Rain or shine, Ojai's charm never misses—and this weekend trip was proof. From airplanes and burritos to vineyards and Frenchie cuddles, here's the full rundown of my cozy, cloudy getaway to California's dreamy little valley town. It was my first time visiting and it was relaxing.
Flight 126 Cafe: Breakfast with a View (and Bacon)
We kicked off our adventure at Flight 126 Cafe in Santa Paula, right by the airport—literally. Planes were taking off just a few feet away while I savored a bomb bacon breakfast burrito with homemade tortilla chips and salsa. The cafe has a cool backstory too: it was built beside a historic airfield that was born out of the 1928 St. Francis Dam disaster. Now it’s where pilots and foodies collide for some good old-fashioned comfort food.
Fun Fact: The Santa Paula Airport is one of the last privately owned airports in the country and is super popular with hobbyist pilots.
The Ojai Vineyard: Wine, Please & Thank You
Next stop: The Ojai Vineyard. Rain was doing its dramatic, moody thing, but we were unbothered with our $20 white wine flight. The tasting room has major rustic vibes, and the staff was super helpful with recommendations. We swirled, sipped, and pretended we could actually taste the "notes of citrus and white blossom."
Fun Fact: Ojai has a Mediterranean climate, which makes it perfect for growing Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier grapes.
Rainbow Bridge: Wraps & Wellness
If you're trying to stay semi-healthy on a trip but still want convenience, Rainbow Bridge Natural Market is the spot. We grabbed some pre-made wraps for a quick, chill dinner. I went with the curry chicken wrap, which hit the spot. Plus, the market itself is a vibe—organic, spiritual, and fully stocked with everything from incense to adaptogenic powders.
The Duchess: Cozy Congee & Celebrity Sightings
We wrapped up the trip at The Duchess, one of Ojai's most hyped spots for good reason. I ordered the congee with a fried egg on top, and it was pure soul food. Cozy, flavorful, and perfect for winding down the trip. The highlight of this day was when Zendaya and Tom Holland went up to our table to ask what breed Esme was. I immediately thought, "This chick looks like she could be Zendaya's sister." Little did I know, it was actually her LOL!
Fun Fact: The Duchess is run by a Burmese chef and pastry chef duo who bring multicultural flair to the brunch scene in Ojai.
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| I ordered the Chai Latte with oat milk |
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| Oat milk Chai Latte |
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| Melissa and I on our last day in Ojai, CA. |
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| Congee |
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| Rice and Lentil Bowl |
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| Our bill came out to $63 |
Trip Mascot: Esme the Frenchie Mix
Last but never least, the true MVP of the trip was Esme—my friend’s adorable Frenchie mix. She turned heads everywhere we went and made our cozy weekend even more heartwarming.
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| My selfie with Esme |
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| Esme playing with her lamb chop toy |
TL;DR: Ojai served wine, warmth, and weather drama—and I loved every minute of it. Whether you're flying in or just winging it by car, this little SoCal gem is worth the weekend escape.
Trip Resources
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Hey, I'm Christy Scronce, a Filipina-American Los Angeles native and travel enthusiast. I love visiting new places and trying new food. Welcome to my adventure blog where I capture both State & National Park visits, family excursions, and road trips, while sharing my travel photos and recaps. My goal is to visit as many National Parks using my “America the Beautiful” annual pass. 
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