Annenberg Community Beach House - Santa Monica | California Travel Tips

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.

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.

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

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[postcardstravelconcierge]

I like that you go to places that are not just the normal touristy areas. ~Elizabeth

[LH]

I have driven by this place many times and I’ve always wondered about it, thanks for the video.

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Thanks guys! It's a beautiful little stretch of beach. Perfect for people who want to swim at an oceanfront hotel, without paying for a hotel. :)

[RedroomStudios]

what a gorgeous day you guys had for this location... some stunning video with all the warm colors of the umbrellas and buildings!

[Jay-vrir]

Cool place I was watching the last minutes of the 1964 movie Ski Party, starring Frankie Avalon . It was filmed, next to Annenberg Community Beach House .

[travelnext]

I think I'm overdue for a visit to California. Your videos are inspiring me to take a trip.

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Thanks! Yes, I lucked out with the weather that day. When I went back the next day to film the pier, it was gray and overcast! Never know what you'll get at the beach. :)

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Thank you Elizabeth! These kinds of videos don't get many views, but I think it's important to show lesser-known and off-the-beaten path places as well. :)

[hilarious]

Are you going to do one for the Los Angeles County Fair

[LarryBirrd]

Such a beautiful place to hang out! Santa Monica Pier is also close by from Annenberg Community Beach House. Could you check out South Lake Tahoe :D Thanks.

[ershadsocal]

Can I see Santa Barbara please?
Thank you

[zooboyize]

Have you considered doing Universal Studios Hollywood, you've done videos of Disneyland and other amusement parks in California, . So, my suggestion for a future episode is Universal Studios Hollywood.

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Sure! I have a few from that area up. Check my channel for El Capitan Canyon, Santa Barbara Zoo and Lotusland. I'll do a full Santa Barbara video soon! :)

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Thanks Lawrence! Yes, I posted a video about the pier last Friday. Hope you can check it out. And South Lake Tahoe is definitely something I'd love to do. Thanks for the suggestion!!! :) Veronica

[phoeniciacloud]

Great video I'm going to check if you have a video for the roof top bar at the standard. 🤗

[FamilyTravelColleenKelly]

We did a similar video on our youtube site. We absolutely loved visiting this place. BTW--Love your video quality! Would love to know what kind of camera you are using.