City Escape: Los Angeles, California

The little-known village of Santa Paula, CA, sits just east of the more familiar Ojai and Ventura, and is twice as charming. It’s home to a fascinating history of the local oil business and a bronze statue that honors two heroic motorcyclists.

This tour starts and ends at the Los Angeles EagleRider office, so you can hop on a rental bike if you’re in the city without your own. On the way to Santa Paula, you’ll pass through the scenic canyons of the Topanga State Park. Heading north out of Santa Paula is the twisty SR 150, which carries you through the shade of oak and eucalyptus trees, past farms and ranches, to an imposing view of the Ojai Valley. The way back to Los Angeles touches Mulholland Drive and the Pacific Coast Highway, capping this delightful trip through the Santa Monica Mountains.

Points of Interest

Santa Paula Cruise Night

On the first Friday night of each month from April to October, the Santa Paula Cruise Night fills the Main St with classic American cars from the 1930s to 1960s. The Rabalais’ Bistro’s front patio makes for a great spot to watch the cars go by—and enjoy California’s best beignet.

The Warning Statue

The bronze statue known as The Warning reproduces the midnight ride made on March 12, 1928, by local motorcycle officers Thornton Edwards (on an Indian) and Stanley Baker (on a Harley-Davidson) in the hours after the collapse of the St. Francis Dam. The disaster killed hundreds of people, but many more would have died if not for the motorcyclists’ heroic efforts to alert sleeping families of the flood.

Ojai, CA

The winding 20-mile road to Ojai is a worthy ride all on its own, and the town itself is a cool destination. Spanish-style buildings erected during a 1916 reimagining of the resort town still line Ojai Ave, which offers a selection of cafes and restaurants. The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, just off the main drag, is an elegant spot for a drink or snack.