5 Suggestions for an Active LA Vacation (or Staycation)
Are you planning a trip to Los Angeles, looking to hit up some local fitness spots? Or maybe you're a local who has yet to discover some of the most popular fitness destinations in our beautiful city? These places and activities may be right up your alley:
Gold’s Gym Venice and Muscle Beach
"The Mecca of bodybuilding" attracts tourists and muscleheads alike, and the Venice boardwalk offers plenty of interesting sights. Head to Gold's Gym for a workout and some fitness inspiration before hitting the beach for some post-workout fun in the sun.
Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon offers a few one-hour loop hikes of various difficulty with Instagram-worthy views at the top. For better or worse, this is definitely a see-and-be-seen location, and you may even spot a celeb on your hike. Runyon Canyon is great for dog lovers as dogs are allowed off-leash on most parts of the trails. Yoga enthusiasts can enjoy donation-based yoga classes offered at the south side of the park daily at 10:30 am.
Griffith Park
Referred by some as the Central Park of Los Angeles, this easy-to-access park is home to the iconic Hollywood Sign and offers a plethora of trails, from highly trafficated to somewhat secluded. Unlike Runyon Canyon, parking is abundant and the park can be entered from multiple locations. Similar to Runyon Canyon the views are spectacular, especially on a clear day. The highest point (Cahuenga Peak, 1,820 ft (555 m)) is higher than the highest point of Runyon Canyon (Indian Rock, 1,320 ft (402 m)) and offers great views of both the southern LA basin and San Fernando Valley (known as “the valley”).
Santa Monica Stairs
The Santa Monica Stairs offer one of a handful outdoor stair workouts in the LA area (another good one being the stairs at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook). Another see-and-be-seen spot, this is also a place you may see a celebrity. A twenty minute bike ride away from Gold’s Gym in Venice, this is a good place to do your cardio after a weightlifting session.
Santa Monica to Redondo Beach by Bike
This 34 mile (55 km) round-trip adventure takes you through several coastal LA neighborhoods and cities (Santa Monica - Venice - Marina Del Rey - Playa Del Rey - El Segundo - Manhattan Beach - Hermosa Beach - Redondo Beach), offering enjoyable ocean views along the way while giving you that famous coastal California vibe that both locals and visitors enjoy.
There are several businesses offering bike rental in Santa Monica. Cyclists of any fitness level will enjoy this mostly flat, scenic ride.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, take advantage of the pleasant Southern California climate: get out - explore - exercise.
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