Los Padres National Forest - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

A concrete arch dam, built in 1947. Designed for water storage and flood control, , it impounds Matilija Creek to create the Matilija Reservoir in the Los Padres National Forest, south of the Matilija Wilderness and north of Ojai.

A beautiful reserve sprawled over 58-acres of lush wetlands and counts bobcats, rabbits, and over 40 bird species as residents. The project is actually a restoration led by a local conservation group, which runs environmental education programs and guided tours year-round. If you come on your own, there's an accessible trail that makes for a low-key, 30-minute hike.

Ojai is a tourism destination known for its boutique hotels, recreation opportunities, hiking, and farmers' market of local organic agriculture. It has small businesses specializing in local and ecologically friendly art, design, and home improvement. Chain stores are prohibited by city ordinance to encourage local small business development and keep the town unique.

The Ojai Valley Museum, located downtown in the historic Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church houses an extensive collection of art, Native American artifacts, and photographs of early Ojai.The museum also has in-depth temporary exhibits. It has a permanent exhibition about Ojai's history, a diorama of the Sespe Wilderness, and a Museum Store in the Sanctuary Gallery. Rotating & original art, history, and culture exhibits are mounted year round and change every 6 to 10 weeks.

A nice little park and playground in central Ojai. It offers quiet places for relaxation, a playground for the tots, tennis courts, a community bandstand and the renown Libbey Bowl, site of the Ojai Music Festival and many other events. The park operates eight dedicated outdoor hard surface tennis courts and is sectioned off in two areas.

This is one of the famous wineyards in this area and The Ojai Beverage Company is a favorite option in town for local brews, as well as wine. This combination spirits shop meets wine bar features many beers on tap as well as daily wine and beer tastings. Lunch and dinner are served.