While most of the country is shivering and banished to treadmills, residents and visitors in Los Angeles don’t have that problem. We compiled a guide of scenic walks, (easier) hikes, and if you’re really motivated - “stairs” workouts!
Marvin Braude bike path (Walk)
Commonly known as “The Strand,” (shown above) the bike path provides 22 miles of opportunity for visitors to walk, run, or bike all the way from Temescal Canyon Road at Will Rogers State Beach in the Palisades down to Torrance County Beach. Visitors may get confused at the end of the Venice Beach portion at Washington Blvd. where it looks like the path ends. However, the bike path resumes by traveling East on Washington until you reach Oxford Ave., where you continue right through a ride through the Marina. After navigating through the Marina, it's smooth sailing until the end.
Escondido Canyon (Walk + Hike)
Drive up Pacific Coast Hightway to Malibu’s Escondido Canyon. With parking for $8, enjoy a four mile hike that takes you on a dirt trail passing by some of Malibu’s spectacular homes through fennel fields until you enter a forest. At the famed part of the trail, the waterfalls may not exactly be rushing, but it makes for a good story. If you are seriously adventurous and are wearing sturdy hiking boots, attempt to climb the ⅓ mile hike next to the falls. Be prepared for lots of butt slides on the way down.
Arroyo Seco and Rose Bowl Loop (Walk)
Beginning at the lower Arroyo Seco parking lot, walk north and travel beneath the Colorado Street Bridge- formerly part of the historic Route 66. Continuing North, Arroyo Boulevard takes you on a 3.3 loop around the Rose Bowl and Brookside Golf Course. After passing underneath the 210, you turn right where the trail splits to head back to the Rose Bowl. Treat yourself with shopping at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, which takes place on the second Sunday of each month.
Runyon Canyon (Hike)
If you are looking for fabulous views of Los Angeles and some serious celebrity sightings, lace up your sneakers for the semi-circular trek (now paved) that takes approximately 45 minutes to complete- not counting time for taking necessary photos with the city skyline in the background. Located north of Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon is rated one of the top destinations in the city. With this popularity comes crowds, so be prepared to dodge other hikers and joggers!
100 to 1 Wilshire Boulevard (Ultimate Walk Challenge)
Start at 100 Wishire Boulevard, the “Refrigerator,” office building that stands at the corner of Ocean Ave. You’ll pass under the 405, through Westwood, Beverly Hills, Miracle Mile, Koreatown, and finally, ending in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) at 1 Wilshire intersecting Grand Ave. Sretching 16 miles, be prepared to wear sturdy sneakers, a pack of band aids, and stops for lots of water bottles!
Santa Monica Stairs
There are two famous / infamous staircases that descend from Santa Monica to Los Angeles. The first staircase begins at Entrada Drive and ends across from Adelaide Drive - totalling 110 vertical feet. The other set of stairs are concrete and lead from the Ocean Ave. Extension up to Adelaide Drive, approximately 115 vertical feet.
Culver City Steps
Formally known as the “Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook California State Park,” the Culver City steps are literally an outdoor staircase that cuts through the trails and lead to a view of the greater LA area. Averaging 10 inches high and in some cases 20 inches high, be prepared for a real workout.
With so many options of places to exercise outside in Los Angeles, there's no reason to feel the gym is the only place to burn calories and work on your fitness. Lace up your sneakers, grab a bottle of water, and hit the road!
To learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Korman, contact us here or call the office: 310-577-5540.