We started Fitness by the Sea back in 2000 on the beaches of Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades because we experienced firsthand the positive effect a day camp by the ocean had on us growing up. We wanted to share this with as many families as possible – including our neighbors in Venice – who now consider FBS as the best Venice summer camp in the area. We have three kids of our own, so we also know what we (and our kids) didn’t like about other camps. We set out to create a program that kids and parents would love by eliminating common camp frustrations. Here’s how we did it:
We didn’t like structured, set-in-stone camp sessions where you have to commit to specific weeks far in advance.
… so we offer truly flexible, week-by-week scheduling where you pick the weeks that work for your family.
We didn’t like worrying whether our kids were safe at camp…
… so we maintain a 100% safety record and have even been recognized as the “safest beach camp” in Los Angeles for the past 26 years.
We didn’t like camps where kids concentrate on just one activity all day (if they don’t end up liking it, they’re out of luck and get bored).
… so we offer over 40 exciting activities every single day, giving campers endless choices and nonstop fun!
Ask yourself what you want in a camp, and think about the experiences you’ve had in the past. We’re confident you’ll agree that Fitness by the Sea Beach Camp checks all the boxes – it’s the best Venice kids camp option for your family. Don’t miss out on the summer of a lifetime! Enroll your child today and let the memories begin.
Bus Service in Mar Vista
As parents, we understand the headache of navigating L.A. traffic to get kids to their activities. That’s why we offer convenient transportation options at a reasonable daily rate from two nearby bus stops: Mar Vista (right next door to Venice) and Cheviot Hills. Getting to camp is easy when you can drop your child at a local stop and let us handle the driving!
Our buses are air-conditioned and equipped with seat belts, and they’re operated by a professional school-bus company for maximum safety. We even have enthusiastic camp counselors on board to make the ride an extension of the beach day – imagine songs, games, and laughter instead of boredom. And don’t worry if you only need the bus on certain days: you can sign up for transportation as late as midnight the night before. It’s a great backup plan if your schedule changes at the last minute, ensuring your camper can still get to their beach day easily.
Extended Care Options
Standard day camp hours are 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For families who need a longer day, we offer optional Extended Care as a convenient add-on. You can choose to have your child stay later – until 4:30 PM, or even as late as 5:30 PM – for an additional fee.
This option is perfect for working parents in Venice who can’t make a 3 PM pickup, or anyone who needs a bit more flexibility in the afternoon. Your child will remain under our staff’s attentive care, enjoying extra activities and beach play in a supervised setting until you arrive. With extended care, our Venice day camp easily fits into your busy schedule, so you never have to rush or worry.
You’ll Love Our “Sign Up by the Week” Enrollment Feature
Have you ever been frustrated by camps that force you to lock into rigid sessions or month-long packages? We hear you! At FBS, you have complete control over your summer schedule. Our unique “sign-up by the week” enrollment lets you choose exactly which weeks to send your child to camp, and you can pick as many or as few weeks as you’d like.
There’s no minimum commitment – want to start with just one week? No problem. Want to attend all summer from the first day to the last? You can do that too. You create your own camp calendar according to your needs, not ours. And if your plans change or you need to add/swap weeks, we’re flexible! Simply update your schedule (even mid-summer) and we’ll accommodate it. We believe a great camp should fit your family’s life, not the other way around.
Cost of Venice Summer Camp
Let’s face it – summer programs in Los Angeles can be pricey (sometimes ridiculously so). We work hard to keep our camp as affordable as possible without sacrificing quality. In fact, with our early registration discounts, rates are as low as $495/week for families who enroll in 4 or more weeks of camp. We want to offer the beach camp experience to as many kids as possible, without breaking the bank for parents.
Be sure to take advantage of our specials, like the Early Bird discount. If you register by April 17, you’ll lock in the best rates of the season. We also offer flexible payment plans and you can spread out your weeks across the summer however you like, which means you’re only paying for the weeks you actually use. Our goal is to provide an incredible camp experience that delivers great value to Venice families.
Safety First! We Offer Fun—and Peace of Mind
Your child’s safety is our absolute top priority. We want campers to have a blast and try new things, but nothing comes before keeping them safe. Fitness by the Sea is proud to have a 100% safety record in our 26 years of operation. We are frequently recognized as the safest beach camp in the Los Angeles area, and we work closely with local lifeguards and authorities to maintain that standard year after year.
Our staff undergoes extensive training in safety and emergency procedures, and we strictly adhere to guidelines from the American Camp Association, California state, and LA County. Key safety rules – like staying hydrated, reapplying sunscreen, using the buddy system in the ocean, and staying within designated areas – are reviewed with campers every single day. We maintain at least a 6:1 camper-to-counselor ratio at all times for close supervision. In fact, Los Angeles County lifeguards (including the local Captain) actively monitor our camp’s activities on the sand and in the water each day. You can relax knowing your child is in good hands while they enjoy all the fun of our beach camp.
Over 40 Activities Daily!
One thing’s for sure at FBS: your child will never be bored. We pack each day with an amazing variety of activities – over 40 choices in total! From team sports, swimming and boogie boarding, to arts and crafts, dance, imagination games and more, there’s something for every interest. During each activity period, campers get to choose from a menu of options (usually 5–15 different activities at any given time, depending on the camp location and group size).
Campers are free to try as many activities as they want throughout the day. If one activity isn’t their cup of tea, they can simply switch and join another – it’s all about empowering the kids to craft their perfect day. Our counselors and directors facilitate these transitions seamlessly, moving staff and keeping careful headcounts so that every activity area stays properly supervised and safe. The result? Happy, engaged campers who can’t wait to come back tomorrow and try something new!
Which Camp to Choose?
We operate two beach camp locations that serve the Westside: one in Santa Monica and one in the Pacific Palisades. Both are just a short drive from Venice. In most cases we suggest choosing the location that’s closest to you, but each camp has a slightly different size and vibe that might appeal to your family’s preferences. Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide:
- Many returning campers love our Pacific Palisades summer camp location because it offers an unmatched variety of choices for campers and an unparalleled level of energy and spirit. (This is our largest camp, with a big camper population and high-energy atmosphere. Ages 4½–14 attend.)
- Our Santa Monica beach camp provides all the activities and spirit of FBS, but in a slightly smaller setting. It’s perfect for campers who enjoy a more tight-knit, nurturing environment. (This camp has a medium-sized group and a mellow vibe to go along with the fun. Ages 4½–14 attend.)
For families in Venice, the Santa Monica camp is the closest – it’s located just north of the Venice border, by Santa Monica’s north beach. The Pacific Palisades camp is a bit further up the coast (still only a few miles away). No matter which you choose, your child will get the same signature FBS experience: incredible activities, excellent staff, and a safe, positive environment.
Our Counselors Are What Make Us Great
At the heart of our camp is an amazing team of counselors. We are extremely selective about who we hire to work with your children. In fact, the average age of our staff is 23, and many are local teachers or experienced youth leaders – significantly older and more experienced than the typical teen counselors at other camps. We choose maturity, enthusiasm, and a passion for mentorship, so that every counselor is a positive role model for our campers.
Our counselors don’t just supervise activities; they engage and inspire the kids. Whether it’s teaching a new skill, leading a goofy group song, or encouraging a shy camper to join in on a game, our team goes the extra mile to make every child feel included and supported. We train our staff to ensure that every minute at camp is as fun, safe, and rewarding as possible. The result is a group of counselors who treat your kids like family. It’s a big reason why so many Venice parents tell us our camp counselors are the best around – and why campers can’t wait to come back each summer.
Sign Up for Camp
We understand that choosing a summer camp isn’t easy, especially in a community like Venice where you have so many programs to choose from. It’s a big decision, and you likely have questions. We’re here to help! We encourage you to check out our Frequently Asked Questions page, where we’ve answered dozens of common questions from parents. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly – we’re always happy to talk and make sure you have all the information you need.
For over 26 years, more than 39,000 children across Los Angeles have made Fitness by the Sea their summer camp of choice. We believe that speaks volumes. Families trust us because we deliver on our promises – providing an unforgettable camp experience that keeps kids safe, active, and smiling from ear to ear.
Our 2026 camp season runs from June 15 through August 21 (all summer long!). Camps fill up fast every year, so don’t wait too long to reserve your spot. Remember, the Early Bird enrollment period ends on April 17. Enroll now to secure your child’s place at the best Venice summer camp and lock in the discounted rate! We can’t wait to welcome your family to Fitness by the Sea and share an amazing summer at the beach.