Santa Monica Conservancy

At first glance, Muscle Beach is all rings, sand, sun, and impossible balance.

But look a little closer, and one of Santa Monica’s most fascinating stories is still playing out right there by the Pier.

Before fitness became an industry, Muscle Beach was a scene of its own, where gymnasts, acrobats, stunt performers, weightlifters, bodybuilders, and curious crowds gathered to watch people, quite literally, fly through the air.

This weekend, visit the Santa Monica Conservancy’s History of Muscle Beach exhibit at Pier 360 and discover how a small beachside tumbling platform became one of the most iconic fitness culture sites in the world.

Through historic photographs, archival images, and stories from the sand, the exhibit shares the early beginnings of Muscle Beach, its golden-age crowds, its legendary performers, the rise of Miss and Mr. Muscle Beach contests, the nearby Bay Street Beach community, the closing and renewal of the original site, and the living beach culture that continues today.

You’ll see names like Pudgy Stockton, Paula Unger Boelsems, Russ Saunders, Jack LaLanne, Joe Gold, and many others who helped shape the spirit of this world-famous stretch of Santa Monica shoreline.

The History of Muscle Beach
Presented by the Santa Monica Conservancy
Part of Pier 360’s Museum of Beach Life
June 27 & 28
Santa Monica Pier | Original Muscle Beach area
Free and open to the public

The exhibit will be installed for visitors to enjoy throughout the weekend.

Step inside the historic Shotgun House Garden for an afternoon of beauty, inspiration, and community.

This Sunday, June 28, 2-3:30 pm, Garden experts Hilda Weiss and Mya Gates return to the historic Shotgun House for the Summer Garden Tour. This intimate event is an exploration of native plants and their role in our coastal ecology. After the tour, attendees will come inside for refreshments and a brand-new Sage-bundling workshop.

RSVP Today: https://smc.givecloud.co/summer2026gardentour

Explore the calming and clearing properties of Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevalandii)! Cleveland sage is incredibly versatile, useful for aromatherapy, air purification, cleansing, and even pest control. Perfect for an evening cleanse or when you’re ready to wind down.

White sage smudging is a closed, sacred Indigenous tradition used for prayer and spiritual cleansing. To practice smoke cleansing respectfully, we chose Cleveland sage as an alternative because it’s an open practice and offers a soft, grounding experience.

🎟️ This event is completely free for Santa Monica Conservancy members!
🎟️ General admission is $15.

Join today for free admission to this event and all of our recurring signature tours: https://smconservancy.org/join-or-donate/join/