We started this road trip out with a bang! Like the sound of our parachutes opening thousands of feet in the air. Skydiving!
Skydive Santa Barbara! If you have always wanted to skydive, then this is the perfect place for you to try it! Safety is first at Skydive Santa Barbara which was a relief to know how much detail they put into each experience. They welcome you and get you on a plane in no time, which provides less time to overthink and talk yourself out of the jump. Get up there and have fun! (Of course, make sure to bring someone who doesn’t want to skydive to keep an eye on your fur baby!)
1801 N H St g, Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 740-9099
Face Lift!!
After the major adrenalin rush settled, we were ready for relaxation!
If you are looking for a relaxing getaway that is healthy, vegan-friendly, and dog-friendly, then Santa Barbara and Ojai it is! Our group consisted of four adults and three dogs, so everywhere we went was dog-friendly. In addition, my husband Luke and I are vegan so everywhere we ate offered vegan options, leaving you with a great itinerary for your vegan trip to Ojai and Santa Barbara!
Lunch spots:
- Goat Tree – Plenty of vegan options. Luke had the veggie burger and I had the quinoa, kale, spinach salad with peaches, pears, and orange vinegarette. You can’t go wrong with either! The patio is big and dog-friendly. This is a casual place for people watching and relaxing under the beautiful palm trees!
36 State St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 882-0100
https://www.yelp.com/biz/goat-tree-santa-barbara
Here are a couple more vegan restaurant options for you:
2. Oliver’s – vegan organic food and cocktails
https://www.oliversofmontecito.com/
3. Mesa Verde
http://mesaverderestaurant.com/
Want to spend some extra time in Santa Barbara?
- Walk down the boardwalk – it’s only a couple blocks from Goat Tree.
- Go wine tasting – Vegan wines at Kunin wines. 28 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805)-963-9633
- Take your dogs to the dog beach – quick drive from the heart of Santa Barbara.
2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 - Shop and stroll all day!
After we did our eating and strolling through Santa Barbara, we hit the road towards Ojai to check into our Airbnb.
Drive to Ojai – This drive is approximately 45 minutes from Santa Barbara. Make sure you keep your eyes open for the beautiful Lake Casitas on the way. Also, take in the colorful orchards lining the roadside and the sunkissed hills in the distance.
Airbnb – The Agave House – Is where we stayed just outside of town. The little cottage was made perfect by the lighting, the windows, the art, the fenced yard for the dogs, the location, and more. This is ideal for a group of four or fewer people. You can sign up for Airbnb if you want to snag this spot before someone else does and get a $40 discount with my link.
If you decide not to go with an Airbnb, I recommend picking a spot where you can enjoy a bit of nature. You’ll want to step outside and enjoy the golden glow of sunrise and sunset, listen to the birds, and of course, stargaze. This weekend I saw more stars than I have seen since living in the countryside of Kansas.
Ojai Harvest: In the heart of Ojai is Ojai Harvest. Check out their delicious menu below. I ordered the Harvest Grain Bowl — nutritious and satiating but will pick the avocado toast next time. My hubby ordered the veggie burger that he really enjoyed. We all shared an order of the Harvest truffle fries with dipping sauces that won first prize from all of us! The patio is dog-friendly and there was live music outside (keep in mind this was a Saturday, so they may not always have live music). The only downfall was service was slow due to the crowd. Otherwise, the atmosphere was great and there was a definite buzz of Ojai pride in the town.
307 E Ojai Ave #105, Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 633-9232
https://www.ojaiharvest.com/
Sunstream goods– While we waited for our dinner at Ojai Harvest, I explored the Airstream shop that had parked near the cafe. Cross your fingers this little gem is in town when you are. This is an Airstream van converted to a shop that a husband and wife run together. If you don’t find this while in town, check out their website. They sell clothes, art, jewelry, candles, and other artisan goods. I bought a yummy candle called Morning Dew made with hemp and white tea.
https://www.sunstreamgoods.com/
Casa Barranca Organic Winery & Tasting Room– After dinner, we hoped to buy some red wine to take back to the Airbnb. Even though they were closing up, we asked if we could go in to buy a bottle of wine. The kind people at Casa Barranca, re-opened the store for us. They even let us taste a couple wines before we decided to buy. I love quality customer service like this and I will surely be back for more wine tastings, especially this Sangiovese from the photo below.
208 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-1255
https://www.casabarranca.com/
Hike at Horn Canyon Trail – On a vacation, hiking is my favorite way to get some exercise and take in views of the area. We decided to do the Horn Canyon hike because of convenience to our Airbnb (literally walking distance up the side street that feels privately yours.) We soon realized that this was the section that had recently been destroyed by one of California’s worst wildfires. The trees were bare and the succulents were scorched, but the good news is there was life starting to bloom again. Little plants, shrubs, and grass were rising from the ashes. There was a certain beauty about it. I hope to come back months from now to see a new colorful hillside.
Forest Rte 5N10, Ojai, CA 93023
Farmer and the Cook– This cafe represents Ojai perfectly. Friendly people in a chill environment with delicious food and good coffee. They have so many vegan options, Inteligencia coffee, and a salad bar for the person wanting to do their own thing. I ordered the burrito vegan style and it was delicious! The pickled cabbage in it was a pleasant surprise. This is a fun, hip spot for people watching and celebrity sitings!
If you are craving the breakfast burrito, get there before 11 am.
339 W El Roblar Dr, Ojai, CA 93023
805) 640-9608
http://www.farmerandcook.com/
Book Ends – Book Store and Curiosities: After eating at Farmer and the Cook, you must swing by the famous Book Ends Bookstore and Curiosities that is right around the corner. Bookworms and casual readers alike can find some gems in here.
110 S Pueblo Ave, Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-9441
http://www.bookendsbookstore.com/
Love Heals – jewelry: – Fantastic customer service and beautiful jewelry. Stop in here for one-of-a-kind pieces!
260 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-6818
https://www.loveheals.com/
Ojai Coffee Roasting Company: Located in the Village Building – I ordered an iced americano that was ice cold, velvety rich, and full of flavor. Inside, the coffee shop is cute and very spacious and there is a little outdoor seating area too. It’s the perfect place for a pitstop with plenty of lounging room.
337 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4478
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X9MG78AxaA
337 E Ojai Ave Ojai, CA 93023
805) 646-4478
ojaicoffeeroastingcompany.com
Fig: Two doors down from the coffee shop is a bright green entryway that drew us into the store. Fig offers items for your home in an eclectic style including everything from funky pots for your plants to colorful drinkware. l found myself a souvenir here and I bet you would too!
Also, I found this piece of wisdom in Fig and wanted to share!
327 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023
Opens 10AM
(805) 646-6561
Ojai Skate Park: In case you have a skateboarder in the family like I do!
E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-5581
Knead bakery – We were drawn to this place by their large patio shaded by a big, beautiful tree. We were craving a snack so we ordered wine and the most delicious sesame, salt, and pepper crackers. Then simply… took in the Ojai vibes. 
1205 E Malone Ave, Sikeston, MO 63801 – next to brewery 457 E Ojai Ave.
Ojai, CA 93023
805-640-7987
Sunday Farmers Market– Explore the Farmers Market on Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm.
300 E Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 698-5555
http://www.ojaicertifiedfarmersmarket.com/
Revel Kombucha Bar- If you are in the area after the farmers market, stop in the nearby Revel to try their Kombucha. After a few taste tests, I ended up ordering the Pink Moment (a local favorite) with hibiscus, ginger, and orange. It was so delicious and refreshing. They also serve a probiotic cold brew and acai bowls which I will be trying on my next visit. Plenty of vegan fun here! Also, look how cute their lounging space is!
307 E Matilija St c, Ojai, CA 93023 10am-6pm
805) 272-0028
http://revel365.com/
In your future planning for Ojai, consider going to the Lavender Festival!
June 13-14 and June 20-21
Ojai Valley Lavender Festival
www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org
Annual Lavender Festival, Cherry Valley (951) 845-1151
A few extra dog-friendly restaurants in Ojai with vegan options:
- The Oak- https://www.ojairesort.com
- Agave Maria’s – spacious – Mexican food – http://agavemarias.com/
- Food Harmonics – http://foodharmonicsojai.com/menu/
AIRBNB – If you are interested in an Airbnb for your next trip to Santa Barbara or Ojai, use the link to sign up and get $40 off your stay. Get signed up!
If you have any other questions about our trip to Ojai, Santa Barbara, and/or skydiving, leave a comment for me below!
Have fun and thank you sincerely for reading!
Justine
