We like to report on nice drives that can be done in a day from SCV. In this article we talk about Ojai.
You leave SCV via Newhall Ranch Road toward Highway 126, take in the views driving along the 126, very agrarian in nature, just wonderful. When you get to Santa Paula, you get onto Highway 150 going North to Ojai. A quick drive through a quaint town and suburb, and then you’re on country back roads. These country back roads are fantastic. Fields of flowers, sprawling ranches, they are just great.
Then you come into Ojai Valley, where the valley opens up before you. The views are beautiful. A very twisty-turny road leads you down to the valley floor. Go very slow here, for the sake of passengers and to take in the views.
There are several things to do in Ojai. You can park in one of the several parking lots off the main boulevard, stroll through town and take in local culture (look at antiques, unique clothing and accessories, artwork, etc.). Or you can go to a hotel or spa/resort in the area for a nice lunch. My favorite is the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. They have beautiful grounds, a nice golf course and fantastic spa (you need to book golf and spa treatments in advance). There’s the Oak Café right on the golf course, where seating is under a shade structure, and you can have a nice relaxing lunch.
But you don’t want to stay too long, because there’s the drive back to SCV, and this drive is even better than the one to get to Ojai from SCV. For your return trip, go out the other end of Ojai, along Highway 150 toward the 101 Freeway. This drive is fantastic! There is a great stretch along a lake, some good back roads, and then you come over some hills and the ocean looms in view before you. You then get onto the 101 going south and drive along the coast. What could be better, especially in a convertible? The ocean views and breezes are invigorating. You then get on the 126 and head back to SCV. You can drive non-stop back to SCV, or stop at one of the several fruit and snack stands to take in the locally grown produce.
It takes about an hour to get to Ojai, and about two hours to get back, following the routes described above. So plan accordingly, take a camera, and have a wonderful day trip.
For more information, please contact Michael Rossi at 310-717-8806 or email mrossi@inslawgroup.com .