Muscle Beach in Santa Monica lit the spark for America’s fitness craze. Back in the 1930s, this sandy stretch just south of the Santa Monica Pier became a hot spot where gymnasts, acrobats ...

Although there is a popular Muscle Beach in nearby Venice Beach, the Santa Monica location is considered the "original." Recent visitors said the Original Muscle Beach has a vibrant energy and ...

U.S. News Insider Tip: Rent an e-bike at one of the shops on the Santa Monica Pier and spend the afternoon riding 3 miles (one way) along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail to Venice Beach. Stop for ...

With a sandy, boardwalk-flanked beach on one side and a lush mountain range on the other, the 8.5-square-mile Santa Monica is like the poster child for that idyllic Southern California vacation.