Warm-Weather Escapes: Los Angeles

Dramatic panoramas from Griffith Park. / iStock

New year, new you—right? Whether you subscribe to the healthy hype or not, there’s something to be said for hitting the reset button. And what better place to kick those resolutions into high gear than the veritable capital of well-being?

The best way to start any City of Angels sojourn, of course, is with a cruise straight to the coast. And at the Santa Monica hotel Shutters on the Beach, you can relax with a hydrating facial at the cozy spa or take advantage of the beach concierge, who’ll get you settled on the sands and deliver light nibbles whenever you please.

The Hollywood sign and Rodeo Drive. / iStock

Warmed up yet? L.A.’s foothills are alive with trails offering killer views. Angelenos and sightseers alike get lost in the 4,210 acres of urban green space at Griffith Park, where you can get an up-close-and-personal look at the famous Hollywood sign. Or you could simply get your daily steps in with a little window-shopping: Pretty Woman fantasies aside, haute Beverly Hills is still the place to flex your credit card. Take a break for bubbles at Polo Lounge, located in the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel, and catch a glimpse of celebrities posing as regular people.

When it’s time to refuel, health-conscious options abound, particularly in once-gritty downtown L.A., now a destination for hip dining: Don’t miss the top-notch vegan eats (think cashew-cheese-topped corn tacos) at local chainlet Café Gratitude.

Downtown L.A.’s Broad museum. / iStock

While you’re in the neighborhood, it’s worth popping into the Broad to peep its permanent collection of contemporary art from the likes of Cindy Sherman and Jeff Koons before dropping by the Freehand hotel’s Broken Shaker bar for a cocktail (or three). Because every detox getaway should end with a little retox.

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GETTING THERE
Virgin America nonstop to LAX

INSIDER TIP
Peddling everything from organic produce to lemon meringue pie, the Original Farmers Market, near the al fresco Grove mall, is the perfect spot to gather goods for your own healthful—or decadent—picnic spread.

More warm-weather escapes from our Boston Traveler 2018 issue.