Enjoy a Happy & Healthy Day One in Los Angeles

Yoga in Runyon Canyon
Yoga in Runyon Canyon

"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." - Susan Sontag

It's Day One of the new year, and there's no better city to be in than Los Angeles. From spectacular natural landscapes to world-class spas and endless neighborhoods to explore, read on for our guide to experiencing a happy and healthy first day of the year in LA.

Find Your Moment of Zen: LA's Best Spas

Looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles? Whether you want a quick massage or a full-day relaxation experience, the city has many incredible spas to meet a variety of pampering needs at a range of price points. 

Photo: Hotel Bel-Air, Facebook
Photo: Hotel Bel-Air, Facebook

Check Into Hotel Fitness & Wellness Programs

Los Angeles hotels make the most of the region’s spectacular scenery, excellent weather and local expertise in the wellness field by offering world-class spas and gym facilities as well as fitness excursions and classes. Read on for our guide to fitness and wellness programs at LA hotels. 

Hikers in Bronson Canyon
Hikers in Bronson Canyon  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa
View from the top of Echo Mountain | Photo: Daniel Pouliot, Flickr
View from the top of Echo Mountain | Photo: Daniel Pouliot, Flickr

Hike the Best Trails in LA

Get out and enjoy LA's beautiful weather with hiking guides for every fitness level, from Easy to Intermediate and Difficult. 

Micheltorena Stairs | Photo: Joshua Lurie
Micheltorena Stairs  |  Photo: Joshua Lurie

Climb the Hidden Stairs of LA

There's something special around every corner of Los Angeles. Find out about these hidden stairs, explore new neighborhoods, and enjoy memorable views of the city. 

Venice Beach at sunset | Photo courtesy of Eric Demarcq, Discover Los Angeles Flickr Pool
Venice Beach at sunset | Photo courtesy of Eric Demarcq, Discover Los Angeles Flickr Pool

Explore LA Beaches By Bike

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail (aka The Strand) is a 22-mile bike path that connects many of LA’s most beautiful beaches and offers the best day of coastal bike riding that anyone could ask for. Our two-part guide follows the Marvin Braude Bike Trail from its northern end at Will Rogers State Beach near Pacific Palisades and travels south to Torrance Beach. 

Photo: Beach Yoga with Brad and Friends, Facebook
Photo: Beach Yoga with Brad and Friends, Facebook

Stretch Out to Alterna-Yoga

With perhaps the highest number of yoga practitioners per capita outside of India, Los Angeles offers enough variations on the ancient philosophy to appeal to just about anyone. Whether it's indoors or outdoors, from the canyons to the beach and even on the water, discover the best alterna-yoga in Los Angeles. 

5-Pack at Root of Life Juicery | Instagram by @rootoflifejuicery
5-Pack at Root of Life Juicery | Instagram by @rootoflifejuicery

Drink to Your Health at LA Juice Bars

Los Angeles has long been a hotbed for juice, but there's never been a better time for Angelenos to find such creative combinations of market-driven, healthy local ingredients. Read on for a guide to a new generation of LA juice bars.

Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin | Photo: Wikipedia
Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin | Photo: Wikipedia

Experience Serenity Now & Every Day

Founded in 1912, Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin (aka Koyasan Buddhist Temple) in Little Tokyo is one of the oldest existing Buddhist temples in the North American mainland. Celebrated on New Year's Day at Koyasan, Shusho-e originated in Japan about 1,300 years ago to welcome the gods of harvest and the spirits of ancestors who protect their families. Today, the purpose of the service is to not only pray for peace and harmony of a nation but also for a long, healthy life for everyone. 

Los Angeles is truly a global metropolis, with a mosaic of cultures from around the world spanning its various neighborhoods. For centuries, the city has welcomed a myriad of religions - some of LA's most historic and important buildings are houses of worship. Whether you're seeking serenity on Day One or any time of year, read on for religious buildings and sacred spaces in Los Angeles. 

Terranea Bluff Top Park | Photo: Melissa Turner
Terranea Bluff Top Park | Photo: Melissa Turner

Enjoy a Magical Sunset in LA

From picture perfect El Matador State Beach to the hills above Griffith Park, read on for the top 10 places to experience a magical sunset in Los Angeles. 

Waiting for a forever home | Photo: The Dog Cafe, Facebook
Waiting for a forever home | Photo: The Dog Cafe, Facebook

Share the Day with Our Animal Friends

Studies have shown that pets can lower human blood pressure and reduce our stress levels. There are places across LA to share with our animal friends big and small. And best of all, you can adopt a pet and receive good karma from Day One and for years to come. 

Pho with soy chicken at Au Lac Los Angeles
Pho with soy chicken | Photo: Au Lac Los Angeles, Facebook

Get Healthy at LA's Best Vegan Restaurants

Plant-based diets have spread like agave and now there are vegan hotspots in every LA neighborhood. Wherever you may find yourself in this expansive city, vegan food is never far away. Start the new year with a healthy meal at one of the best vegan restaurants in LA.