Ojai, Catalina Island, Disneyland Itinerary

If your family is looking for a destination which is well off of the beaten path and away from the usual crowds then Ojai, Anacapa Island, Catalina Island and a stop at Disneyland (if you are bringing kids) is an option you should consider.

Ojai is a small hidden town just over an hour and a half from Los Angeles and slightly south of Santa Barbara. It’s rumored to be the home (or second home) to a number of Hollwood stars including Reese Witherspoon, Tim Burton, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anthony Hopkins and even formerly Johnny Cash. After seeing the valley which combines palm trees with snow capped peaks, it’s easy to see why celebrities choose this hidden valley as a retreat from Los Angeles.

When you combine this with short trips to the Channel Islands (Anacapa or Santa Cruz islands), a one night stay on Catalina Island, lunch in Malibu and the potential to end with a few days at Disneyland, there is something for your entire family.

As always, we encourage families to adjust any of these plans, lodging, activities and days to fit their preferences – but we hope this will provide you with a creative alternative to the standard vacation.

Day 1 – Malibu, Ojai – Museum, beach, short hike

Fly to LAX arriving early
The Getty Villa – Quick Tour, Photos – Optional
Malibu – Lunch – Paradise Cove Beach Cafe ($)
Shelf Road, Pratt Trail – Short hike, walk, orange picking

Eat: Paradise Cove Beach Cafe ($) – Lunch; Jimmy’s Restaurant ($$) – Dinner
Stay: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa – ($$)

Day 2 – Ojai – Biking

Rent bikes – The Mob Shop ($$)
Tour town – Shopping, Lunch – Arcade, Libby Park, Casa Barranca winery
Ojai Valley Inn – Artist Cottage – Mixed Media Collage building with family ($$)

Eat: Ojai Café Emporium – Breakfast ($); Boccali’s Pizza and Pasta – Dinner ($)
Stay: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa – ($$)

Day 3 – Ojai – Hiking

Piedra Blanca Trail – National Recreation Trail – Hike
Meditation Mount – Sunset

Eat: Olivella ($$$) – Dinner
Stay: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa – ($$)

Day 4 – Channel Islands – Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island – Boat, Hiking

Island Packers Cruises – Day Tour ($$)

Eat: Open; Bring Lunch to eat on islands ($); Ojai Valley Inn – Build your own sundae room service ($$)
Stay: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa – ($$)

Day 5 – Catalina Island – Overnight Trip – Sub Tour, Mini-Golf, Movie, Golf Carts

Catalina Express – Boat ride to/from island ($$)
Submarine Tour – Undersea Expedition Semi-Submersible ($)
Mini-Golf – Golf Gardens ($)
Golf Cart – Island Rentals – Tour Town ($)
Catalina Island Movie Theater ($)
Flying Fish Tour ($)