So what do you do when the temperature drops and you can’t bear the thought of another day in your apartment, cooped up with blankets, hot beverages and Netflix? You pack your bags and head to California!
When winter settles in and you’re tired of bundled-up walks around the block, Southern California beckons with its reliably mild weather. Here, you can actually enjoy being outside in January, exploring beaches, trails, and coastal paths in a t-shirt while the rest of the country digs out from yet another snowstorm.
Go Jogging and Enjoy the Sun at Santa Monica Beach
If you want to get away from the cold and relax in a beautiful sunny environment while also getting some exercise, you should visit Santa Monica Beach. This is a very popular place in Los Angeles, CA, where you can go jogging, walking, running, or biking along the beautiful beach.
The views here are absolutely stunning—you’ll have a wide-open view of the ocean with beautiful blue skies and a wide sandy beach to walk or run on. This is one of the most famous beaches in Southern California and you’ll find lots of locals here enjoying the stunning sunset views.
There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes located close to the beach, where you can grab a bite to eat after you finish your run.
Want to explore more of Southern California’s coast without the workout? The Small-Group Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice covers both beaches in a few hours, with ocean breezes and Pacific views while the electric assist does most of the work. Highly rated with 564+ reviews, it’s the perfect way to see more of the coastline.
Hike in the Natural Beauty of Temescal Canyon
Temescal Canyon is a beautiful hiking trail located near Santa Monica, CA. This trail is the perfect place to escape the winter and enjoy the great outdoors while getting some good exercise at the same time. This is a great trail for runners, walkers, or hikers of all skill levels and you’ll find lots of locals coming here on the weekends.
The trail up to the summit is about 1.5 miles one way, so make sure you wear your sneakers and hydrate before you head out. You’ll get a great view of the surrounding natural landscape, so it’s definitely worth the walk.
The trail is mostly shaded, but you can also find a few open spots. So make sure you wear sunscreen and bring a hat for sun protection. After your hike, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants that are located near the trail or stay at a nearby hotel.
Find Your Zen Along Hermosa Beach
If you love the beach, then Hermosa Beach is worth visiting in Los Angeles, CA. This beach is a popular destination for locals, especially joggers. You can run along the beach and then walk through the pier to get a great view of the ocean.
When you visit Hermosa Beach, make sure you wear proper running shoes and bring water with you. The beach trail is quite sandy, so you’ll need proper shoes for better traction. The beach can get quite busy during the weekends, so you might want to visit during the week when it’s a bit quieter.
Run, Walk or Jog Along the Weed-Free Path of Venice Beach
If you love running along the beach, then you’ll love running at Venice Beach in Los Angeles, CA. This beach is one of the most popular destinations in Southern California, especially for fitness enthusiasts.
You can go running, jogging or walking along the wide path that’s free of weeds. The path is very wide, so you won’t have to worry about getting in other people’s way while running. You’ll find lots of runners and walkers here and you can enjoy a beautiful view of the beach while you jog or walk.
There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or grab drinks after your run, so you can enjoy the beach without the hassle of carrying anything with you.
Escape to Long Beach and Explore Its Beautiful Shoreline
If you’re looking for a place to run away from the cold and experience beautiful Southern California, then Long Beach is a great destination for you. This city is located about 45 minutes from Los Angeles.
Long Beach is one of the best places in Southern California to escape the cold because it is not as touristy as other destinations. The temperatures are usually a few degrees colder than in Los Angeles, so you can expect to wear a jacket while running here. You can either start your run from the beach or from the hotels along the shoreline.
Long Beach offers stunning views with the pier, ocean, boats, and sunny skies.
See Marine Life at Orange County’s Crystal Cove Sanctuary
You can visit Orange County’s Crystal Cove Sanctuary for a different and unique experience. This is a great scenic natural environment with a wide variety of marine life. Be sure to wear sun protection. The terrain can be a bit rocky, so be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
Explore Offshore Islands by Boat from Marina Del Rey
If you’re looking for an island adventure without leaving Southern California, Marina Del Rey offers ferry service to Catalina Island. The scenic boat ride takes about an hour, delivering you to Avalon’s charming waterfront town or the quieter Two Harbors area.
Once on the island, you can explore by foot, rent a golf cart to tour the interior, or simply relax on one of Catalina’s protected beaches. The island maintains a mild Mediterranean climate year-round, making it an ideal winter escape. Ferry schedules vary by season, so book your passage in advance, especially during winter months when service runs less frequently.
Take a Breather at Griffith Park with Stunning Views
If you want to take a break from running and enjoy stunning views at the same time, you should visit Griffith Park in Los Angeles, CA.
The hiking trails at Griffith Park offer stunning views of the city. This park is very popular with joggers and walkers, so you’ll probably see lots of people on the trail during the weekdays.
At the heart of it is Griffith Observatory. It is available to be toured by the public. This is a great option if you are in the company of aspiring scientists.
For a standout stay during your Southern California winter escape, Shore Hotel is a top pick. Just steps from Santa Monica Beach, it offers oceanfront views, private balconies, a heated pool, and an eco-friendly design—all within a short walk of the pier.
Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
- Don’t Miss These Top 10 Things to Do in California
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Author Bio: Sandy Page is a life-long adventurer. In her free time, she reads and consumes copious amounts of hot beverages.
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