A new year brings a clean slate to set out and polish yourself up. I think every day should be treated that way, but I have decided to ensure I have a heck of an adventurous year. The pandemic isn’t going to rule my life this year. My goals for the year include taking better care of my health, and a huge part of that is regular exercise and getting out into nature more often.

Sid and I recently joined Club Pilates, a nearby Pilates studio, and it has been treating us to the most interesting soreness I’ve had in some time. It’s been a great addition to my yoga and cycling routine! We took a bike ride to El Dorado Park in Long Beach on New Year’s Day and enjoyed some chill time away from our devices.

Ready for bike ride to El Dorado.

I’m an avid hiker, and, honestly, it fell off to the wayside these last few months. But now that the dust has settled, getting out in nature is no difficult feat. During the holidays I took Sid and his brother Sneh to one of my favorite spots in the Santa Monica Mountains: its highest peak, Sandstone Peak. It is part of Santa Monica Mountains’ Backbone Trail, which spans 67 miles. After the hike I took them to my favorite seafood spot, Malibu Seafood, one of my top five eateries in Los Angeles. You can pick out anything your seafood-loving heart desires, have it grilled or breaded, in sandwich form or plated with rice pilaf, veggies or fries. I have tried everything from the fish & chips to the ahi tuna burger and grilled scallops — yum, and a fantastic treat after a lovely hike.

Feeling on top of the west coast at Sandstone Peak, Santa Monica.

The discovering of neighborhood adventures continues, and we’ve made sure that includes more of the wildscapes. We recently paid a visit to Dominguez Gap Wetlands. It is a beautiful public works project for flood control which transformed the area into a beautiful walking loop that also connects to the LA River bike route. It also makes for a fun run/walk spot with the pup!

Chispita enjoying the Dominguez Gap Wetlands.

Cheers to health and a better travel experience this year!

Fun time discovering Dominguez Gap Wetlands!

— Maria Angeles, account executive