Los Angeles: Health + Wellness Guide
Since moving to Los Angeles in 2016, I always get questions about my favorite local spots!
Because LA is pretty much known as the wellness capitol of the world, I’m going to share my favorite go-to’s!
I’m going to break down this list into different categories: FUEL (cafe/restaurants), MOVEMENT (places to move your body) and WELLNESS (for all things healing).
Whether you currently live in the city or are coming to visit soon, I hope you enjoy this Los Angeles health and wellness guide!
Fuel:
Cafe Gratitude: Besides the delicious food, I love how this restaurant is built around positivity. The servers will ask you a thought-provoking “question of the day” to discuss among your table. Each item on the plant-based menu is based on an affirmation that you will say out loud to order (it’s not required, but it’s fun!). My fav is the “I Am Whole” bowl!
Moon Juice: A cute little juice and coffee spot where you can fill up on juices, tonics, adaptogen lattes + fun treats! I highly suggest sipping on one of their famous “dust” lattes!
The Source Cafe: One of my favorite healthy cafes in the South Bay! Aaron loves this spot because they have both vegan + non-vegan options to choose from! I love the spicy veggie wrap and you also can’t go wrong with an acai bowl!
Sweetgreen: While this isn’t exactly a local eatery, I have to include Sweetgreen on this list! There are so many convenient locations around LA, which makes it easy to grab a quick lunch on the go. My go-to is the Shroomami! So good!
The Butcher’s Daughter: The aesthetic inside this restaurant is just incredible. Bright, airy + full of greenery. They’re also a vegan and vegetarian based restaurant! I suggest stopping by for some brunch. Then, get the juice flight + classic avo toast!
True Food Kitchen: I promise, this is the last chain I’ll mention. This restaurant is too good to not add to the list! The servers are super friendly, plus the food is so fresh and delicious! My favorite combo is the Ancient Grain bowl (add tofu) with a glass of kombucha!
Sunlife Organics: When you walk into this juice bar + smoothie cafe, you’ll instantly feel calm + relaxed. From the gorgeous crystals hidden around the store, to the warm welcome from behind the counter. This place is magical. I highly suggest any of their smoothies, especially the Mystic! While Sunlife is slightly on the pricier side, it’s well worth it because every single item on their menu is organic.
Sage Plant Based Bistro: Sage has literally everything you could think of on their menu. Delicious, plant-based pizzas, grain bowls, kelp noodle salads + raw tacos. There’s something for everyone! Definitely check out their drink menu, that same statement applies!
Gracias Madre: Okay, so this is the one place I haven’t visited yet! But, I know for a fact that literally everyone I know RAVES about GM. Oh, and don’t forget to sit on the patio!
Crossroads Kitchen: This chic and sophisticated eatery is one of those places where you’re bound to run into a celebrity! Crossroad’s is 100% vegan and 100% the place you NEED to visit. Aaron and I have only brunched here and their “chicken and waffles” were amazing! We can’t wait to go back and try some items off the dinner menu.
Little Pine: Moby’s vegan restaurant in Silver Lake donates 100% of the proceeds to animal rights organizations. For that reason alone, this one is a can’t-miss! Aaron even told me that this is his new favorite restaurant…and it’s plant-based! When you go, get the siracha glazed brussels and panko crusted piccata. They’re to die for!
Erewhon Market: Although Erewhon isn’t exactly a restaurant, this 100% organic market is a can’t miss. I’m obsessed with their hot bar. Take your time and shop around the aisles too! They have a refrigerated section that displays a rainbow wall full of smoothies + juices. Tip: get the buffalo cauliflower wings from the hot bar!
Plant Food and Wine: Oh man, this minimal, yet upscale Matthew Kinney restaurant is hands-down my FAVORITE place in LA! Plant Food and Wine is my favorite spot to celebrate special occasions like birthdays and our engagement! Make sure you sit outside on the patio. Dining underneath the luscious green trees and twinkly lights is truly an experience in itself. You also can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, everything is local and health-conscious.
Playa Vista Farmers Market: This farmers market holds a special place in my heart! It was the first market we visited in our new neighborhood when we moved to LA. My favorite booths to visit are Blöde Kuh for their vegan cheese, Bakeshack for their yummy olive bread and Skyline flowers for their fresh bouquets!
Salt & Straw: The epitome of unique ice cream! (Don’t worry, they also have a range of vegan flavors as well!) Whenever friends or family visit, we always take them to Salt & Straw! While the line usually wraps around the door, I suggest waiting because it’s an experience within itself. Or, if you’re in a rush, skip the line and grab a pint from the fridge instead!
Movement:
Playlist Yoga: This music-based yoga studio in WeHo is so much fun! They’re all about the connection between the music, movement and your breath. If you can, take a class with Nicole Sciacca!
Box Union: Box Union is one of my favorite places to sweat! The total-body class goes by in a heartbeat because of how much fun you’re having. I’ve been trying to convince Aaron to join me soon, so we’ll see how that goes!
The Strand: I can’t say enough about this paved path that runs from the Palisades to Torrance! One path is for bicycles and the other for walking/running. My favorite area to hop on the path is in Manhattan Beach. Just make sure to either go earlier in the morning or later in the evening because it can get pretty busy!
Hikes:
Griffith Observatory: While this 2 mile hike from the canyon may seem pretty easy, it does have some steep-ish areas where you may need to catch your breath (especially on hot days)! After trekking to the top, spend some time walking around the observatory and taking in the views! I also suggest going pretty early because the parking situation fills up fast!
Paseo Miramar: You’ll love the view from the top! This 5 mile out and back trail leads you to the perfect view of both the ocean + downtown LA. If you can, try to go early and on a clear day!
Runyon Canyon: This is pretty much the “it” trail in LA. You know those infamous pictures of celebs who go hiking? They’re most likely taken here. Since it’s so popular, I would definitely go earlier in the day to grab a parking spot and before the trail gets crowded. If you’re a fan of dogs, you’ll also love this trail since this is one of the only places they can be off-leash!
Culver City Stairs: This place is so versatile! Either walk or run up the stairs for a quick sweat sesh or take the trail for a longer and lower intensity workout! I love the pretty view from the top, too!
The Hollywood Sign: There are SO many different routes to get to the top, this is the video we followed to hike to the Hollywood Sign! I definitely suggest writing down the directions so you don’t have to keep watching the video.
Wellness:
The Now Massage Boutique: My go-to boutique to get a massage! The atmosphere and decor are very minimal + organic, which I love! The prices are pretty amazing for LA. The Now also offers a variety of fun extras. My faves include: gua sha, their CBD balm for sore muscles and scalp renewal!
Pause Float Studio: If you’re looking for a place to relax, this is it. Float in a private sensory deprivation tank filled with epsom salt, sweat in the infrared sauna or replenish with an IV drip. There are so many health benefits to reap while visiting this studio!
Unplug Meditation: Feeling stressed, anxious, or in your own head? I suggest stopping by Unplug Meditation. From classic meditation classes to guided imagery, sound baths, breath work, aromatherapy, crystal healing and more, this studio has it all!
The Detox Market: My favorite place to shop all things non-toxic beauty! I love being able to test out makeup in person. My current favorites include Rahua classic shampoo and Rahua classic conditioner, Lily Lolo mascara (that actually stays put all day) and the prettiest pressed bronzer from Lily Lolo! You guys, I could live in this store.
Next Health: The moment you step into Next Health, it feels like you’re in the future. It’s so modern and beautiful inside! I love the cryotherapy chamber and infrared sauna! I always feel such a difference in my overall wellness. Increased endorphins, decreased anxiety and glowy skin – yes, please!
Is there anything I missed? Let me know down below!
