The sport’s two-player format was introduced in Santa Monica in 1930

When beach volleyball took center stage at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, three-time Olympic champion Kerri Walsh Jennings highlighted Santa Monica’s central role in the sport’s history.

“Santa Monica is not only the birthplace of modern beach volleyball, it was also the place to train,” said Walsh Jennings in an interview with Santa Monica Travel & Tourism while enjoying the games in Paris. “The sand is deep and the competition is incredible. The lifestyle in Santa Monica is beachy, natural and active – everything my sport represents and something I have always strived for.”

The sport’s two-player format was introduced to Santa Monica in 1930, although the city’s love of beach volleyball dates back even further. Fixed beach volleyball nets were first installed in the early 1920s, and by 1924, Santa Monica was already hosting competitions between clubs that attracted both casual players and serious athletes, according to a press release from Santa Monica Travel & Tourism.

Today, Santa Monica boasts 3.5 miles of sandy beaches that are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city offers numerous beach volleyball courts and clubs, including the popular Annenberg Community Beach House, which remains a lively gathering place for players of all skill levels.

“Santa Monica has always been a highlight in my life,” added Walsh Jennings. “Not only is it great for beach volleyball with its 3.5 miles of white sand and attractions like Pacific Park, but as a mom who lives an active lifestyle and wants to give my kids the same experiences I do, visiting Santa Monica is a no-brainer. The sand is beautiful, the beaches are wonderful and there is so much for them to do.”