Our favourite ways to work out under the Southern California sun.

SoCal is renowned for many things: wine, traffic, movie stars—not to mention some of the best beach bods on the West Coast. So before you hit those Southern California roads, add these fitness destinations and activities to your itinerary, make like the locals and work up a sweat (while still taking advantage of that sweet California heat).

1. Ride the Waves in Huntington Beach

There’s a reason it’s called Surf City, USA. Wake up early to find a spot along the city’s 14-kilometre stretch of beach, home to some of the best waves in California, for a morning lesson with Toes on the Nose; afterward, recharge with a grab-and-go acai Banzai Bowl.

2. Pump the Pedals in Coronado

Forget the trendy, dimly lit spin studios and instead reserve a beachside bike at Hotel del Coronado. It’s strange to be audibly separated from your fellow cyclists—music and motivation are delivered via headphones—but sweeping views of the Pacific more than make up for it.

3. Sweat It Out in Santa Monica

One 55-minute sweat session at Shape House will relieve stress, improve skin and burn up to 1,600 calories—and the only thing you need to do is lie back (wrapped in a heated infrared blanket) and catch up on your fave Netflix series.

READ MOREA Designer’s Guide to Venice, California

4. Go Deep in La Jolla

Hop in a kayak and paddle out to sea with the guides at Everyday California. They’ll lead you through an ecological reserve (keep your eyes peeled for seals and cetaceans swimming nearby!) to the seven sea caves that dot the coastline, all while sharing tales from La Jolla’s storied past.

5. Rest Up in San Diego

Life’s all about balance, right? Spend an afternoon lounging poolside at Aquavie’s rooftop deck before making your way to chef Richard Blais’s Juniper and Ivy, where you can indulge in buttermilk biscuits with smoked butter, mole sweet potatoes, and barbecued carrots with jalapeno chimichurri and pickled apricots.

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Kaitlyn Funk

Kaitlyn Funk

Kaitlyn is a design-obsessed writer, editor and content manager based in Vancouver. When she's not busy swooning over gorgeous homes, you can find her reading, hiking and befriending as many dogs as possible.