One Of The Best Views In Southern California Can Be Found At This Hidden Roadside Lookout
By Natasha Kayes|Published December 15, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
If you ask me what my favorite views are in Southern California, my answer will usually involve the ocean. Usually. That being said, I also have an affinity for mountains, forests, lakes, vibrant greenery, sunsets, and clouds. I guess I just love nature, especially when I find a spot with incredible scenic views. One such spot that I love – and is far less visited than many of SoCal’s scenic drives – is a beautiful overlook in Ojai, CA.
To reach the overlook, you drive through and past downtown Ojai on East Ojai Road, otherwise known as CA-150, and head just over a mile up the winding mountain pass that heads west to the town of Santa Paula.
Tucked up in a corner of Ventura County, the Scenic Overlook offers stunning views of the entire Ojai Valley and the picturesque mountains that surround it. It is a peaceful spot to relax and take some deep breaths.
There is space for a few cars to pull over at the vista point and a protected area for visitors to safely walk around or sit on tiled benches for a while and enjoy the view.
As you walk toward the edge of the hillside, the sweeping views of the gorgeous valley are enough to take your breath away. This picture-perfect view never gets old and is different each time you stop, varying with the time of day, the light, the clouds, and the season.
You can enjoy the almost unreal green of the agricultural fields, mountain ranges that seem to go on forever, the low clouds of the morning marine layer floating over the valley, and cool shadows created by clouds passing overhead.
A plaque at the overlook familiarizes visitors with the peaks and canyons visible from this vantage point. As you can see, this is also a wonderful spot to enjoy cotton candy skies at sunset.
Depending on the time of year, the sun sets over various points on the mountains, but it is always a spectacular sight and a good reason to plan a stop.
The view at night is a completely different experience, and every bit as spectacular, with the twinkling lights in the distance below and so little light on the mountainside that stargazing is incredible.
I think the Ojai Valley Scenic Overlook may just offer one of the best views in Southern California. Would you agree? Have you been to this little-known vista point? We would love to hear about your favorite overlooks in SoCal. Ojai also has some spectacular hiking opportunities which offer spectacular views of their own!