Los Angeles Travel Guide: top wellness recommendations from your city insiders
LA is a wellness-lovers dream. Endless plant-based food, hikes, yoga, and healers on practically every corner. Whenever I travel to LA, I truly feel the ‘high-vibe’ energy of the city — so I am super excited to get even more insider recs in today’s wellness guide and (share some recs outside of the classic Erewhon bubble)!
Your Los Angeles Wellness Insiders:
In today’s wellness insider series, you’ll read about some of the top spots recommended by your local tour guides (aka Los Angeles’ very own healers — ranging from astrologers, tarot readers, and yoga teachers). Skip down below to start reading.
Lorraine is an LA-based intuitive tarot reader, certified life coach, & small-batch candle maker. In her sessions, she holds space for you to regain clarity and recharge your own intuition. Lorraine specializes in readings for shame-free emotional healing and radical self-love. @lorraineinbloom
Jelena G.
Jelena Grozdanich is the founder of TheSecret.LA, a wellness community dedicated to promoting positivity through movement. TheSecret.LA offers free bi-weekly virtual music-centered mindful movement experiences, providing attendees a safe space to move their bodies and experience energetic liberation. @jelena.wav
Kelly Austin is a Spiritual Psychology Coach based in Los Angeles. Her modalities include certified Astrologer, Sound Healer, Intuitive Healer, Reiki Practitioner, Jungian Psychology Coach, Somatic Trauma Specialist (specializing in Narcissist Abuse), Brain spotting Practitioner, Emotion Code Practitioner, and Feminine Rites of Passage Guide. She is devoted to holding a safe and sacred space, empowering others to embrace their most authentic self. @kellyaustinmentoring
Vanessa brings her positive energy and heartwarming attitude to everything she does. As a former professional ballerina, and Las Vegas showgirl she combines her endless technique and knowledge to her workouts but more importantly shares her infectious energy that is sure to shape your body and open your heart! She has been a movement leader for over 15 years and holds certifications in Pilates, personal training, yoga, barre, nutrition + reiki. @flowwithvanessa
Los Angeles Travel Recommendations:
If it was someone’s FIRST time in LA - what are your top 3 ‘must-see’ things?
From Lorraine: “You must go to Griffith Park! From hiking to the Observatory to perfect picnic spots. It even still has a portion of the old LA Zoo! I recommend driving to Malibu up the PCH. Also, if you can make it to any of the farmer’s markets around the city - do it! I love the Hollywood Farmers Market.”
From Vanessa: “Without a doubt, my MOST FAVORITE place in LA is the Hollywood Bowl. There is no bad seat, and no bad show at the Bowl. It's a stunning venue, and most shows are BYOB, you can bring your picnic, food, wine, and beer. It's family-friendly, and so full of culture and history. I can't recommend it enough.
My next must-see is Runyon Canyon. Many Los Angelenos love to hate this park but don't be a hater! I will say it's not the type of hike you go on when you are looking for solitude, but it is spectacular in so many other ways! The views are 360 degrees, from the famous Hollywood hills to the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Pacific Ocean, Catalina, and even downtown LA. This hike is also a great workout, and can easily be looped in an hour. The parking can be tricky, but don't let that stop you! Just read the signs, and enjoy some panoramic views of Southern California. Also, there are many different trails within the park, so if you're looking for more of a challenge it's all there for you!
Finally, you can't leave LA without visiting Lake Shrine. The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine lies a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean, on Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades. This 10-acre retreat has lush gardens, a large spring-fed lake framed by natural hillsides, and a variety of flora and fauna, swans, ducks, koi, turtles, and lotus flowers. It was founded by the great Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda. Most famous for his book, Autobiography of a Yogi. Some of Gandhi's ashes are enshrined here, making this an unforgettable stop.”
Where are some of your favorite restaurants?
“Gracias Madre, Burger Lords, Salaya, Seabirds Kitchen, Night + Market, Jewel. For coffee/matcha, Obet & Del’s, Just What I Kneaded, and Stereoscope are all my faves!” ~Lorraine
“Green Table Cafe, Honey Hi, Lulu, Uzumaki, Bacari” ~Jelena
Where do you go when you want the best juice?
“Beverly Hills Juice. It's iconic, usually, there is a line along the sidewalk, but it's worth it. It's been around since 1975 and only takes cash last time I checked.” ~Vanessa
Beverly Hills Juice - located at 8382 Beverly Blvd
Favorite way to unwind in the city?
“The ocean has always called out to my soul, so visiting her is my favorite way to unwind in this city! I love meditating with the sound of the waves ebbing and flowing and grounding into the sand. Hot tip, go during mid-day on a weekday when there are fewer people (great for visitors without a set schedule).” ~Kelly
Favorite outdoor experiences?
“So before this career (which is more accurately a life mission), I was a music industry executive, and you know I still have to say my favorite outdoor experience is a concert at The Greek Theatre (it's one of my favorite venues).” ~Kelly
“Anywhere in Topanga - it's such a great escape from the craziness of the city and is only a short drive away. There are so many great hidden gems that can be discovered by just walking around and letting the energy of the canyon guide you to an adventure.” ~Jelena
“Catalina Island!! It blows my mind how many Los Angelenos have never been to Catalina Island. I nicknamed it the Poor Man’s Hawaii. All you need is one day to visit. Head down to Long Beach to catch the ferry. The ferry ride is unforgettable. Last time I went we were escorted by a pod of dolphins! Once you get to the island, you can shop, gamble, hike, kayak, sunbathe at the resorts, snorkel, go off-roading. There are so many fun activities. There are great hotels on the island, or just catch the ferry back to LB that evening. Either way, you can't lose!” ~Vanessa
Favorite hikes?
“Backbone Trail in Malibu” ~Jelena
Favorite fitness classes?
“If you're into heated workouts, the Heated Room, located on W3rd + Sweetzer is top-notch. The aesthetics are unmatched and the classes will leave you feeling sweaty, sculpted, and serene. They offer yoga and Pilates-based classes. The instructors are world-class! Another gem is Studio B, located in BANDIER's flagship store in West Hollywood. You can shop the endless array of athleisure wear and then take classes from some of the most notable instructors in LA! Pro tip- when you sign up for class, you'll receive 15% off all in-store shopping that day.” ~Vanessa
“The Class, Modo Yoga and TheSecret.LA, of course “ ~Jelena
Favorite wellness experiences in the city?
“Hitting the various saunas at Wi Spa, going for late night tea at Tea At Shiloh, and taking a long walk on the beach “ ~Jelena
Where to stay?
“I recommend staying in Silver Lake or Los Feliz area if you want to be able to walk to a cool coffee shop or browse curated vintage shops.” ~Lorraine
Must-stop boutiques or stores?
“The Lucky Pig, Dreams, and Wine & Eggs are all located in Atwater Village. Love just walking around that area on a nice day!” ~Lorraine
“Earthy Corazón, located in East LA the owner Ely is a client and friend! They were born & raised in LA, plus make incredible candles and are just kind people! I think it’s so important people support small locally owned businesses when they visit LA“ ~Lorraine
Where do you go when you want to be a little witchy?
“So I'm typically a lot witchy, but my favorite places to go to are Mystic Journeys Bookstore on Main Street in Santa Monica and Hallowed Ground in Marina Del Rey.” ~Kelly
“My favorite witchy shops are Glitter Moon and Pan’s Apothika. I highly recommend taking a walk in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. It’s so pretty and interesting! If you can catch a Cinespia movie night or a show at the venue there, you gotta go.” ~Lorraine
Looking to add wellness into your weekend?
Head to our “Contact” page to reach out for more information!
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