Los Angeles has a reputation for traffic, celebrities, and wacky wellness trends. It’s all pretty true—especially Angelenos’ obsession with all things healthy, youth-rejuvenating, and athletic. That’s why LA makes for a perfect three-day weekend for anyone who loves hitting a new boutique fitness class every morning before sightseeing and grabbing vegan tacos after a long day at the beach.
Read on for a 72-hour itinerary of our favorite things to do in LA over a long weekend that aren’t celebrity bus tours and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Day One: The West Side
Start your day by sweating out lingering travel toxins and creating a strong mind-body connection at The Class. You’ll move, shake, and shout to a killer playlist in a light-soaked studio in the heart of Venice.
Since you’re on the west side, stop by The Butcher’s Daughter for breakfast (you’ll need to power up after your workout!). Try any of their wellness lattes—we’re partial to the slightly sweet, turmeric-tinged Golden State—or avocado toast selections.
Walk off breakfast with a stroll down Abbot Kinney, where you’ll find mainstream shopping destinations like Kit + Ace and Sweaty Betty tucked next to kitschy vintage stores and little shops that sell incense and crystals.
Spend the afternoon sunning and napping at Santa Monica Beach. Just remember to bring a little cash for parking and the SPF, and you’re all set! When you’re done, swing by Herringbone right on Ocean Avenue for freshly caught oysters and a killer happy hour.
Day Two: West Hollywood
Head just over the 405 to West Hollywood for a sunrise hike at the newly re-opened Runyon Canyon trail. You’ll deserve brunch after all that climbing—try out Estrella’s self-proclaimed “Brunch of Champions”. Seriously though, be sure to order their famous bacon-wrapped avocado and poached egg… It’s unreal.
Give yourself a little time to digest; pop into Book Soup next door to pick up a new read and the latest Italian Vogue. After you’ve grabbed your reading materials, cross the city line and make your way to Beverly Hills for mani-pedis at Olive & June. The gorgeously decorated nail salon uses non-toxic polish and pampers guests like whoa—you’ll never want to leave!
After the polish dries, admire your freshly painted toes during a yoga class at Wanderlust Hollywood where you can ohm your way through everything from a sweaty Flow class to a nourishing Soul Revival session.
Refuel your body with dinner at the star-studded and plant-based hotspot Gracias Madre. Opt for their signature Purista margarita if you’re feeling thirsty—and always get the guac!
End your night with a trip to the Griffith Observatory to catch a glimpse of the stars and a breathtaking view of tomorrow’s locale: Downtown LA.
Day Three: Downtown
If you wake up in a post-margarita fog, don’t fret. That hangover will be gone in a flash after a quick sesh at Shape House in Larchmont Village. Try a lymphatic drainage massage or get wrapped up and blasted with infrared heat to encourage elimination of toxins (read: tequila).
After sweating it all out, you might not be super hungry for a heavy brunch. Stop off at biohacker Dave Asprey’s Bulletproof Coffee shop in downtown LA for a butter-and-MCT whipped coffee. The healthy fats help your brain work optimally, and they keep you satisfied without feeling full and bloated. That’s good, because you’re heading to the Broad Museum to get inspired and cultured. See, LA has art, too!
The Broad has so many beautiful pieces that you might be tempted to stay all day—but these are your last few hours in the city, so you’ve gotta soak it up! There’s no better place to enjoy the city skyline than Speedplay LA’s rooftop downtown location. You’ll sprint on high-tech treadmills, break a sweat on the rowing machine, and get those shoulders burning on the TRX at one of the best boutique studios LA has to offer.
End your weekend with a plant-based feast at The Springs, a sprawling, industrial space that has kombucha on tap and a seasonal menu that’s totally inspiring.
Photo via iStock
