LA the Healthy Way: 6 Must Do’s!

Now that I’ve lived in LA for over a year, I feel confident to share with you all my Healthy Girl’s Guide to LA! Covering all of my top activities I would suggest to any tourist (or local for that matter) that never get old! This is your complete guide to LA the healthy way!

LA has this amazing thing about it that you can literally find something for anyone and everyone on any given day, and the healthy options and things to do definitely don’t disappoint! So without further ado, let’s get rollin!

#1: Go to the ‘Bu

Malibu is quite possibly my favorite place in LA if we’re being honest. It’s an amazing mix of beautiful oceanic views with good for you food, amazing activities and it’s actually not as boujee as it’s reputation makes it out to be. It’s like a little country town on the water and I’m here for it!

• Malibu Pier & Malibu Farm: Malibu Pier is one of the most tranquil, beautiful spots and we really try to get here as often as possible. Malibu Farm is also hands down my favorite restaurant in LA. The Brussel omelette for breakfast or the Brussel salad with salmon for lunch is my JAM.
• Malibu Wine Safari: Have you ever seen the Hangover? What about the Kardashians? You know the famous giraffe Stanley? You can find him here!! Think of wine tasting at a safari style zoo and that’s what you get here. It’s a must-see stop for sure, with lots of wine and furry friends – how can you not love?
• Little Beach House: This is the SoHo house in Malibu. This is one of the most picturesque hang outs in LA for sure. You do need a member to be able to go, but if you know a member or are a member, don’t miss it here! Their food is incredible and the views just can’t be beat.

#2: Shop a Farmer’s Market

Best part about being a local in LA? Farmer’s Markets year round! I absolutely love getting fresh produce from the markets and yummy snacks from local vendors. In LA, all of the snacks are guaranteed to be healthy! You can peep a full LA Farmers Market Guide here.

• Malibu: As per the above, Malibu is always first in my heart. My ideal day is a Malibu Hike in the AM, followed by a stop at the Farmer’s Market and brunch at Malibu Farm. This is a must visit – the specialty items always vary from super healthy desserts to yummy vegan cheeses but the produce is always the most vibrant and in season! It takes place every Sunday from 10am – 2pm.
• Santa Monica: There are multiple throughout the week, but I like the Sunday Main Street Market from 8:30am – 1:30pm. There’s typically live music and this part of Santa Monica is so cute, if you’re wanting some R&R stop by The Now for a massage before or after!
• Melrose Place: Hanging at Melrose Ave! Melrose is the mecca and best part of WeHo in my opinion. It’s a bit smaller than other markets but still has a bunch of fresh produce, prepared snacks and if you’re into fashion, you’re in luck. Recently there has been a handful of vintage shops pop up here too!

#3: Grab a Healthy Bite

Now obviously in LA, there are a TON of amazing restaurants, but these are definitely the repeat offenders in my book at least that never disappoint. And if you’re into healthy eats (which I assume you are if you’re here), these are guaranteed to find a way to your heart!

• Erewhon Market: This goes without saying that it’s one of my favorite spots for lunch or dinner. Think of the fanciest (yet healthiest) grocery store you’ve ever had with prepared food that is like you’re mom made it for you, but it’s ALL deliciously healthy. Always do the combo plate to get the best bang for your buck. The one in the Palisades village is amazing, and be sure to stop at GF, SF Bakery Sweet Laurel while you’re at it too!
• Smoothie Spots: Kreation Kafe, Moon Juice & SunLife Organics are my faves in this department. They’re both ALL OVER LA, so no matter where you are, you can find one. Kreation Kafe also has sit down meal options and other food outside of smoothies while SunLife focuses on their specialty. Their known for their top notch ingredients – the Mint Chocolate Chip smoothie is my FAVE. Moon juice has all of the dusts and super food powders you can imagine!
• Great White: This is in Venice, just across the street from Venice sign. Their fish tacos in lettuce wraps and their Riviera Bowl are both to die!

#4: Hit up a Museum! 

I know, I know, but trust me – these museums are worth the visit! It’s not your typical museum visit either!

• Getty Center or Getty Villa: Both are super scenic and you will get your steps in too! I love the Getty Center when they have live music & wine, because wine not?!
• LACMA + Urban Lights: LACMA is where the famed Urban Lights are that you see everyone snapping pics at. Also, they have a summer concert series where they play music in front of the lights. Bring a healthy picnic and some wine and you’re all set!
• Griffith Observatory: You can hike up to this one, which is super fun for an ending destination! It’s totally free and has ton of photo ops too. You won’t want to miss it!

#5: Get in a Hike!

One of the best things to do in LA, of course – get outside! I truly think workout studios are not as popular here because why would you be inside if you can get in an amazing workout under the sun?! Feel free to check out this list of hikes too!

• Los Liones: This hike is in the Pacific Palisades and probably one of my favorites in LA. It’s about 6 miles and it’s moderate in difficulty. I love hitting up Palisades Village afterwards and going to Erewhon/Sweet Laurel 🙂
• Point Dume: Pretty deep into Malibu, but WORTH the drive. More of a trail/walk than a hike but the views are incredible.
• Will Rogers State Park: Pretty similar views to Los Liones, but a bit shorter. You can pack picnic for a little bit before or after your hike because there is a giant park at the bottom!
• Runyon Canyon/Hollywood Sign: Runyon Canyon is probably the most popular hike in LA and frequented by

#6: Ride a Bike!

I freaking LOVE bike riding – its so much fun to be exploring, moving and outside all in the same moment. Actually all of my favorite things!!

• Venice Beach Boardwalk to Santa Monica Pier: This is my most frequented route based on where we live. You will get quite the show in Venice and then you can chain up at the pier, walk around and grab a bite at The Lobster for happy hour, you won’t regret it!
• Venice Canals: The Venice Canals are super cute to bike through and great for photo ops too!
• Marina del Rey to Manhattan Beach: This is the longest, around 20 miles roundtrip, but if you have 3-4 hours, it’s worth it! Grab lunch in Manhattan Beach at The Strand which is right by the pier and has lots of healthy options!

I’m going to sound like a dead horse, but I swear these are all of my FAVE things to do in LA the healthy way, local and tourist alike. These are things I swear by, frequent pretty much whenever I’m in town, and never get sick of. I hope you all enjoy! If you’re craving some more California travel inspo, check out my California Coast Roadtrip Guide here!

Happy exploring!

xx

Alysia (Purely) Pope