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Stay Fit In...L.A.

Better known for celebrity sightings and traffic-packed freeways, L.A. is a fitness buff's dream city. From gorgeous hikes and challenging yoga classes to the best places to grab brunch, this is your insider's guide to the perfect get-fit escape.

Jeanine Detz

Friday
Kick off your trip by kicking up some dirt on the hiking trail. Many locals swear by the paths in Runyon Canyon and around the Hollywood Reservoir, but we prefer to give our butt and quads a workout on the five-mile out-and-back Paseo Miramar Trail in Topanga State Park. To get to the trailhead, which is in a residential neighborhood in Pacific Palisades, turn north on Paseo Miramar and follow it to the end. The first half of the hike is uphill, but at the top you're rewarded with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.

Post-hike, pop a gym bag into your trunk and fuel up at Firehouse in Venice (213 Rose Ave.). The café is known for its "bodybuilder combos," like the ground turkey and egg-white scramble, but its menu also boasts delicious sandwiches, salads, and tandoori chicken.

Walk off your meal by strolling over to Main Street, one of the area's hottest shopping districts, and check out the boutique Blonde. The shop is renowned for its selection of casual beachwear, jeans, and dresses.

After exercising your credit card for a while, head a mile south to the equally hip Abbot Kinney area and saddle up at YAS Yoga and Spinning ($15 per class; 1101 Abbot Kinney Blvd.) Owner Kimberly Fowler offers both workouts throughout the day.

Saturday
Get your ocean-breeze fix with a morning ride on part of the city's 22-mile beach path. Rent a bike from Blazing Saddles ($8 per hour; 320 Santa Monica Pier) and pick up a free map while you're there. Cruise around while enjoying the wind in your hair, then wheel over to Washington Boulevard in Venice. Pedal east one mile and stop for a bite at 26 Beach (at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Yale Avenue). The restaurant makes some of the best burgers in town, including healthy varieties like the grilled salmon patty, and on weekends you'll find 13 kinds of French toast.

Return your bike after brunch, then drive to West Hollywood and give yourself the celebrity treatment. Start with a yoga class at City Yoga (7904 Santa Monica Blvd.). Don't be surprised if you spy a few sweaty stars posing beside you—everyone loves the $8 bargain of the Saturday afternoon community class. Keep that relaxed feeling going with an 80-minute Ambassador massage ($180; a combo of Swedish, deeptissue, and shiatsu styles) at the Argyle Salon & Spa at 8358 Sunset Blvd. The treatment takes place in a suite—complete with a flatscreen TV, bathtub, and plush seating area. You can even reserve time (for an additional fee) after your therapist leaves to chill in your temporary digs.

Sunday
Squeeze in a workout on the Santa Monica Stairs (the top is at Fourth and Adelaide streets) before your flight. The 170 steps can be clogged with people, so be sure to obey the three unwritten rules: Stay to your right (the middle is for runners), keep moving, and stop only at the halfway mark's landing. If you have extra steam when you're done, join the other folks cranking out crunches and push-ups along Fourth Street. (Or if you just want to jog, the grassy median dividing San Vicente Boulevard is easy on your feet.) You should still have plenty of time to dash back to the hotel, shower, and get to the airport—for lunch! Encounter, the funky, circular-shaped restaurant in the center of LAX, is a mere fiveminute walk from any of the terminals. Take in the Star Trek-inspired décor as you feast on a few appetizers; the California market salad and cayenne-citrus chicken drummettes make a delicious and filling meal for two. As you head home, tune out the plane distractions and think about how fit and relaxed you feel instead—not a bad souvenir considering you were away for only three days.