Santa Monica Conservancy

Just south of the Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach became one of Southern California's most iconic outdoor stages, where acrobats, gymnasts, weightlifters, bodybuilders, stunt performers, and weekend spectators turned the shoreline into an exhibition of human strength & agility.

At Muscle Beach, athletes train in the open air, performers test what the body can do, and crowds once gathered around at the platforms to watch human pyramids rise from the sand and people fly through the air against the backdrop of the Pacific.

Its story includes legendary athletes and performers from all throughout the 20th Century, marking Santa Monica as the birthplace of California's fitness, health, and wellness craze.

This weekend, learn more about the history of Muscle Beach through historic imagery and stories from the Santa Monica Conservancy’s display at Pier 360 Beach Festival.

Know Your Landmarks: Muscle Beach
June 27 & 28
Pier 360 Beach Festival
Santa Monica Pier / Original Muscle Beach area
Free and open to the public