Where to Shop, Stay, and Play in Ojai's Bohemian Paradise

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Ojai Rancho Inn

Hip hospitality group Shelter Social Club revamped this 1950s-built roadside motel into a cool rustic retreat, which offers saunas and jacuzzis in some rooms. (Bonus: it's pup-friendly!) The inn's Chief's Peak bar—complete with a pool view and retro tunes on vinyl—serves up beer and California wines in a chill bohemian setting, while SF-based Gravel & Goods's lobby boutique offers unique apparel, decor, stationery, and accoutrements. Borrow one the hotel's white Linus bicycles and cruise along the bike trail or over to Ojai Avenue, where dining and retail therapy awaits.

615 Ojai Valley Trail between Country Club Drive and San Antonio Street; (805) 646-1434

Summer Camp

Husband-and-wife shopkeeps Rachel and Michael Graves transformed this old gas station into Summer Camp, a custom framing and lifestyle boutique boasting bohemian vibes with a cool Cub Scouts twist. Pick up ceramics by LA's Natan Moss, home fragrances by PF Candle Co., vintage Southwestern rugs, adventure-ready accessories and gear, decor and art, and more, then enjoy some shade on the shop's picnic table rest stop out front.

1020 W Ojai Ave. between Del Norte and El Paseo Roads; (805) 861-7109

Osteria Monte Grappa

This family-owned Italian eatery boasts a seasonal menu of local farm-fresh dishes with rustic flavors and fresh seafood, all ready to be paired with local and Italian wines. Following the founders's 40-year-long tradition in their homeland, mushrooms are foraged locally when the season is right, then cooked into handmade pasta dishes like green ravioli stuffed with organic kale and grana and fontina cheese. (The shrimp pasta above is also an appetite-pleasing choice.) Meals are best enjoyed on the back patio beneath the moonlight, and preferably topped off with tiramisu or crème brulée for dessert.

242 E Ojai Ave. between N Signal and N Montgomery Streets; (805) 640-6767

Treasures of Ojai

Spanning over 5,000 square feet, this treasure trove is filled with vintage and antiques from over a dozen top-notch dealers. Ascend the stairs when you first walk in for throwback clothing and accessories hailing from every fashionable decade, then explore of the space, which offers everything from industrial decor and solid oak furniture to collections of turn-of-the-century baby dolls and classic rock records.

110 N Signal St. between E Matilla Street and E Ojai Avenue; (805) 646-2852

Fig Curated Living

A whimsical world filled with charming garden decor and more awaits at Fig, where a lifestyle boutique in the back stocks adorable boho baby goods, prints by local artists, handmade jewelry, colorful textiles, and more merch for your abode.

327 E Ojai Ave. between N Signal and S Montgomery Streets; (805) 646-6561

DeKor & Co.

Swedish interior designer and shop co-owner Isabelle Dahlin's stylish eye for Cali-boho design (and love for traveling to far-off lands) is evident at the Ojai outpost of DeKor & Co, which is already a home goods essential stop in LA. One side of the 2,000-square-foot space houses custom mid-century modern-inspired seating, vintage furnishings, kitchenware, art and decor made by artisans from LA and Ojai, and in-store Art of Tea bar that's stocked with small bites by Moon Juice; on the other side, find locally-made apparel, leather accessories by Lili Tanner, makeup and skincare by Stockholm's Face, and an in-house beauty bar.

105 S Montgomery St. between E Ojai Avenue and Willow Street; (805) 272-8675

Knead Baking Co.

A quick stroll around the corner from DeKor is Knead, an artisanal bakery that serves healthy vegetarian dishes for breakfast and lunch. In addition to whipping up delicious bread and sweet bites—lemon-lavender shortbread and cranberry honey pecan bars, to name a few—the cash-only eatery bakes up custom cakes and tarts for events. (Hello, dreamy Ojai wedding?)

469 E Ojai Ave. between S Montgomery and Fox Streets; (310) 770-3282

In The Field

The bohemian outfitters and home decor shop opened last November and quickly garnered praises from locals and travel guides alike. This lifestyle boutique channels Ojai's mystic hippie spirit into its inventory of apparel and accessories for women, men, and kids; expect to find a mix of vintage finds and cult-fave labels, like Mexican dresses alongside designers like Ulla Johnson.

730 E Ojai Ave. between Drown Avenue and N Fulton Street; (805) 633-0021

Boccali's

Renowned for its fluffy-crusted pizzas and strawberry shortcakes, Boccali's is a few minutes by car from downtown Ojai—but given the idyllic scenery (and the delicious carbs you're about to intake), a breezy bicycle adventure would make for a more memorable ride. Be sure to bring cash (or checks) as this Italian eatery doesn't accept credit cards.

3277 Ojai Santa Paula Rd. between Reeves Road and Tower Drive; (805) 646-6116

Jeff D. Muth

The Oaks at Ojai

Housed in a Spanish mission-inspired building, this health retreat and spa offers everything from weight loss getaways to serene pampering to fitness classes (rollerblading, yoga, pilates, and qigong are just some activities). Rejuvenation options include poolside manis and pedis, mother/daughter spa treatments, deep tissue massages, and much more for regenerating your mind, body, and spirit.

122 E Ojai Ave. between N Ventura and N Signal Streets; (805) 646-5573

Shelf Trail

If your schedule is short and you're craving some much-needed outdoor time, take Signal Street from Ojai Avenue north through a residential area until you reach the gate to Shelf Road. The nearly 3.5-mile round-trip (and dog-friendly) hike promises breathtaking views of the valley; time-pressed hikers can hang right after reaching the trail's info signage for a shorter—but just as 'grammable—stroll.

N Signal Street at Shelf Road; park ranger desk: (805) 672-2071