South of Santa Monica Pier is the Original Muscle Beach, where the Southern California exercise craze began in the 1930s and '40s. While it's more landmark than active gym and doesn't attract gawkers like Muscle Beach in neighboring Venice, it's free and open to the public, as updated equipment draws a fresh generation of fitness fanatics.
Original Muscle Beach
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
13.46 MILES
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Nearby attractions
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Close by the Original Muscle Beach, the search for the next Bobby Fischer is on at the International Chess Park. There are more than 65 regular-sized…
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A National Historic Landmark at the beginning of the pier, the 1916 Hippodrome building housing the carousel appeared in the movie The Sting. The 44…
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0.18 MILES
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