Sweat and Sunshine - South Bay’s Best Outdoor Workouts
Longer days are here…
Make the most of your outdoor sweat sessions!
There's nothing quite like the feeling of pounding the pavement under the bright sun, but if you've found yourself growing weary of the Strand’s perfect ocean views or dodging roller skaters like a ninja, fear not. We’re here to spice up your sufferfest with some fresh, fun, and slightly unconventional outdoor workout spots hiding right in your neighborhood. So buckle up, buttercup, and let's take a scenic tour of the South Bay's best outdoor workout destinations.
The Secret Park - El Segundo
If you want to get off the beaten path and hang with the realest of the real locals, this is the spot. While still quite unofficial, this hidden 1 mile stretch of paved and sandy pathways is an ideal place to burn calories and make new friends. Accessible only via the westside dead-end streets of El Segundo, show up with your tennis shoes and best neighborly manners. Pooch pals are welcome to run with you!
Wiseburn Aquatics Center - El Segundo
You’ve never tried water aerobics, you say? Well, if your joints are tired from hitting the pavement and the ocean feels a bit too intimidating (we aren’t scared of sharks, but also, sharks!), check out the Wiseburn Aquatic Center. You can reserve a lane for two, participate in a rec swim, or join a HIIT Water Aerobics class to get your reps in. Opened in 2019, this multimillion dollar, state-of-the-art facility only requires a reservation and teeny booking fee to embrace your buff little mermaid in a temperature controlled environment (we’re not savages).
Address: 2240 E Grand Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245
Sand Dune Park - Manhattan Beach
You probably guessed from the name – because our readers are the brightest they come – that this park involves a sand dune. But did you know that it's over 100 feet high and is a local favorite for getting a killer workout by scaling the steep slope? Bring on the quad burn. If you make it to the top you’ll be rewarded by ocean views and being able to look down at all those scrubs still running the strand. (Kidding!) This park also features a playground and swings for kiddos to enjoy. Due to its popularity [from this article], you will need to make a reservation and pay a small fee if you want to conquer the dune, which you can do here. Don’t @ us if you can’t walk the next day.
Address: 3299 Bell Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
El Porto Hill Climbs - Manhattan Beach
Wishing you could get a killer glute workout any day of the week for free99? Look no further than Manhattan Beach and El Segundo’s forgotten love child - El Porto. From 38th to 45th street, the steep side streets & lack of tourists offers a prime opportunity for a cardio burn overlooking the ocean and beachside condos. For several blocks, you can weave your way up and down the city streets and achieve the peach you’ve always wanted. As a bonus, if you park in the garage on the corner of Rosecrans and Highland Ave, you’ll be perfectly positioned to indulge in El Porto’s delish dining options after you work up an appetite!
Address: 38th-45th Street, El Porto, CA 90266
Veteran’s Parkway aka The Greenbelt - Hermosa & Manhattan Beach
Veteran’s Parkway according to Google, but known as The Greenbelt for us locals, is a tranquil woodchip trail that runs approximately 3.75 miles through the center of the South Bay. The trail is a popular choice for running and walking, starting near the Manhattan Village Shopping Center and ending at the North border of Redondo Beach. Free from bikes and far less busy than the strand, the trail offers a relaxing trek through the trees with plenty of benches, drinking fountains, and even workout stations along the way. Just don't forget to give your neck a stretch and look both ways at the street crossings!
Trailhead: 400 N Ardmore Ave Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Avenue C Stairs - Redondo Beach
If you’re tired of running at sea level and looking for a real challenge, it’s hard to beat this 72-step staircase with the sexy ocean views. The staircase’s proximity to bathrooms, the Strand, and the beach add a level of convenience that make it an obvious local favorite for an outdoor workout. We suggest timing your sweat sesh to catch the sunset, especially if you want to feel like you’re in a real MTV music video (we can’t be the only ones?).
Address: 065-1099 Esplanade, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
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Let us know if we inspired you to try a new workout destination!
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