Annenberg Community Beach House Los Angeles
Historic Santa Monica beach house with a stunning pool, splash pad, cafe, and beach rentals. A perfect blend of recreation and relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure a spot before crowds
Annenberg Community Beach House Los Angeles
Best Time
Secure a spot before crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Santa Monica beach house with a stunning pool, splash pad, cafe, and beach rentals. A perfect blend of recreation and relaxation.
"A beautiful public pool and beach house with rentals and a cafe - a must-visit in Santa Monica!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Pool
Secure your spot at the popular pool, especially on weekends. :ticket:
🚲 Rent Beach Gear
Chairs, umbrellas, and bikes available for rent to enhance your beach day. :beachwithumbrella:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Annenberg Pool
Main Beach, Santa Monica
A stunning public pool with a splash pad, perfect for cooling off and family fun.
Beachfront Cafe
Adjacent to the beach house
Enjoy breakfast or lunch with ocean views at Back on the Beach Cafe.
Beach Equipment Rentals
Beach House Rentals
Rent chairs, umbrellas, and even bikes for a comfortable and active day by the sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pool Access & Timing
Beach & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Pool
Secure your spot at the popular pool, especially on weekends. :ticket:
🚲 Rent Beach Gear
Chairs, umbrellas, and bikes available for rent to enhance your beach day. :beachwithumbrella:
☕ Breakfast at the Cafe
Start your day with ocean views and a meal at Back on the Beach Cafe. :coffee:
🌙 Twilight Swims
Enjoy kid-free evenings at the pool on select Friday nights. :moon:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Pool
Secure your spot at the popular pool, especially on weekends. :ticket:
🚲 Rent Beach Gear
Chairs, umbrellas, and bikes available for rent to enhance your beach day. :beachwithumbrella:
☕ Breakfast at the Cafe
Start your day with ocean views and a meal at Back on the Beach Cafe. :coffee:
🌙 Twilight Swims
Enjoy kid-free evenings at the pool on select Friday nights. :moon:
🚗 Parking is Limited
Paid parking is available but fills up quickly; consider alternatives if possible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Annenberg Community Beach House's beautiful pool and family-friendly atmosphere, with many praising the convenience of beach rentals and the beachfront cafe. Some note that parking can be challenging and that environmental advisories for the ocean water are worth noting.
"Easy parking lot. There are 2 areas to park. The first one is near the Back On The Beach restaurant, and the other one is closer to the Marion Davies Guest House, so there is plenty of parking! Bottom line, if the first lot is full, do not worry, just swing back to the entrance and turn left towards the Marion Davies House parking lot.
The pool is open to the public: $10 for adults, $4 for kids and $5 for seniors. Summer hours for 2025: 12noon-6pm( Monday -Thurs) Friday-Sunday ( 10am-6pm). Check the website to be sure.
Playground is great for little kids and places for adults to sit nearby. You can buy food at Back on the Beach TO GO and bring it outside and pick one of the nice patio tables to eat. Bathroom facilities are clean, by the playground with an outdoor shower to rinse off your feet.
Marion Davies Guest House has free docent tours 12noon-2pm to learn about the history of the only remaining building of what was once a 100+ room Beach House.
Family friendly!"
eriko p
"A very convenient location for parking and beach access away from tourist crowd...clean walkways..convenient restrooms..a great cafe to watch the sunsets.
Soft playarea for kids...cheap parking rates as the parking rates are very high in santa monica beach and pier"
Dr.Mohina S Kulkarni
"I don't want to tell everybody about this place. This is my secret location where I come to the beach and it's so private and so beautiful, so clean. It has a walkway through the sand the parking is good. It's economical. There's a restaurant on it. There's volleyball chords. There's a pool that you can go swimming on Mondays. Really do I have to tell everybody about this place? They're gonna give me like a $1000 for this review if you're looking for a nice quiet clean beach with clean bathrooms and place a pl
ayground for your kids to play. This is definitely a spot. Just don't tell everybody about it. Everything else is already overcrowded."
Nicole Zapata
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Annenberg Community Beach House is located at 415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90402. You can reach it by car, with paid parking available on-site, though it can fill up quickly. Public transportation options, including bus routes, also serve the area.
There is paid parking available at the Annenberg Community Beach House. However, parking is limited and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, several Santa Monica Big Blue Bus routes stop near the Annenberg Community Beach House, making it accessible via public transportation. Check the Big Blue Bus schedule for routes and times.
Absolutely! The beach house is located along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, making it a great destination for cyclists. Bike rentals are also available at the beach house itself.
To avoid traffic when heading to the Annenberg Community Beach House, try to travel during off-peak hours. Weekday mornings or early afternoons are generally better than rush hour or weekend afternoons.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Annenberg Community Beach House grounds is generally free. However, there is a fee for using the pool. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most current admission fees.
While not always required, purchasing pool access in advance is highly recommended, especially for summer weekends, to guarantee entry. Check the Annenberg Community Beach House website for online booking options.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and by day of the week. The pool and facilities typically open around noon and close by 6 PM, but it's essential to check the official Annenberg Community Beach House website for the most up-to-date hours.
The Annenberg Community Beach House pool is open to all ages. However, during special 'twilight swim' events, it may be designated as an adults-only (no kids) swim.
While you can bring your own food and drinks to the beach area, there might be restrictions on what can be consumed within the pool area. The on-site cafe offers convenient dining options.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The Annenberg Community Beach House offers a swimming pool, a splash pad for kids, fitness classes, a gym, and beach equipment rentals. You can also relax on the beach or enjoy a meal at the cafe.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! The splash pad and shallow end of the pool are perfect for younger children, and there are plenty of activities to keep them entertained.
While the beach is accessible, there have been environmental advisories regarding water and sand quality in the past. It's advisable to check current local advisories before swimming in the ocean.
Yes, the Annenberg Community Beach House offers rentals for beach chairs, umbrellas, and other beach equipment, making your day more comfortable.
The Annenberg Community Beach House features a fitness center and offers various fitness classes. Check their schedule for availability and class types.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The primary dining option is the Back on the Beach Cafe, which offers breakfast, lunch, and snacks with ocean views. You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy on the beach.
Prices at Back on the Beach Cafe are typical for a beachfront restaurant in Santa Monica. While not budget-friendly, many find the experience and views worth the cost.
You are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy a picnic on the beach area. However, be mindful of any specific rules regarding food consumption near the pool facilities.
The cafe typically offers a range of options, and it's best to check their current menu for specific vegetarian and vegan choices. Many beachside cafes are accommodating.
Back on the Beach Cafe serves American cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Expect options like salads, sandwiches, seafood, and breakfast dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
The pool area with its unique architecture, the oceanfront views, and the historic Marion Davies Guest House offer excellent photo opportunities. Golden hour is particularly beautiful.
Drone usage is generally restricted in public beach areas and near facilities like the Annenberg Community Beach House due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to check local ordinances.
Yes, the natural light and scenic surroundings make it easy to capture great photos with a smartphone. The vibrant colors of the pool and ocean are very photogenic.
While general photography is allowed, be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Professional photoshoots may require permits, so check with the facility if you plan extensive commercial photography.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful soft light for photography. Midday can be bright but is great for capturing the vibrant blues of the pool and ocean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Arriving early is key to securing a good spot, especially if you need space for strollers or multiple children. Consider packing beach toys and snacks, though the on-site cafe is a convenient option for meals. The beach itself is also accessible for sandcastle building and playing. For a more relaxed experience, look into the 'twilight swim' events if they align with your family's schedule and if your children are comfortable with a less crowded, potentially adult-focused atmosphere.
couples
Consider attending one of the 'twilight swim' events if available. These are often advertised as being more adult-oriented and can offer a more intimate and peaceful experience than the daytime crowds. It's a great way to enjoy the facilities without the hustle and bustle of peak family hours.
budget travelers
While beach equipment rentals are available, consider bringing your own beach towels and basic gear if you're on a tight budget. The main draw is the access to the pool and beach, which are significant amenities for a low cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Annenberg Community Beach House: A Historic Gem
Visitors often remark on the unique blend of history and recreation. The architecture of the beach house itself, with its clean lines and integration with the landscape, is a significant draw. It’s a place where you can imagine the parties of the 1920s while enjoying a contemporary beach day. The facility aims to be accessible to all, reflecting the philanthropic vision of the Annenberg Foundation.
Beyond the pool, the beach house offers a variety of programs and rentals. This includes fitness classes, gym access, and beach equipment rentals, making it a comprehensive destination for a full day of enjoyment. The commitment to community access is evident in its pricing and offerings, making it a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.
Maximizing Your Pool Experience
To ensure a smooth pool experience, arrive early, particularly if you're visiting on a summer weekend. This will help you secure a spot and avoid disappointment. For those seeking a more tranquil atmosphere, consider attending the 'twilight swims' that are sometimes offered on Friday evenings. These events are often designated as adults-only, providing a more relaxed environment away from the daytime family crowds.
While the pool itself is a highlight, remember to check for any specific rules regarding pool access, such as the need for swim diapers for infants or specific attire. The cost of pool access is generally reasonable for a public facility of this caliber, but it's always wise to confirm current pricing on their official website before your visit.
Beach Day Essentials & Rentals
To make your beach day more comfortable, the beach house offers rentals for essential beach gear. This includes beach chairs and umbrellas, which are crucial for a relaxing day under the sun. They also offer rentals for bikes, allowing you to explore the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail that runs along the coast.
Beyond rentals, the Back on the Beach Cafe is conveniently located right on the sand, offering a perfect spot to grab breakfast, lunch, or a refreshing drink with stunning ocean views. This makes it easy to spend an entire day at the beach without needing to venture far for amenities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit