Nice little towns in Southern California

Since you're going to be near Ojai I'd go check out a few places north a bit. 

Los Olivos has a charming little downtown main street and is very wine centric due to the area. Near by is the Danish themed town of Solvang which i still find to be charming even though touristy. 

You said you wanted to have a sunny "warm" place on the coast, but that doesn't really exist. Normally the costal towns are fairly cool even in the summer but if you stay in the valleys like Ojai then you'll get some true summer heat. 

I've never been, but have heard great things about San Luis Obispo (SLO). It's a town with agriculture (fresh produce), wineries and everyone operates at a much slower pace.  

I am a beach person and CA has some of the best. I would try Carlsbad (California) or Cardiff by the Sea and the small communities on either side. You are about between Orange County and San Diego, the beaches, waves and dog friendly beach zones make this area a great destination. San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar Racetrackand Legolandare all close by as well.

Santa Barbara, a little North West of Ojai, is a great weekend getaway. Check out the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, Lower State St, the La Mesa and the harbor! 

This is really more Central California than Southern but I have to put in a bid for Cambria. I think it's a totally underrated little town that always reminds me of the quirky little Vermont town in the show "Newhart". So many funny characters and weird little spots. It's not going to totally blow you over, but it's just what you described--a slow, sunny little town. 

If you go, the Burton Inn is a lovely, if slightly hokey little place with very cheap rates (I'm almost sure we paid around $110 for a pretty big room with a Jacuzzi. I think we ate at Robin's Restaurant which was great as I remember. If you just need a quicky place to grab a bite Lombardi's Pasta Familia is decent--not incredible but good for a quick lunch. 

Also, and I know this sounds insane, but if you go, you have to stop in at a knitting store called Ball and Skein and More. The guy who runs it is a great local character and is worth going in to meet--I know it sounds totally weird but just trust me on this! :)

Hi if you're going to Ojai it is a very small town. Better little towns to live in that are only 15 minutes away would be Port Hueneme, Oxnard and Ventura. They are close to the beach and there's more to do than in Ojai. The Danish town that the other person was referring to is Solvang : ) it is a nice Danish Town and if you like wine you can always make you're way to some of Santa Barbara's Wineries on you're way to Solvang.

Hi you should definitely check out Solvang too!  It's a bit north of Ojai but such beautiful rolling hills on the drive.  It's unique kind of like midwest in California.  Lovely beds and breakfasts there.  Fun for a day trip, not as slow as Ojai though.  

Love all the places mentioned in the answers, but no one mentioned Paso Robles that place is fantastic - also if you're looking into Southern California, my idea of So Cal is San Diego, San Clemente, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano these are all amazing SoCal coastal cities. Hope this helps! 

I love the answers already given, and while I've only been in these towns briefly, and they're a bit further North, I have to mention them. I really loved San Luis Obispo and Cayucos. To me, Cayucos is like if Cape Cod and La Jolla had a spawn, that place would be the product. Sleepy, charming surf town. Love it!

I second J.R.'s suggestion on Los Olivos! It's a really charming town with a relaxed lifestyle. I love stopping by Clairmont Farms to smell the lavender, and renting bikes to explore. Not to mention the wine tasting! If you go, check out Blackjack Ranch which is the vineyard/wine featured in the movie Sideways. You can also head to Santa Ynez and grab tasty Panino sandwiches for a picnic. For some bacon and eggs classic breakfast with the locals, head to the Longhorn Coffee Shop & Bakery. Here's a picture I took from my recent trip. Have fun!

Santa Barbara Laguna BeachSanta Monica

Never been to Ojai but friends love it.  I love Laguna Beach and La Jolla. For a small town feel look into Seal Beach.