Check out the many reasons to take advantage of the fun and healthy activities near the Santa Monica Pier.

The rocking waves, the salty breeze, the picturesque mountains, and the backdrop of the city are just some of the great reasons to visit the Santa Monica Pier. I don’t know about you but the closer I get to the ocean, the lower my blood pressure goes.

1. First, you’re at the beach! Breathe in the salt air. Take your shoes off and feel the sand between your toes.
   The tactile experience is topped by dipping a toe into the Pacific. Yup, it’s usually cold but feeling the water roll over your feet is sure to make you feel like a kid again. Don’t worry, there is a foot cleaning spigot near the pier steps up to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
2. Meditate at the end of the pier or on the beach – especially at sunset. If you’re new to meditating, download a free app on your phone. From beginner to advanced, adult to kid, apps like Calm have you covered.
3. Pick up frisbee games! How California can you get? Ultimate frisbee games can be found south of the pier.
4. Pretend you’re part of the Baywatch team and run in slow-mo down the beach. Be sure to get selfies at the iconic lifeguard shacks.
5. There’s no better way to take in the gorgeous topography and temperate weather than bicycle riding along The Strand, the Marvin Braude bike trail is an iconic Santa Monica bike path that stretches along the Pacific Coast from Pacific Palisades to Torrance, packing in 22 miles of inspiring coastal scenery. Start your Santa Monica biking adventure at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades, continuing past popular surf breaks along Santa Monica State Beach, underneath the Santa Monica Pier, and by the famed Original Muscle Beach. Guided tours and group rides from Helen’s Cycles are also available. Some hotels offer free bicycles to guests. A list of local rentals and itineraries is available here.
6. Take a low-impact walk to see some of the 130+ street art murals found in Santa Monica. A Google map of locations is posted here.
7. Work up a sweat or just get great selfies at the Original Muscle Beach where the physical fitness movement of the 20^th century began in the 1930s.
   Famous and infamous fitness enthusiasts or those just seeking publicity have been documented through the years. Feats of athleticism are celebrated and workout apparatuses are available to the public.
8. Experience beach life like a big shot at the Annenberg Community Beach House, a unique, no membership required gem that is open to all.
   With spectacular views, a splash pad, a playground, a gallery, the Marion Davies Guest House, beach courts and fields, community and cultural events, a historic pool, free wi-fi, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! The Beach House grounds are open daily, including the playground, splash pad, beach area, courtyard, view deck, and volleyball courts.
9. One of the most famous and infamous workouts in all of Los Angeles can be found at the Santa Monica stairs.
   Located in the ritzy Pacific Palisades neighborhood north of the pier, fitness enthusiasts from around the world test their abilities. Some walk the stairs gently while others notched it up by double-stepping, running, and executing modified lungers.

featured image by @jimbobhowle