Urban Self-renewal: enjoy state-of-the-art fitness, the latest yoga classes and luxury pampering in these five high-energy cities - Ventureout

Shape, Dec, 2003

Sweat Kayak Caroling Join Northwest Outdoor Center, a 10-minute cab ride from the hotel, for paddling and caroling around Lake Union houseboat communities like the one made famous in Sleepless in Seattle ($40 for approximately two-hour kayak/caroling outings offered Dec. 5-7 only; 2100 Westlake Ave.; 206-281-9694, nwoc.com). Or go climbing at REI's flagship store, with nine routes and a 65-foot pinnacle ($5 per route for REI members, $15 for nonmembers; 222 Yale Ave. N.; 206-223-1944, www.rei.com/store/seattle).

Pose Mind & Body This wellness studio located in Seattle's Central District, a 15-minute cab ride from the hotel, is a favorite with locals and offers not only Anusara and Hatha yoga but also Pilates, kung fu, massage and physical therapy ($9 for an hour-long drop-in class with free mat; $65 for a 10-class card; 2022 E. Union St.; 206-325-3328, mindandbodystudio.com).

Indulge Experience Music Project Catch a cab (10 minutes) to this unique museum combining interactive and interpretive exhibits tracing the development of rock 'n' roll from the 1940s to the present. Check out vintage guitars, then pretend you're a star waiting to be discovered as you wail away on an electric one inside a soundproof booth, guided by taped instructions ($20; located in the Seattle Center at Fifth Avenue and Broad Street; 800-EMPLIVE, 206-367-5483, emplive.com).

Don't miss: The Argosy Christmas Ship Festival A half-hour taxi ride takes you to this spectacular flotilla of festively lighted ships sailing the waters along Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, Lake Washington and Lake Union from Dec. 1-23. Join the crowds watching the parade from the shore or at designated bonfire spots, or buy a ticket to board a ship and be part of the parade yourself ($19-$35; ships sail from Kirkland; argosycruises.com).--K.K.

San Diego

San Diego's sunny skies and casual California lifestyle take the chill off winter, while its jaw-dropping scenic and recreational diversity rekindle your sense of wonder--and fun. Get around on one of the red trolleys that roam downtown and beyond ($5 for an unlimited-use day pass; sdcommute.com).

Stay Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter This hotel's mix of urban chic and down-home hospitality shows in the high-speed Internet access and custom-made comforters in every room (from $199; 410 K St.; 800-445-8667, hilton.com).

Sweat Balboa Park The park's bike paths start a scant two miles northeast of the hotel; reach them by renting a bike a few steps from the Hilton's doors at Bike Tours San Diego ($6 an hour or $18 a day; 619-238-2444). Or jog the trails at Morley Field Sports complex, which also hosts tennis courts (2221 Morley Field Drive; 619-231-9494, balboapark.org).

Pose Yoga One Take a 15-minute stroll from the hotel to this spacious studio, where you can experience various yoga traditions (including lyengar and Ashtanga) and bask in the sun streaming through the skylights ($12 for a 60- to 90-minute class; 1150 Seventh Ave.; 619-294-7461, yogaonesan diego.com).