The world-famous Muscle Beach, a true California original, lies immediately south of the volleyball courts and is definitely a sight to behold for its impressive array of athletic apparatus as well as the fitness buffs who flock to them. Fully restored and refurbished, the area features chinning bars at various heights, parallel bars, rings, small jungle gyms for children and a padded-safe gymnastics area. The renowned seaside workout venue has attracted suntanned, muscle-bound types since the 1930s and was a particular favorite of celebrities. Visitors will find the history of Muscle Beach detailed on an interpretive sign. In its heyday, the area drew such luminaries as Buster Crabbe (1932 Olympic gold-medal swimmer and subsequent Paramount movie star), Steve Reeves, Kirk Douglas, Clark Gable, Tyrone Power, Jayne Mansfield, Jane Russell, Mae West, bodybuilders including fitness guru Jack LaLanne (pictured above), Vic Tanny (founder of Tanny Gyms) and his brother Armand, Joe Gold (founder of Gold’s Gym and World Gym), Messrs. Universe John Grimek and George Eiferman, and pioneering female bodybuilder Pudgy Stockton.

One of the most characteristic spots in LA, one that truly expresses the real Californian lifestyle. At this historic workout venue built right on the beach (used in the 30s by many professional athletes) you will see locals training and working out everyday. Check out their amazing acrobatics on the traveling rings and have a go yourself! Those guys rock, so don't feel embarassed if you can't fly like them! This place alone is worth a few hours of good people watching (and sunbathing)!

I don't think I've ever been to another beach where they set up a gym right next to it. But sure enough, you can find one of those in LA. Located seriously just across the sidewalk from the beach, there's various rings and pull-up bars. Even if you don't want to go for a work-out, it's always interesting watching the people who do there.