Los Angeles is known for its year-round sunny weather, Instagram-worthy palm trees, and it’s abundance of healthy food options. You can visit the beach all year, hike in the nearby mountains, and explore a vast amount of unique neighbourhoods within the city, each with their own charm. I love how accessible both mountains and the ocean are in LA, so depending on your mood, you can find ways to get in nature even in a large city.

Here is your ACN-Approved Healthy City Guide to the best vibrant living Los Angeles, CA has to offer!

Summer can get very hot in LA, so be prepared if travelling between July and October – dress appropriately, and ensure you stay hydrated!

Where to Eat IN Los Angeles

LA is home to an incredible array of restaurants. It would be incredibly hard to choose a favorite, but here are a few at the top of the list:

Au Lac. Vietnamese style plant-based food that is vegan and mostly gluten-free. With an ever-changing menu, you’ll be delighted by all of the options. But don’t leave without the Tirawmisu.

True Food Kitchen. An amazing restaurant that combines a love of nutrition with really delicious food and is designed with anti-inflammatory eating in mind. With everything from Asparagus Toast to Quinoa Bowls to pizza, you can find something for vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, and gluten-free eaters all in the same place.

Plant Food and Wine. With artistic and delicious dishes, this is a must-visit in Venice. Tucked away from the traffic, you can eat outside on the beautifully decorated patio. With Chickpea Frittatas and Smoked Hummus on the menu, you can’t possibly go wrong.

Naturewell Organic Juice Bar. With acai bowls, coconut smoothies, and fresh pressed juices, what’s not to love?

Maru Coffee and Matcha Bar. Best matcha in town is a heated debate, depending who you ask. But you can find a fantastic Matcha Latte at Maru Coffee and Matcha Bar for sure.

Amara Kitchen. Looking for a delicious organic vegan or gluten-free breakfast? Look no further. With gluten-free pastries and delicious breakfast options you won’t want to miss this stop.

Kitchen Mouse. Another brunch favorite in LA, Kitchen Mouse is family-friendly and provides delightful gluten- and dairy-free food. Order at the counter and seat yourself inside, at the coffee bar, or outside for people watching. The breakfast tacos are perfection.

Best Markets IN LOS ANGELES

Pasadena Farmers’ Market. Can’t make it downtown? Stop here for amazing produce throughout the year. Every town has a local market though, so find one near wherever you are staying and you won’t be disappointed.

Co-Opportunity. A wonderful co-op specializing in local and organic foods that also happens to have an incredible bulk bin section. Their two locations make them accessible to many visiting the city.

Lassens. Head here if you forgot your natural toothpaste, need to pack picnic food or are doing some organic shopping for your visit. With locations all over LA, you can easily shop for sustainable and natural products and groceries.

Erewhon Market. Not only can you find groceries from a company that cares deeply about farmers, suppliers, and customers, you can also grab some lunch or a treat in their organic café. The café offers raw, vegan, and gluten-free options.

BEST Yoga and Fitness IN LOS ANGELES

One Down Dog. With two locations in LA, you’ll love this community-centred, female-owned yoga studio. They offer a range of classes from Restorative or Chill to Sweat or Flow, ensuring all of your yoga needs are met.

Commune Yoga. This sweet and gorgeous yoga space is just the place for a smaller yoga class vibe with thoughtful and talented teachers. You will be challenged and supported by this studio.

The Strand. This 26-mile bike path along the coast that runs through Santa Monica and Venice is a dream. Rent a bike, walk or run along the path with views of the ocean just a few feet away the whole time.

Hiking. LA isn’t known for hiking but maybe it should be. There are a plethora of trails to choose from around the city including Eaton Canyon (with a waterfall), Los Liones (with amazing views of the ocean and city), and Runyon Canyon (a local celeb fav).

Natural Spas IN LOS ANGELES

Shape House. This urban sweat lodge is the perfect place to detox after your flight to LA. With five locations across town, you’re bound to find one not far from where you are staying.

Alchemie Spa. This socially responsible, eco-friendly spa hosts a variety of treatments such as acupuncture, facials, massage, and nail care. A perfect way to unwind after a busy day in the city.

Tenoverten. Need a manicure or pedicure before a night out in LA? Head straight to Tenoverten where all polishes are cruelty-free, vegan, and non-toxic and the space feels like you are in your friend’s apartment instead of a salon. The  calming environment and minimal design will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.

The Detox Market. This might not qualify as a spa, but it is an amazing store for natural green beauty products! Forget something at home? Interested in trying a new clean brand? Head to one of the three locations in Los Angeles for amazing service and an incredible selection of products.

BEST HEALTH-INSPIRED ACTIVITIES IN LOS ANGELES

Griffith Park. This gem of a park is centrally located in LA and home to many amazing activities. You can visit the observatory, which offers incredible views of the city, visit the zoo, take in a show at the Greek Theater, or hike along one of the many amazing trails in the park.

Museums. When it comes to LA, it’s hard to pick a favorite! LA is home to some incredible museums like The Getty, LACMA, The Broad, Natural History Museum, La Brea Tar Pits, and the California Science Center. There is truly a museum for everyone!

Huntington Library and Gardens. While the library itself is impressive with a wonderful art collection, the true gem is in the outdoor gardens. With 120 acres of gardens open to the public, you can easily spend a day wandering around the beauty of the outdoors. Admission is free the first Thursday of every month but you’ll want to book your tickets in advance.

Santa Monica Pier. Walk along the pier after an amazing dinner in town and find yourself at the marker that designates the official end of Historic Route 66. The pier hosts a Ferris wheel and rollercoaster alongside ocean views.

The Original Farmers’ Market. Established in 1934, you can find this unparalleled market on the corner of 3rd and Fairfax. Find fresh produce, homemade products, and food stands galore. Parking can be tough but the rewards are worth it!

Where to Stay IN LOS ANGELES

Los Feliz Lodge. These adorable bungalows are located in Los Feliz near Griffith Park and are a short walk from shops and restaurants. Los Feliz Lodge features low-impact and eco-friendly design, and provides 100% organic cotton or sustainable bamboo bedding for guests.

Venice Beach Cottages. These solar-powered cottages are just blocks from the popular Venice Beach. Each of the three cottages is made from earth-friendly, organic, repurposed materials, and no/low VOC paints and finishes. The linens are organic and there is a whole house water filtration system which means you can bathe in and drink purified water. A dream come true!

The Amrose Hotel. Located in Santa Monica, this eco-friendly hotel was the first in the United States to receive the LEED EB certification. The hotel uses earth-friendly practices to maintain the outdoor space, offers preferred parking for hybrid cars, car charging stations, and recycles and composts 75% of all waste on the facility. Eco-friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products are used for cleaning, making you feel better about breathing the air in your room.

Airbnb will find you a bunch of great, affordable options around the city. Because the city covers such a large area, my advice would be to choose a rental close to where most of the attractions you want to see are. Rush hour traffic is brutal during the week!