NationalGeographicPersonalExplorer
Always open; lifeguards present during daylight hours.
Santa Monica Beach is seamlessly connected to Venice Beach. The wide stretch of sand spans over two miles in front of first-class hotels such as Shutters On the Beach and the Loews Santa Monica. Just south of the Santa Monica Pier is the site of the original Muscle Beach, which was moved to Venice Beach at the end of the 1950s. However, some of the old exercise equipment still exists: Rings, bars, and beach volleyball courts are available for the public to use at no charge. The beach has both a walking and bike path that is also open to inline skaters. It is best if pedestrians keep to their designated walkway, as bikers and skaters whiz past at high speeds.
