Photo by Kevin Segal on Unsplash
I’m doing something a little different this week and specifically talking to my SoCal A-Listers, sharing some of my favorite places and activities. I’ve been working and living in the Westwood/Mar Vista/Culver City area of west LA for over a decade and I get excited talking to people about some of my favorite places. These neighborhoods offer a wealth of opportunities to prioritize health and well-being. From outdoor adventures to mindful activities, these vibrant pockets provide the perfect backdrop for embracing and building healthy habits. I’ll share some here and hope to hear from you about your favorites!
1. Beachfront Bike Ride in Santa Monica: Embark on a scenic bike ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand. Starting in Santa Monica, this picturesque route stretches along the coastline, offering breathtaking ocean views and opportunities to explore charming beachside communities like Venice Beach and Marina del Rey. It’s an easy flat ride, that mostly has bike-specific lanes. Some spots around Venice can get a little pedestrian-heavy, though. Out-of-towners (or Eastsiders!) can easily rent a bike and helmet from one of the many bike rental shops right on the beach, too.
2. Yoga in Palisades Park, Santa Monica: Find your inner peace and rejuvenate your spirit with outdoor yoga sessions in Palisades Park, Santa Monica. Numerous instructors offer classes against the backdrop of sweeping ocean views, allowing you to connect with nature while nurturing your body and mind. While I particularly like this spot for sunset views, the early morning hours can be peaceful and beautiful, too.
3. Culver City Stairs: Challenge yourself with a heart-pumping workout on the Culver City Stairs. Located in the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, these steep stairs offer a rigorous cardio workout and panoramic views of the city as your reward for reaching the top. There are switchback trails going up the hill, too, if you want to take a less-strenuous path to the summit. There are often fruit vendors and smoothie trucks at the trailhead, parked on Jefferson Blvd, so you can get a refreshing treat after breaking a sweat. Not for nothing, but this is also where I went on my last ever first date. (Hi, Nick!)
4. Hiking in Temescal Canyon, Pacific Palisades: Escape the urban hustle and bustle with a scenic hike in Temescal Canyon, located just a short drive from Santa Monica. This tranquil oasis boasts picturesque trails, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls, providing a serene setting for outdoor exploration and exercise. There are several trails from Santa Monica through Malibu. In fact, just ranking and discussing those trails could be its own blog post. Today, I’m just name-dropping this one. The ocean views are always rewarding, though I recommend getting out on the trail in the early morning hours because the sun can really beat down on you. Wear sunscreen!
5. Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Marina del Rey: Experience the serenity of stand-up paddleboarding in Marina del Rey’s tranquil waters. Glide along the marina’s calm channels, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy a full-body workout that engages your core muscles while admiring stunning waterfront views.
6. Mar Vista Farmers’ Market Excursion: Support local farmers and artisans while stocking up on fresh, organic produce at the Mar Vista Farmers Market. Held every Sunday from 9am-2pm, this vibrant market offers an array of seasonal fruits, vegetables, artisanal goods, and delicious treats to fuel your healthy lifestyle. There are also food trucks and live musical performances. The whole thing shut down a couple blocks on Grand View (sorry, drivers), but it’s one of my favorite places to go for fresh produce.
7. Ballona Creek Bike Path: Another bike path, I know, but this one is really easy to miss– which I think makes it really special. I’ve also gone running on the path, which mostly avoid intersections by going under bridges. It doesn’t have much shade along the path, but I find the scenery interesting, especially once I get to the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve.
With its diverse array of outdoor spaces, fitness opportunities, and wellness-focused amenities, the area of west Los Angeles (including Santa Monica, Culver City, etc.) provides the perfect environment for embracing an active lifestyle. Sometimes we all just need the reminders!
Whether you’re exploring scenic trails, practicing yoga by the ocean, or sampling fresh produce at a local farmers’ market, there are countless ways to prioritize your health and well-being. Also, if you find yourself in the area, stop on by the clinic, at 12333 1/2 W. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066. Otherwise, we’ll just meet via video conference or phone call.
In any case, I’ll keep an eye out for my A-Listers and hope to see you out in the wild!
