The History of Muscle Beach

​Santa Monica Conservancy presents the History of Muscle Beach at the Museum of Beach Life.

​From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, view historical photographs, discover iconic stories, and watch a short documentary about the spectacle of athleticism that was Santa Monica's Muscle Beach.

​At 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 28th, Steve Ford, curator of MuscleBeach.net and spokesperson for the Muscle Beach Alumni Association, will speak on the history of Muscle Beach Santa Monica and Muscle Beach Venice.

​About the Exhibition

​Discover the astonishing athletes and individuals who built Santa Monica's famous Muscle Beach! This pop-up exhibition explores the fascinating history of the site that opened in the 1930s and is considered the birthplace of the U.S. physical fitness boom.

​Learn about Muscle Beach's storied past, its renewal over the decades, and see how the site continues to inspire fitness enthusiasts today.

​About the Museum of Beach Life

​The Museum of Beach Life, only at Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival, honors the Pier's impact on SoCal beach culture and highlights legendary figures who shaped its active lifestyle. Curated by local icons and collectors like Rich Wilken, Jeff Ho, Cary Weiss, and Mike Young, the FREE exhibit showcases surf and paddle memorabilia, and explores the origins of mainland paddle board racing, two-person beach volleyball, Muscle Beach, and more!