Annenberg Community Beach House - Santa Monica | California Travel Tips

Veronica Hill of California Travel Tips visits Santa Monica to tour the Annenberg Community Beach House (http://beachhouse.smgov.net/visit-us/hours-and-admission.aspx).

Opened in 2009 at Santa Monica State Beach, this is Southern California's most exclusive public beach club, with all the perks of a private membership without the high price tag. The Santa Monica beach house sits on the former 1929 estate of actress Marion Davies — which was a gift from her boyfriend, William Randolph Hearst. It was partially designed by Julia Morgan, who is best known for creating Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

Today, the swimming pool and 7,000-square-foot guest house are all that's left of the original 5-acre compound, which was called the "Versailles of Hollywood." Free docent-led tours are offered through the Santa Monica Conservancy.

When you visit, start with a dip in the Annenberg Beach House pool, where stars like Clark Cable, Carole Lombard, Cary Grant and Gloria Swanson often came to swim — then head out to one of the six volleyball courts for a game on the sand. Volleyball clinics and camps are held regularly during the summer, along with beach soccer and tennis.

Upstairs, you can take in the ocean views on the Veranda Deck, or read a book in the Rec Room. Yoga classes are offered at 9 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

If you get hungry, the Back on the Beach Café (http://www.backonthebeachcafe.com) serves up a basic menu, ranging from burgers to fish tacos. Just watch out for the seagulls!

A long wooden boardwalk heads right out to the beach, where you can rent a private cabana or join a surfing or Stand Up Paddleboarding class. If you want to go on your own, the Beach House offers SUP rentals as well. My suggestion? Just kick back and enjoy the views.

Here's a Tip: Admission to the pool, parking passes and class reservations can be made up to three days in advance on their website. The pool season runs May 25 through Sept. 7, but additional pool days are added. To be notified, visit https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:1355901/acctId:1354771

BEACH HOUSE INFO
415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, CA 90402
310-458-4904

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