The Westside makes it easy to move: a long beach, a bike path, flat streets and good weather for much of the year. Walk the sand, ride the path, swim, paddle or jog, and pair those days with two or three short strength sessions. That mix covers most people's needs.
This is a general guide to staying active around Venice, Marina del Rey and Santa Monica, based on well-known features of the area. Check hours, rules and conditions before you go. Details change.
Venice: beach and boardwalk
Venice Beach is famous for its wide sand and for Ocean Front Walk, the boardwalk that runs alongside the beach. It is a flat, easy walk, and it is busy: street performers, vendors, skaters, cyclists and walkers all share the area. Early mornings are generally calmer.
A few ways to use it:
- Sunrise or early walk. A steady 30 to 45 minutes counts as real activity.
- Sand walking. Walking on soft sand is harder than on pavement. Start with short stretches.
- Beach intervals. Walk briskly for a few minutes, jog a little, repeat. Go gently if you are new.
- Outdoor weights. Venice is also known for Muscle Beach, with an outdoor weight area run by the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department. Rules, hours and fees change, so check with the city before you go.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard, the shopping and dining street in Venice, is also a pleasant place for a walk, but it is more of a stroll than a workout. Combine it with a loop through the neighbourhood's walkable streets and canals.
The beach bike path
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, often called the Strand, runs along the coast for roughly 22 miles, from Will Rogers State Beach in the north to Torrance Beach in the south, passing through Santa Monica, Venice and Marina del Rey on the way. It is a popular route for bikes, and there is a separate walking and running route in places.
Simple ideas:
- A flat ride. Easy cycling is good low-impact exercise.
- A walk-and-ride split. Bike one way, walk back.
- Shared-path manners. Pay attention to signage. Stay to the correct side, keep headphones low and be alert for faster riders.
Wear sunscreen and bring water. Wind and sun can feel milder than they are.
Marina del Rey: harbor walks
Marina del Rey is a large small-craft harbor. The area has waterfront paths and open spaces that suit a calm walk, a jog or a stretch session. The terrain is mostly flat. The beach path routes around the harbor rather than through it, so look at a map and plan a loop.
Good for:
- Evening walks when the heat eases
- Easy recovery days; see recovery, rest days and sleep
- Relaxed time on the water, if you like paddling or boating
Santa Monica: pier, bluffs and beach
Santa Monica has a beach, the pier and a long strip of park along the bluffs. The pier is a landmark and a good turnaround point for a walk or a ride from Venice. There are flights of stairs and slopes in parts of the area that are popular for stair workouts. If you try stairs, start slow, use the rail if you need to and respect other people using them.
The beach path connects Santa Monica to Venice, so you can plan a point-to-point ride or walk and come back the same way.
How to mix outdoor days with strength
Outdoor cardio and strength training do different jobs. A simple week might look like this:
- Monday: full-body strength at home
- Tuesday: a 30 to 45 minute walk by the water
- Wednesday: rest or easy mobility; see the 10-minute mobility routine
- Thursday: full-body strength at home
- Saturday: a longer bike ride, beach walk or swim
- Sunday: rest
Government guidance for adults calls for about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week plus muscle-strengthening on at least 2 days, according to the CDC. A week like the one above fits that. Check with your doctor about what is right for you. For ideas on how many strength days to do, see how often should you strength train.
Sun, heat and safety
- Sunscreen and a hat. Reflection off sand and water adds up.
- Water. Bring more than you think you need. See how much protein and water you need.
- Tides and surf. If you swim or run on wet sand, check conditions. Do not swim alone or in unsafe conditions.
- Traffic and crowds. Stay aware on shared paths.
- Footwear. Sand can hide glass or debris. Shoes protect your feet.
When it's crowded or the weather turns
Not every day is a perfect beach day. Rain, wind, heat and crowds happen. This is where a home routine pays off. A 30-minute workout in your living room still counts; see the 30-minute workout for busy professionals.
Training at home on the Westside
If you want a coach who comes to you, Garrett trains clients at their home in Venice, Marina del Rey and Santa Monica, within about 3 miles of Venice. Outdoor time and strength work complement each other; a stronger body makes every walk, ride and paddle feel better. Start with the pages for your area: Venice, Marina del Rey and Santa Monica, plus nearby. For an overview, see in-home personal training in Venice or book a session.
A quick checklist before you head out
- 1Check the weather and surf conditions.
- 2Bring water and sunscreen.
- 3Wear comfortable shoes.
- 4Tell someone your plan if you are going far.
- 5Know your limit and keep it easy at first.
Train with Garrett
Book an in-home session
One hour, one-on-one, at your home in Venice, Marina del Rey, or Santa Monica. Your first session is an assessment. Single sessions are $175, with packages from $825.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting or changing an exercise or nutrition plan, especially if you have an injury or a health condition.