Muscle Beach

Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, California is found on the pier two miles from Venice, California. The original Muscle Beach began in the 1930s as a popular place for gymnastic and acrobatic exhibitions. These were routinely held at the beach, with city provided equipment. However, in the 1950s things changed. There were so many spectators coming from all over that the city considered for a moment to turn the area into a parking lot. Ocean Park Pier owners were also unhappy with the numerous customers coming to the beach. Some even said the Surf River Hotel felt the scene was offensive. Trouble ensued in 1959, so that Muscle Beach was shut down.

It did open a year later, but this time the tumbling platform was gone. This is when the original concept changed to the present frame. It was still a place for gymnastics, acrobatics and adagio training and performances, but the crowds were kept smaller with a lack of equipment. In 1989 the city rededicated the original concept for training. Some even call it Muscle Beach Venice, because LA officially dedicated it as such in order to keep most of the concept alive. A lot of weightlifting and body building goes on here.