The original Muscle Beach is located on Santa Monica Beach, just south of the Pier. In operation since the 1930s, the beach has been frequented by many fitness celebrities and actors, including Jack LaLanne and Kirk Douglas. Muscle Beach features a wide variety of athletic resources, including rings, swing sets and bars. Gymnasts and acrobats are also welcome. A jungle gym is available for children.
Stretching 3.5 miles, Santa Monica Beach lies between Venice and Malibu and is one of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles. In 2008, the American Planning Association bestowed its Great Places in America honor upon Santa Monica Beach. Marriage services are performed here, too.
Lifeguards are on duty year-round between sunrise and sunset, and the lifeguard headquarters is open around the clock.
A boardwalk runs along the waterfront, as well as the South Bay Bicycle Trail, which stretches for 22 miles. Fishing is open to the public, with no license required. Surfing is also allowed depending on the amount of beach traffic and weather conditions. Volleyball courts are open to the public for no charge, while boogie boards and additional beach equipment is available for rent.
Ballplaying is only allowed in permitted areas at Santa Monica Beach. Tents, sleeping and camping are banned, as are glass containers, percussion instruments and vendors. Audible electronic devices cannot be played between 10pm and 8am.
In an effort to ensure water quality, Santa Monica has teamed with Heal the Bay, which provides weekly water-quality reports at HealTheBay.org.
In addition to the Santa Monica Pier, the beach is also home to the restored Annenberg Community Beach House, which reopened in April 2009. Once owned by Marion Davies, the primary mansion was demolished decades ago, but many of the original guest houses, the swimming pool and the tennis court have been preserved. The pool is open to the public and available for use from 10am to 6pm; the rest of the establishment is open from 8:30am to 8:30pm. Community meetings are often held at the house, and tours are provided as well. The Annenberg Foundation is primarily responsible for the restoration of the landmark.
Beach Park 1 is a public beachfront park maintained by the City of Santa Monica. The 4.6 acre park features a large tree-lined plaza area, two pieces of public art, several open fields, picnic areas, walking paths, a children's playground and public restroom. The park is located on the south side of Barnard Way between Hart Avenue and Hill Street. Two paid parking lots are available.