SeeCalifornia.com

Got nothing to do on the 4th of July? Head for Venice Beach in Los Angeles where you can watch amateur contestants vie for the title of Mr. and Ms. Muscle Beach. Anyone who’s visited LA beaches on the 4th of July knows that there are some incredible, tan bodies strutting their stuff (as well as us average Americans who are slightly overweight.)

This event produced annually (as well as Memorial Day and Labor Day contests) by Joe Wheatley Productions with City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department, is held at what’s commonly known as Muscle Beach Venice. The less sexy title of the venue is “Rec Center.”

According to contest forms, they’re not looking for the biggest muscles, necessarily, but judging is based on athleticism of the physique. A small degree of muscularity with separation is desired, with no visible striations. The muscle tone should appear firm and round with a small amount of body fat over the muscle and no excessive leanness. If you think that sounds like you, sign up! It’s only 100 bucks.

Then take in some 4th of July South Bay beaches and watch fireworks over the water free in Marina del Rey or at a ticketed event, Redondo Beach Fireworks Show at Seaside Lagoon. In Marina del Rey the best viewing is  Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way | Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way | Marina (Mother’s) Beach, 4101 Admiralty Way.