Ah, California … where the state flower is the golden poppy, the state bird is the California quail, and the current state of mind is all about finding a moment of bendy Zen through yoga. In fact, if there is a statewide movement in the Golden State right now, it’s probably downward dog. So where better to find amazing places to enjoy some outdoor yoga classes than in sunny California. SoCal in particular has some unique spots where you can not only liberate your yoga practice from four walls, but get your flow on with postcard-perfect scenery like a calming poolside setting or alongside a popular hiking trail.
If you’re a super-fit overachiever or just someone who likes to enjoy some fresh-air postures with like-minded locals, check out Runyon Canyon’s donation yoga classes in Los Angeles. Taught throughout the week by popular instructors from various L.A. studios like Black Market Yoga, Runyon Canyon Yoga is where you can catch a great class on a big stretch of lawn then top it off with a run or hike. Or just opt-in for some celebrity sightings, which are inevitable here in the hills above Hollywood.
We are talking L.A., so maybe you want to pair your yoga workout with a chance to show off that pool-party shape you’ve been sculpting. Beach Yoga with Brad is your answer. Marine Street on the border of Santa Monica and Venice is where you can stretch into those sun salutations, enjoying glorious ocean views while soaking in the sunshine, weekend mornings at 10:30am. The $10 price is easy on the wallet too, and makes it easy to grab a beach-cruiser rental afterward for a breezy cool-down ride on the boardwalk.
And it gets even better yoga fans: Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Los Angeles puts you just 20 minutes from the beaches while Hotel Wilshire is just minutes from the trails and classes of Runyon Canyon. Talk about a win-win.
If poolside yoga sounds like your own little slice of nirvana, Kimpton has your supple back. If you’re in San Diego, every Sunday morning the Hotel Solmar’s swank pool deck is where you can get in your practice before exploring the Gaslamp Quarter or heading to the beach.
#OMG … the view from the Canary Hotel rooftop deck.
In the Santa Barbara area? Lucky you. Both of our hotels here let you get into your asanas with some eclectic, boutique style. In the heart of town, just off State Street, Canary Hotel takes your practice to the next level with Saturday morning classes adjacent to the rooftop pool. You’ll have to decide what’s more challenging here: The top instructors from Spectrum Fitness or keeping your focus while enjoying the #OMG rooftop views. A few minutes north in Goleta, the laidback surf-lodge vibe of The Goodland makes a perfect oasis setting for classes held poolside and in the movement studio. Check with the hotel for weekly schedule updates on classes, some of which are open to the public. Namaste!
Banner image: John Spade/Creative Commons; beach yoga image: Benjamin J. DeLong/Creative Commons
Thanks for the info. I’ve always wanted to try the Runyon Canyon class!