A Garden Tour of Ojai

The unofficial Zen capital of the country, this SoCal town is full of lavender, succulents and stunning pink sunsets.

By: Danny Bonvissuto

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Ojai Valley Inn and Spa

Chumash Indians were the early settlers of Ojai—one of the few valleys that runs east to west—and considered it a nest of healing set between the ocean and the Topatopa mountains. The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, built in 1923 as a country club and golf course, continues that feeling with gorgeous grounds and an award-winning spa.

Succulents For Days

Succulents thrive in Ojai's dry air and year-round Southern California sunshine. Pots of assorted succulents line the walkway to a villa at the resort.

Orange Groves

Orange groves line the streets in Ojai, a major producer of sweet oranges, blood oranges and tangerines.

Carriage To Container

An old carriage becomes a container for plants and flowers in one of the many outdoor lounge areas.

Olives In Ojai

Olive trees soak up the sun in Ojai's Mediterrean climate. Olive production is another part of the local economy, with many groves dating back to the late 1800s.

Herbal Accents

Lavender plants perfume the property, where the herb makes its way into bath accents in guest rooms, iced tea, spa treatments and garnishes at Maravilla restaurant, which also serves a beautiful lavender honey crème brulee.

Lavender Galore

Many different types of lavender grow all over Ojai—so much so that there's an annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival.

Bart's Books

One of the must-see shops in Ojai, Bart's Books is one of the largest independently owned and operated outdoor bookstores in the country.

Fig Curated Living

The roots and branches of a fig tree make for natural canopies and wall decor at Fig Curated Living, a home goods shop in Ojai's downtown area.

Tea House

A tea house in the herb garden at is a fragrant place to relax day or night.

The Ranch House

While dining al fresco at The Ranch House, guests have a front-row seat for a lush garden full of oranges, chocolate mint and lots of native plants.

Topatopa Mountains

Golfers have a gorgeous view of the surrounding Topatopa mountains.

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Photo By: Image courtesy of Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

Photo By: Image by Danny Bonvissuto