We just got back from Ojai Valley Inn in Southern California. This place is part fancy spa, part cozy nature escape, and totally Avery Approved! Here’s what I loved most:

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🚲 Riding Into Town on Linus Bikes

One of my favorite parts of the trip was hopping on the complimentary Linus bikes and exploring downtown Ojai. Except my mom crashed into the fence trying to film me, but she’s ok.

• ✅ Free to use from 9AM–5PM (first-come, first-serve)

• 🚲 Helmets, bike locks, and kid gear available

• ⚡ Electric bikes also available to rent in advance ($96/day)

∞ Sensory Note: The ride was smooth and quiet on the paved bike trail that goes into town, with hardly any loud traffic. Great for sensory-sensitive or young kids new to cycling!

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🏙️ Exploring Downtown Ojai by Bike

Once we arrived in town, we had the best time checking out all the local gems. Everything was super close together, and the vibe was relaxed and artsy.

Here’s where we stopped:

• 🌳 Libbey Park – A beautiful park with big shady trees and a great playground. It’s a perfect break spot for sensory movement or just relaxing on a bench.

• 📚 Bart’s Books – An outdoor bookstore with aisles of rare and used books under the sun. It’s been open since 1964 and is a must-visit for book lovers.

• 📖 Ojai Library – Calm, quiet, and cool inside. I loved browsing the shelves, and it’s great if you need a sensory break.

• 📚 Used Bookstore Next to the Library – This one was such a hidden treasure! Super cozy and full of cool finds — we got 3 CDs for $3!

• 🍕 Ojai Pizza Company – Perfect for a casual lunch. We sat outside, and the pizza was super cheesy and yummy.

• 🍦 Ojai Ice Cream Shop – The sweet ending to our ride! Yummy flavors, friendly staff, and just enough sugar to keep pedaling home.

Town Tip: Everything is within a few blocks, so even beginner riders or those with mobility sensitivities can explore at their own pace.

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🍊 Swimming in the Pixie Pool

Yes, it’s really called the Pixie Pool — named after the pixie oranges grown on the property! The pool is heated to 87°F, and there’s a jacuzzi nearby too. It’s calm, clean, and super relaxing. They also have a baby pool next to the main pool that little kids can enjoy. I was allowed to go to the adult pool, but it was not as much fun.

Sensory Tip: It can be loud at this pool with a lot of kids and activity, but the hot tub area is very calm.

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🎾 Courts & Games Galore

While we didn’t play this time, it’s cool to know they have:

• 🎾 4 lighted tennis courts

• 👟 Proper shoes required (no black soles!)

• 🕗 Open from 8AM–7PM

• ✅ Free to use with reservations

At night, we cozied up in the lounge for family game time. It was one of the best parts of our trip — I beat my mom in Rummikub and Monopoly’s Deal.

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🎨 Creating at the Artist Cottage

This spot is a dream for creative minds. We dropped in for hands-on projects like:

• Mandala stone painting

• Candle making

• Pottery painting

• Succulent terrarium building

Prices range from $30–$120 (includes a 20% service charge). Prices are on the high side, but your paying for the experience in these very cool space.

Bonus: There’s also a Family Craft Hour from 10–11AM daily ($18 per craft, no reservation needed).

∞ Sensory-Friendly Tip: Great textures (rocks, sand, dirt), calm vibes, and flexible pacing = perfect for neurodivergent creators.

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🍝 Dinner at Olivella

Olivella is the fancy prix fixe spot on-site. It was outstanding and my first time being adventurous enough to try a fancy restaurant where the chef chooses what you eat! The salad looked pretty but wasn’t really my thing — but the bolognese pasta was a star! We even got the recipe from the chef!

Foodie Tip: The staff was understanding and happy to adjust the meal for me. Don’t be shy to ask!

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🌿 Spa Village = Total Chill

We spent one day in the Spa Village, and it was amazing.

• 💆‍♀️ Facial was amazing and the lady was very friendly and accommodating for me.

• 🌸 The facilities were very clean and comfy.

• 🧖‍♀️ Spa pool = peaceful and not crowded, huge hot tub.

∞ Sensory Note: Gentle lighting, relaxing smells (lavender!), and quiet spaces made it extra soothing.

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🍔 Pub Food + Giant Lawn

The pub on site called Jimmy’s Pub had one of the best smash burgers I’ve ever had. 🍔 Outside is a HUGE lawn where I ran, rolled and was silly. Great spot for free play or a sensory-friendly reset.

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🔥 Fire Pit S’mores!

We picked up a s’mores kit from Libbey’s Market and roasted them at the fire pits nearby. First-come, first-serve and really yummy!

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🧸 Room Comfort & Customization

The staff made sure everything in our room felt cozy and safe. You can ask for:

• Extra blankets or pillows

• Lavender sachets for calming bedtime vibes

• A quiet room near Orchard Lawn or the Artist Cottage

Favorite Quiet Spots:

• 🌳 Orchard Lawn – Peaceful garden space

• 🎨 Wishing Tree – A calm, thoughtful art corner with beautiful lanterns

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Final Thoughts

Ojai Valley Inn is everything we love in a trip — relaxing, fun, sensory-friendly, and full of things to explore. From spa days and pool floats to downtown bike rides and book treasure hunts, this place had something for everyone.

Until the next adventure!

💌 Avery