Beginner * Hockey * Scene *

From Interstate 405 (the San Diego Freeway) in West Los Angeles, exit onto Interstate 10 (the Santa Monica Freeway) and head west. Near the road's end at the beach, follow the signs exiting to Fourth Street. Follow Fourth Street south to Ocean Park Boulevard where you will turn right to get to the beach and the wide parking lots.

Santa Monica is the undisputed capital of in-line hockey in Southern California. Its vast seaside parking lots are perfectly situated alongside the sandy beaches just a short distance from the water's edge, and the ocean breezes help keep the players cool. Part of what makes this such a prime place for pickup games is the high level of hockey skills displayed by those who frequent the spot. Elite players from organized hockey leagues--and even some pros--populate the impromptu teams. Players show up in such great numbers that the games can span six parking lots. The lots are loosely organized according to skill level, with the most experienced players tearing it up on Court A, leaving Court B to the less competitive or skilled skaters. After a particularly good maneuver, cheers can be heard from passing spectators on the bike path that runs between the beach and the lots.