International Chess Park

Just south of Santa Monica's "Muscle Beach," famous for its al fresco iron pumping, is a place equally well noted for its challenging mental workouts the International Chess Park. It features an 80-seat playing area for chess enthusiasts, with permanent chess tables and a giant chessboard for games with human-size pieces.

The International Chess Park was most recently renovated in 2000, thanks to a $600,000 city grant that paid for new tables with built-in chess patterns. Several of the tables feature cutouts so that wheelchairs can be accommodated. The landscaping was improved and umbrellas were added, too.

The level of play here tends to be high and the overall tone can be quite serious. The park draws players from all over the world. Among regulars are a number of ranked chess masters, but challengers of all ages are encouraged to take part, from teens to seniors.

The International Chess Park is located along Ocean Front Walk at Santa Monica State Beach adjacent to Santa Monica Pier. Open tables are freely available for public use without charge, and observers are always welcome. The facilities here are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Public parking is available at the pier as well as along Seaside Terrace.