or another kind of pizza next time.
After that, we took a drive back to Santa Paula and we arrived at the most famous area of Ojai that looks over Ojai Valley. It was night time already, but the views were really nice and had to check out the stars that illuminated.
The drive from Santa Paula to Ojai has some curves as you go through the mountains, but on Friday or Saturday evenings, there is very little traffic. From Fillmore, you take the 126 West to Santa Paula and get off at 10th Street (Highway 150). Then you head east for 16 miles until you get to Ojai. If you drive from Ventura to Ojai, you can take the 101 north to the 33 before you hit Highway 150. You will then drive through a couple of small towns Casitas Springs (hometown of Johnny Cash) and Oak View before getting to Ojai.
Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)
Instagram: l.a.seoulguy
