Want to work out–or just hang out–like an Olympian? 5 contenders share their favorite spots for both

5 Gold-Medal Towns
Shelly Strazis
A run at Crystal Cove State Park sure beats the treadmill.

1. Los Angeles

Evan Lysacek, figure skater

Gina Sabatella
Evan Lysacek works out in Manhattan Beach, CA

Where he works out: The oceanfront path between Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach for morning runs; Runyon Canyon Park, near the Hollywood Hills, for weekend hikes.

Where he hangs out: Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont (from $395) to lounge at the pool by day and drink cocktails on the heated patio at night. “I feel like I’m in Paris,” Evan says. For breakfast, he eats healthy with a yogurt-granola parfait from Joan’s on Third ($; 323/ 655-2285).

For a post-training treat, he pops lavender-infused macaroons from Little Next Door ($1.75; 323/951-1210). Evan’s hobby? “Treasure hunting” at the Melrose Trading Post (closed Sun; $2 admission).

2. Vail, CO

Lindsey Vonn, alpine skier

Where she works out: The gym at the Arrabelle at Vail Square (day pass $35) has a “topnotch” spa. Outdoors, Lindsey trains on Golden Peak at Vail Mountain (vail.com for prices).

Where she hangs out: The cozy-casual Red Lion ($$) for live music après-ski. Axel’s (970/476-7625) is a favorite boutique, and Sweet Basil ($$$; 970/476-0125) sometimes has a killer seared tuna dish on its menu.

3. Corona del Mar, CA

Sasha Cohen, figure skater

Where she works out: In Crystal Cove State Park ($15 per vehicle) in Laguna Beach. She also likes to run along Ocean Avenue and on Balboa Island.

Where she hangs out:  The Crow Bar and Kitchen ($$; 949/675-0070) for Crowjito cocktails, made with rum and sparkling wine. And, for sushi, Bluefin Fine Japanese Cuisine ($$$; 949/715-7373) in Newport Beach.

4. Boise

Hailey Duke, alpine slalom skier

Where she works out: The Idaho Taekwondo Training Center (closed Sat–Sun; $100 per month; 208/386-9408). “I grew up doing tae kwon do and skiing,” says Hailey, whose dad owns the center. “It’s great cross-training.”

Where she hangs out: La Vie En Rose European Bakery and Bistro ($; 208/331-4045) for sticky buns and TableRock Brewpub & Grill ($; 208/342- 0944) for the roasted red pepper turkey burger. And, for facials, Graeber & Company (closed Sun; $65).

5. Salt Lake City

Apolo Anton Ohno, speed skater

Andrea Gómez
Apolo Anton Ohno likes to bike in Utah’s Cottonwood Canyons

Where he works out: The Cottonwood Canyons for bike rides with amazing views.

Where he hangs out: For nature, nearby Jordanelle State Park (from $7 per vehicle). For catching up with friends, the Paris Bistro ($$$; 801/486-5585). La Caille ($$$; 801/942-1751), in Sandy, Utah, has a fabulous brunch.

For R&R, Stein Eriksen Lodge (from $750, including breakfast; four night minimum) in Park City, Utah. “I feel like I’m on a mini vacation, but it’s only a half-hour from home.”

Keep Reading: