I have been to the Original Muscle Beach in Santa Monica multiple times, and it was always fun to watch people work out right on the sand. This spot actually started way back in the 1930s and is famous for kicking off the massive physical fitness boom across the country. Instead of the heavy weights you see down in Venice, this original area is filled with gymnastics equipment like rings, parallel bars, and climbing ropes. You will usually see a mix of intense athletes doing crazy flips right alongside regular people just trying out the bars. It is a really cool piece of California history that is still completely free and open for anyone to enjoy today. read more

This was the original location of the outdoor epicenter where physical fitness became a public spectacle. The Original Muscle Beach is next to the Santa Monica Pier and is an outdoor extensive gymnastics training area that serves gymnasts, acrobats and youth. Here you will find chinning bars at various heights, parallel bars, rings, a small jungle gym for children and a padded gymnastics area. Ocean Front Walk passes through here. Muscle Beach is the birthplace of the United States physical fitness boom that became popular in the 1950s. Venice Beach would construct a Muscle Beach years later. Even though I can't do most of these activities anymore, I still enjoy watching other people perform on the bars. read more

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Free beach gym fun and swings for all ages. Plenty of public parking (I listed some below), and other activities around. A legit outdoor gymnastics training area. Online lists outdoor features with "chinning bars at various heights, parallel bars, rings, a small jungle gym for children and a padded gymnastics area". Plenty of public parking garages around where 1st 90min is free, then $2 for additional 30min/2hour mark. For a total of 2hrs = $2, 2.5hours $3.50wkday $4wknd price, etc. $20 max day. Credit card taken. Closest parking garage was 1571 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401. - Or closest public parking is Lot 1 South Short Term Parking. Open unshaded parking of 2hrs max at $1 per hour (6am-6pm winter, 8pm rest of the seasons). Located by Hot Dog on a Stick. 1640 Appian Wy, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Website will show times, and % full. Credit card taken. https://www.santamonica.gov/places/parking-lots/beach-parking-lot-1-south-short-term-parking - If you plan to stay longer than 4hours $9-$11. There are other flat fee lots around. As an Angeleno/local to LA but not Santa Monica residence: funny that not wasn't until middle age, where we started appreciating parts of LA we didnt care for before or thought it was too touristy haha Great date place to exercise or stroll by to play. - As for dependants, only human dependants allowed everywhere here on sand of off. "Leashed dogs are permitted on the boardwalk, but not on the beach or in the water." - Located by Hot Dog on a Stick!! - This gym play area is between 2 bike/stroll concrete paths. The indoor merry-go-round carousel, indoor arcade to pier of outdoor activities are nearby. Short stroll from outdoor 3rd Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place Mall. Ebikes and more are available to rent. - It is next to a public restroom. It has soap and a sink. But be careful. The sink located outside of the stall is is very low and close to drain. You'll end up touching the bottom water, ew! - Tip: Come with gloves or gym gloves if you have sensitive untained hands like me. read more

Original Muscle Beach - Pull ups - Playgrounds Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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When my eldest daughter and I were walking along the Santa Monica Beach pathway, I noticed there were pull up bars, ropes, swings, and other fitness equipments right on a sandy area. Initially, I didn't know what this area was called until I Googled it. Thank you Google! Well, it's the Original Muscle Beach... basically, an outdoors gymnasium for all to use and enjoy. Wow, I did not know this workout beach existed. Cool! We saw people mostly men doing their pull ups, lifting weights, stretching, and all sorts of exercises. It was actually fascinating to watch them exercise, flex their muscles all over the place, and get some vitamin D at the same time right at the beach. I'm sure they were serious at their task, but how fun! Btw, it's very close walking distance to/from the Santa Monica Pier. read more

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beach, or gym? both, i think. located next to Santa Monica Pier, you will be welcomed to by the Muscle Beach sign and a number of people working out in the beach. its so nice and refreshing to see physical activity have a blend in an LA beach. most def a unique beach read more

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The original muscle beach! There are tons of free equipment available 24/7. There are a lot of locals that go and enjoy working out. There are ropes, rings, and slacklines. This is a great place for people watching as well. I spent a couple of hours just enjoying the people doing their thing. There are visitors that want to try these things and FYI there is a line to use the equipment. Be kind and wait your turn, pay attention and follow the line. When I went it was not crowded at all so no lines were forming. The locals are really nice to the visitors when they are on the equipment. I have seen local giving visitors tips and even guiding them by the hand on some of the equipment. I think it's great to see the locals being so open and welcoming to visitors wanting to try the ropes and swings. There are plenty of benches and trails to take. There are a few bike rental places to visit if you want to bike down to Venice beach. Also plenty of food places on the pier to eat. Or bring your own sandwich and wine in a box and watch the world go by like I did lol. read more

Original Muscle Beach - Clouds don't stop people from working out - Playgrounds Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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WHAT How cool is this. An outdoor gymnasium. Great to people watch some really talented and fit people. No joke. The pros come out between 11-1pm apparently. Area where people do acrobat acro yoga tricks. Area with air bubbles you can get inside and roll around like a hamster. Walking distance from the Santa Monica pier. read more

Original Muscle Beach - Air walk bubbles - Playgrounds Near Me - Santa Monica, California

The Original Muscle Beach...This is where the fitness movement started.. Bodybuilders now go to Venice Beach to push weight on the beach..but if you want to climb some rope, try mastering there swings, rings; run some slacklining and make new friends at the beach..workout here.. A bunch of people also meet here to do yoga; at least that's what it looks like. Awesome spot, that has a long history.. read more

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The original muscle beach is located here and that is the only thing good I can say about it. I have lived in this area all of my life and it is heartbreaking to see what it has become---a place where the homeless are not at all friendly, drug addicts abound, people smoking meth on the benches, sometimes tents lined up and just quite dirty much of the time. There are lots of free equipment available 24 hours a day, there is also no security (I would not go there in the middle of the night unless you are looking to buy meth). There are locals that enjoy working out there, and they are quite nice and if you are someone who wants to work out, I mean not watch, they will help you and you will like it. The other locals are to be ignored, again unless you are looking to buy drugs. There is a line to use the equipment and during the weekends in the summer it is a long wait. They have ropes and swings and other equipment. This place was once famous. Serious body builders went there, there were contests etc. That was a long time ago. So, if you want to go to see the history that is fine. The boardwalk is right there and there are shops and fast food places. But if I had limited time on vacation I would skip this mess and go to the boardwalk at the end of Washington Blvd. instead. Be careful at Muscle Beach. Your wallet is in your front pocket, no you don't want to buy a watch and no the person asking you for money is not going to buy diapers or food, they will use your money to buy booze or drugs. Stay safe. read more

After nearly one year of closure, Muscle Beach, the original, with the swings, y'know, like its namesake, IS BACK OPEN as of 11AM this morning (pardon the redundancy; sometimes you know you should be clear so the masses will comprehend the text). read more

Original Muscle Beach - Playgrounds Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I wished I live around the area. So much fun things to do here! If you come early, you get the paid parking for $12 and you will be really close to the park and the beach plus the restrooms are freshly showered by some maintenance workers. Whether your purpose of coming here was to people-watch,work out,tour-yourself mode,bike,run, race and criticize,it'll be amazing. Taste the beach after. It's a dream park! read more

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Heaven for aerialists and acrobats, I love it here. Don't be afraid to ask for help. My first time here I came with my silk and rigging hardware, and hoped for the best. I left with rigging technique, a community of aerialists, an unforgettable time, and a free place to train indefinitely. There truly is no better duo than silks and the beach, and I love the audience we receive. Fyi this is the muscle beach across the way from santa monica pier. Walking south for 2 miles you will reach Venice. Venice has more homeless, street artists, and flavor, but I feel more comfortable working out at Santa Monica. Overall, I love all the vibey, free spirited and carefree people. I relate well read more

Original Muscle Beach - Playgrounds Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This swings, rings and ropes area is a great place just South of the Santa Monica Pier. The swings are cool but the rings a definitely a challenge. It's always fun to watch the well fit do the rings . By the way the Slackline Park is just to the south of the rings. That's for the well balanced crowd! read more

If you're looking to enjoy the outdoors while getting your workout on, I suggest here. I've been here more than a few times just to mix up the workout. Sand resistant running / sprinting, using the rope climbs, parallel bars, balance beams, swings, rings, bars etc make the workout not only differently challenging, but fun. While the gym is more of a controlled environment, I find the beach both breathtaking and the workout takes your breath away. There's the typical metered beach parking, but if you go early and don't mind walking a bit (which isn't exercise why you'd be here . . . ) you can always park a few streets away and walk in. That kind of parking is my kind of parking - free. Mornings are less crowded for obvious reasons. If there's a marine layer, take note - everything will be damp and slippery. I would suggest bringing gloves for the rope climb. Good luck and have fun! read more

What sets Santa Monica beach apart from the rest of the beaches in Southern California (besides the pier, and the 3rd St promenade nearby) is the swings, rings and ropes! I don't know if that's the official name for it, but it is basically like an outdoor gym. A free gymnastics zone. An adult playground. Well, kids can utilize it too. Here people challenge each other to new heights, practice their skills, show off, realize how bad in shape they are compared to the old days of having recess in elementary school, you name it. I personally love to people watch. And if that sounds kind of creepy, you'll catch yourself doing it too if you're ever here. It's admirable how talented and skilled some people are! Hopefully the muscle toning I'm working on right now will prepare me for the next time I visit Santa Monica Beach! :) read more

I like to call this gymnasium in the sand, home of the original muscle beach, RINGS, ROPES & SWINGS!-Santa Monica Pier (my order of preference when using this gym) I come here often to get my hands in the grips and my mind off things. I always feel a nice rush when I get my momentum going, especially on those rings! The height of gym and length of chains allow you a chance to gain much speed and height yourself, making it sure fun for spinning, among other tricks. It's easy to spend hours out here, some come for fun, others for a focused worked out, there's aerial artists, such as trapeze, a lot of times people stick around and just watch. Go 'head, jump on it! Walking distance (15m.-100m.) recommendations: -Hot dog on-a-Stick (distance~ 15m.) -Pub (distance~20m.) -Santa Monica Aquarium (distance~25m.) -Santa Monica Pier (distance~30m.) -Soda Jerks (distance~ 30m., SM Pier) -Carousel (distance~ 30m., SM Pier, inside Soda Jerks) -Bubba Gumps (distance~35m., SM Pier) -Fruit Cart (distance~35m., SM Pier. Across from Bubba Gumps) -Arcade (distance~40m.) -Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (distance 50m., SM Pier) -Pacific Park-Amusement Park (distance~ 100m., SM Pier) Beach Parking: - All day parking is the closest and most expensive, CASH only. + 2 hour max. Metered parking close by, accepts COINS only (2011) + 2 hour max. Parking Lots, CREDIT CARD accepted. read more

No frills, no towel service. Just a nice set of metal bars, rings, and ropes is all you need for a fun beach workout. I don't come here that often anymore, but when I do, it's always an awesome outing with friends. The rings and ropes have stood the test of time and have become seemingly more popular with the emergence of American ninja warrior and whatnot. Sure you get the weirdos here and there, but overall it's a great way to blow off some steam and show off in front of tourists who like to watch human monkeys swinging back and forth right by the pier. Just one quick tip: don't be the jackass who jumps in the middle of the rings and tries to figure out how to swing on one of them while a guy is coming down the line. Everyone understands that there are beginners, but be kind enough to go to the beginning of the line and wait for your turn (or get kicked in the face by a flying man with dreadlocks). Check it out and do yourself a favor of getting some chalk (or even better, grips) so you don't rip your hands like I did this time. Happy swinging yelpers ^^ read more

Original Muscle Beach - Beautiful callus rips and a successful day at the rings with USC wrestling - Playgrounds Near Me - Santa Monica, California

John's photo on the rings reminded me of this wonderful park, and inspired me to dig out some of my very old photos I took there.....and even inspired me to return a few days ago to take some new shots. When I was there, I remembered how much I love this peaceful stretch of beach. I used to live just south of here, on Venice Beach, before I moved to just north of SaMo Pier. So I passed this park often, on foot & when cycling. The beach bike path runs between the gymnastics area and the water. And this space with all the gymnastic equipment is indeed unique. It's the site of the original Muscle Beach, in fact, before Muscle Beach was moved to its current location on Venice Beach, 2 miles south (as a result of some sort of controversy, many years ago). So that's the reason for all the muscle-building equipment here in SaMo.. I spent more than an hour researching to find out the official name of this park. The sign identifies the space as Muscle Beach, see photo. I always knew it as Original Muscle Beach. I ended up on the phone with a person in the SaMo parks dept., who told me that they refer to the space as Muscle Beach Santa Monica, but that the area is not officially designated as a park. So that explains why I could not find it listed with the other SaMo parks online. It's a part of Santa Monica State Beach, that's all. So.....I guess the existing listing title of Swings, Rings, Ropes is as good a name as any for this area. The location is on Ocean Front Walk, off Appian Way, between Pacific Terrace & Arcadia Terrace. It's south of SaMo Pier, just past the Chess Park (another cool space). http://www.yelp.com/biz/international-chess-park-santa-monica#hrid:5CHlOTwqCCWmKCENh0J7mQ I enjoyed hanging out with my camera the other day and watching people on the equipment. A group of girls, French tourists, were having a ball posing in front of the Muscle Beach sign, and climbing on all the equipment. But the rings circuit is harder than it may look.....I saw only one person complete it. This area is a sun-drenched paradise, if you ask me. You've got the gymnastic park, the chess park, the pier, the magnificent wide beach, Hot Dog on a Stick, haha.................and a bike rental place.......all right there. One of the best spots in LA, a place to go just to have fun. read more

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I've never had a bad experience here. I usually go pretty early in the morning during the week (4:30-6:00 am). It's really dark, but the carousel always gives the place a pretty good light. There are sometimes people sleeping nearby, but I've never had any issues with people. There's something peaceful about being the only one out there for much of the morning. You can use any piece of equipment you want. People start rolling in around 6ish. During the weekends, it's amazing to get a chance to see people do stuff. There are some crazy athletes out there doing some pretty amazing feats. But everybody is always willing to chat you up if you have questions. And it's a great way to watch people and learn new exercises. People bring all kinds of equipment to use, and I've never seen anyone be a jerk about it if you ask to use something. It does get pretty crowded on the weekends, but that actually makes it more enjoyable because there is never a shortage of people to watch or activities to do. It's also a great place to have training sessions. I see that all the time since there is virtually an unlimited number of things to do. On a nice day, it's hard to choose going to a gym over going to the beach for a workout. read more

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I could totally do the rings all the way down and back when I was a kid. I have some serious doubts that I could still pull it off... If you're walking along the boardwalk it's always fun to stop here since someone's usually doing something amazing at this outdoor gym. read more

AH! LOVVEE THIS SPOT! I come here everytime I visit LA. This place is so laid back and full of interesting people. I love that theres always a handful of slacklines set up and really friendly people that will let you play on their lines. The balance beams, bars, rope climbs, traveling rings... I could spend all day there. Definitely wear comfy clothes and come play here for a couple hours if you're in the area! read more

Original Muscle Beach - Traveling rings... my favorite! - Playgrounds Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Now this is so damn cool! We went here for Thanksgiving since everything else was closed and there was so much going on here, eye candy for days... I gave the swings, rings and bars a whirl which was a fun workout and will be back for sure, it doesn't get much better than getting a workout AND a tan while hearing the ocean, the views here are amazing! Mu husband went to town on the ropes, no way I could even hang on to those, much less climb to the top. It was awesome though and a must see should you be in the area. read more

Rings, tight ropes, monkey bars, parallel bars, swings, and a kid-friendly play area all on the beach. This place is definitely a must visit to let out all that energy from chilling in the sun all day. I was here over the 4th of July weekend (not my first time) and was able to watch people perform amazing stunts on all these pieces of apparatus. You see a lot of people working out, competing, practicing stunts, and of course showing off. Definitely come check it out even if you can't do anything on the equipment, you can always count on a free show! read more

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Found this place while walking down the beach to the pier. It's such a fun little place. There's an area for the adults and then an area for the kiddos too. I was wearing a dress and wasn't able to fully enjoy anything other than the swings. But I watched my bf go all the way across on the rings. There were lots of big buff dudes showing off. I'll be back next time in my workout gear to get a good workout and people watch during breaks. read more

This free gym area is awesome! There is so much to do here, from traveling rings, swings, regular hanging rings (I don't know what they're called), ropes to climb, balance beam, parallel bars...the list goes on. And what's better than working out on a beach? I got a shade tanner doing it, too! I tried doing the traveling rings for the first time and the locals were very helpful in giving me tips and guidance. There is etiquette to waiting in line, and some of the locals would understandably get slightly annoyed at visitors who cut the line or start swinging on rings when someone else is making a run. Most of the locals were patient, though, and some shared their chalk with me. I'll definitely be back to (hopefully) learn some tricks on the traveling rings! read more

I love this place! It is a great place to people watch or work out, if you're not too intimidated. There are rope climbs, parallel bars, balance beams, swings, rings, bars etc. I like to come and people watch because some people do amazing tricks! I once saw a girl on the rings and she was hula hooping at the same time! It's a great location, just at the beginning of the Santa Monica pier on the sand. It's a unique place to take out of town visitors and just fun to pause when you're strolling through Venice and Santa Monica beach. Also a great picture destination with the Santa Monica pier in the backdrop. read more

Original Muscle Beach - Playgrounds Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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This place is one of a kind and I absolutely love it! Also known as Original Muscle Beach on google reviews, it has free equipment to use ranging from pull up bars, ropes, rings and more. Most of this area is located on the sand which is great for a softer landing, but there is a squared off area that is all turf and has been jam packed every time I come here. The cool thing is it's not an uncomfortable crowded feeling it's a tight knit group of people who all share similar interests. I have been here multiple times and I tried out a couple of items to play around, but what really makes this place so cool is watching all the other skilled people here doing tricks at least for myself. So even if you aren't able to do a bunch of cool gymnastic and fitness type things I would still recommend checking it out. The atmosphere is great and everyone here seems so encouraging of others. Obviously people get a bit annoyed if you're clueless and hog equipment, but if you act with any type of respect you will be given it back in return. Would 100% recommend coming here if you are in Los Angeles area! read more

Original Muscle Beach - Just hanging around at the rings - Playgrounds Near Me - Santa Monica, California

What a great day! Walking up and down Venice beach. Beautiful weather and family from back east made it a wonderful Sunday afternoon read more

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Muscle Beach is an outrageously cool place to exercise and people watch. This is where the local acrobats an athletes come to practice. Here is where you can see world/class fitness enthusiasts walking on slack lines, practicing tight rope walking, swinging from high rings and balancing in challenging yoga poses. It's really an inspiring place to visit if you're near the Santa Monica Pier! Bring a beach blanket and stay a while. If you're looking for a place to relax in the sand, the sunset views don't get much better than this. read more

I used to live right by the rings and boy do I miss them. This area is like an adult jungle gym. There are two sets of rings one with 6 and the other with 8 I think. At best I could go down and back twice on the set of 8 before my fingers would give up. It's much harder than it looks try it. There are also 30 foot ropes to climb and another set of two rings where I watched a guy once shimmy all the way up just using the two chains then did 10 pull-ups 30 feet off the ground. It was impressive. There is one last piece that looks like a ladder parallel to the the ground where you grab each rung with both hands and rock back and forth and leap to the next one. I've never been able to do one. It's really tough. My friend was able to do it but it would tear him hands up every time. You gotta try this place it'll make you feel like a kid all over again. read more

So glad they have this place. And so glad that the City of Santa Monica hasn't gotten risk adverse has taken it all down. While Muscle Beach in Venice is more for body building, this place is made for more circus acrobatics. Climb a rope, swing on the rings, acro on the green over the weekends, watch the slackliners, bike to Venice, play on the parallel bars and balance beam, all next to the beach. I suppose the community here are mainly composed of three overlapping groups: traveling rings or other rings variations, handstand/acro people, and the slack liner groups. It can be a little intimating if you know nothing, but a lot of people are friendly and willing to teach. You can also rig aerial equipment on the ring or swing sets when it isn't too busy or windy. Lyra is a bit easier to rig here, but I've rigged my silks on the higher ring set a couple times too. I've seen other people rig cubes and hammocks on occasion as well... 2017 update: The city has rigged a permanent lyra and dance (single-point) trapeze here!! (It's metal with some peeling tape.... but its basically free open gym for aerialists). read more

Don't be dissuaded by the amazing and gravity-defying feats of strength and grace at the rings. The first time I gave it a try, I looked like Gomer Pyle on the obstacle course in Full Metal Jacket. But with the help of the very friendly regulars there, I started getting better and better. That's the coolest part about the rings- the community. The folks there are always eager to show you a new technique, to gently coach newcomers through their first trip down the travelling rings, and to applaud your efforts. The support and encouragement is the most special thing about this place. But even if you aren't ready just yet, watching these folks is inspiring. Guys like Mustafa and "Hoop Brotha Flex" put on performances that leave mouths having open and have Asian tourists rushing to pull out their cameras. Come and don't be afraid to give it a try! I promise you'll get addicted! read more

Great place to train! The Bads: 1) There used to be a booth that sold handwraps/grips I hear. No longer. 2) The equipment is all metal. Durable and maintenance-free for the city, but I'm not ballsy enough to really try out some of the exercises cuz of it. 3) Lots of kids who often take too much time on the rings or whatnot. I'm not trying to be a douche and its not like I ever give their parents the stink eye or anything. Just sometimes the parents need to know how long is too long when a line starts forming. The Goods: 1) FREE 2) Great vibe all around with folks you can work out with and teach you a few tricks. 3) Not many places you can do rope climbs and ring swings with SoCal sand underneath your feet. Free parking lot two blocks from the pier entrance. read more

I last came here w/ a group of friends this past Labor Day Weekend PROS: -all sports/fitness affecionados welcome, esp. aerialists :) -super friendly & helpful people -great atmosphere CONS: -if you're short like my friends & I, and you're an aerialist, it's best to bring a rope, a ladder, addt'l spansets to rig your equipment (but if you forget, don't worry - just ask any of the guys around & they'll help out) -it can get super hot so don't forget your SPF!!! OVERALL REVIEW: I love coming here, just hate getting burnt lol read more

Pullup bars, ropes, swings - a great place for a primal workout! As noted, peoplewatching is great. If you're into Crossfit and/or primal fitness, this is THE place to go - beach running, rope climbing, pullups, muscle-ups...wheee!!!! read more

I've never actually played on these, but I do love watching everyone. I can stand there for like 30 min just watching. I'd love to try the tight rope walk, but not sure how that would happen. It's nice to stroll on the path during the summer or even at night. It's very peaceful, serene, clean, and fun. A great place to bring out of towners and show off our awesome city. read more

We were in LA over the weekend. This is the first beach I've ever been to that has swings, rings, poles, ropes..etc. I felt like a kid again playing on all of it. It's nice to not have warning signs/safety measures and places all roped off like our society is now. I'm 34 and this is probably the most fun I've ever had at a beach. Want to swing in the air then jump off 10' into the sand, yea you can do that. Want to swing on the rings then jump sideways, yep do that too. NO ONE is there to say you can't. Not to mention they have the little fair at the end, which at night lights up and is pretty cool to walk through and you can get a funnel cake...lol If you are an adult, go here and be a kid again. You won't regret it. I'm back in DC and already want to go back to the pier and have fun. read more

Fan-friggin-tastic. Best outdoor workout area in the country (and probably the world). Sun, ocean, all the equipment one needs to do basic push, pull, and squat movements -- and tons of great looking, in-shape people for inspiration. And a great grassed area to do abs or insanity or the like. Highly recommended.\ Also check out the much smaller but also nice outdoor area in Manhattan Beach -- on the Strand at around 27th St./Bruce's Beach. read more

this is the most amazing place on the planet where you find great people and make best friends forever. I am there almost every day and can't imagine my life without it read more

Love coming here. The balance beam, rings, and swings are my favorite but the monkey bars can be fun too. It gets pretty crowded during the day, but if you go at night you might have it to yourself. But don't come too late - they close at 12! read more