Famous oceanside freakshow
Beach, bike paths, restaurants, shops, markets, people watching.

As far as all-around entertainment value, it's hard to beat this place. This is mainly due to the fact that it is inhabited by fire jugglers, weight lifters, self-proclaimed prophets, and other colorful folks. This is indeed the home of Muscle Beach, intense basketball pick-up games, legends of Jim Morrison and more mediocre food and cheap goods than you'll ever need. Parking can be a nightmare, and the area has a bad reputation for crime, especially after dark. The latter is getting better, however, since the cop-to-pedestrian ratio here on weekends is quite impressive. Parking spaces would be a problem on weekends - you may have to pay and park as all free spaces may be taken. Park and ride is also available. Prices drop at night and during the winter.

Tags: beach, garden, park, water