Annenberg Community Beach House
Annenberg Community Beach House
Annenberg Community Beach House
4.5
About
The Beach House is a unique community destination. With spectacular views, splash pad, playground, gallery, Marion Davies Guest House, beach courts & fields, community & cultural events, historic pool, free wi-fi, and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Site hours change seasonally. Call or check our website annenbergbeachhouse.com to confirm hours of operation. The Beach House is also available to rent for private events and as a location for filming.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Neighbourhood: Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a coastal town that maintains a balance as a tourist destination and as an area with a thriving local culture. On the beach, bikers, roller-bladers, runners and walkers move along the famed bike path enjoying the beautiful Los Angeles weather. The solar-powered Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica pier spins high above the water, while park revelers scream with delight riding the roller coaster. Inland from the beach, Third Street Promenade bustles with shoppers and street performers, where every block seems to have a musical or acrobatic act drawing crowds giving Santa Monica both the feeling of a laid-back beach town and a major commercial hub.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
134 reviews
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Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻
Los Angeles, CA8,768 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Having grown up in the area, I was familiar with the history of this stretch of beach. As a youngster, I spent many a summer day near the original Marion Davies beach house, which later became the Sand and Sea Club.
I'd just finished reading a novelization of Marion Davies' life, so decided to visit on a Sunday. The guest house is once again open and free tours are given from Friday through Monday by knowledgeable docents.
The storied guest house has been beautifully and carefully restored. If you love antique tile bathrooms, you're in for a treat. We visited both floors, and heard about the life and times of those who had stayed there.
After the tour, there's an opportunity to view a film about the life of Miss Davies, which is quite interesting.
The complex includes gardens, an art gallery, a splash pad for all, community space, and activities for a fee, including a beautiful outdoor pool that dates back to the original complex. The beachfront cafe is open again, too. Best of all, entry to the park is free. And the Pacific Ocean is literally across the way. A nice day out for tourists or locals.
I'd just finished reading a novelization of Marion Davies' life, so decided to visit on a Sunday. The guest house is once again open and free tours are given from Friday through Monday by knowledgeable docents.
The storied guest house has been beautifully and carefully restored. If you love antique tile bathrooms, you're in for a treat. We visited both floors, and heard about the life and times of those who had stayed there.
After the tour, there's an opportunity to view a film about the life of Miss Davies, which is quite interesting.
The complex includes gardens, an art gallery, a splash pad for all, community space, and activities for a fee, including a beautiful outdoor pool that dates back to the original complex. The beachfront cafe is open again, too. Best of all, entry to the park is free. And the Pacific Ocean is literally across the way. A nice day out for tourists or locals.
Written 30 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul R
Santa Monica, CA27 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
I am biased. I got married here. One of the happiest days of my life. So needless to say I highly recommend it for it's romantic oceanside location. But here's what most tourists don't know. It's the former home of actress Marion Davies, mistress to none other than tycoon William Randolph Hearst, whose architect built her mansion in the 1920s and which had 100 rooms and was bigger than most hotels. The mansion is long gone but the guest house remains -- which is just as big as a modern day mansion and open to the public. It contains historic photos of the original gargantuan mansion where all of Hollywood royalty -- including Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable -- used to visit and swim in the olympic sized swimming pool. The pool is still there and open to the public. Thanks to philanthropist Wallis Annenburg, who procured a 28 million dollar grant, it has now become one of the city's greatest landmarks, where everyday citizens can wax nostalgic, dine at the restaurant, play beach volleyball, swim in the pool, take in various art exhibits, host business conferences ... and recite your wedding vows.
Written 28 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fred117
Seattle, WA39 contributions
Feb 2016
Little known is this remaining piece of American History. The home of Marion Davies the mistress of William Randolph Hearst and last remaining structure of the Hearst estate in Santa Monica. Free tours are given by volunteer docents daily. It seems this is an overlooked resource.
Our tour guide was meticulous about the facts and history of the house and as we were the only ones to take the tour that day, she tailored her comments to our interests.
Beautifully restored and renovated to accommodate groups and meetings, its a hidden treasure of Santa Monica and I hope more people will take advantage of it.
Our tour guide was meticulous about the facts and history of the house and as we were the only ones to take the tour that day, she tailored her comments to our interests.
Beautifully restored and renovated to accommodate groups and meetings, its a hidden treasure of Santa Monica and I hope more people will take advantage of it.
Written 8 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie G
Santa Monica, CA2,713 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
The Annenberg is an amazing place. It has extraordinary history to it, is right on the beach and is basically free. William Randolph Hearst and his famous actress mistress Marion Davies called this strand their home. The original guest/servants quarters survived as did the pool which have been lovingly restored. There is a modern building standing in the place where the grand manse once stood (55 bathrooms!) The original home was torn down years ago. G bless Annenberg who decided this should be a 'club' on the beach open to all. There is a fee for parking and pool (check website for details) but if you just pull your bike off the bike path there is no charge at all and you can just hang out, take a tour of the house, let the kids play in the small playground or grab a bite at BACK ON THE BEACH and watch the world by the sea go by. There is city WIFI here so if you are working on your next great novel...pull up a chair and research and write away. There is also a nice little boardwalk that extends toward the sea making it easier access. There are showers, etc. as well. Very civilized. They also rent out the spaces for special occasions and meetings and they offer classes like YOGA and Synchronized Swimming. All in all have to tip my hat to the Annenberg Foundation. They did the city and it's inhabitants and guests a real solid in making this happen.
Written 12 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
airbrush1212
Santa Monica, CA173 contributions
Sept 2019
I know that sounds bad...but I am still wondering why the built this. There is a pool....very narrow and long and often filled with screaming children. The community house itself is reserved for events.
Written 23 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sjmbdm
Santa Monica, CA96 contributions
Aug 2019
Wonderful areas for children' play, good for adults too. Great facilities, programs and events. High quality.
Written 16 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mauratravels1111
San Clemente, CA48 contributions
Jun 2019
Great location and ease of parking and high end way to to tan and eat at great restaurant on the beach ~ a little pricey but if you want VIP service and ease ~ this is a great way to go!
Written 6 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam1751
Cathedral City, CA43 contributions
Oct 2018
Protected by The Santa Monica historical guardians, this inimitable landmark also has
tours of the Marion Davies Guest House-check for the schedule.
tours of the Marion Davies Guest House-check for the schedule.
Written 11 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GOSIA P
Los Angeles115 contributions
Jan 2018
If for nothing else, one should visit the Annenberg to see and to swim in the beautiful pool that was designed by the architect Julia Morgan as part of the original beach house for Randolph Hearst. It's wonderful to spend time with family and friend and especially with children.
Written 1 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
philsman
Marina del Rey, CA58 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Like having your own private beach club-on the oceanfront,pool,changing room. Get there early in the summer for parking. Took the grandkids and they had a blast.
Written 5 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, we have a 10 hour stopover in LAX in late February. We would like to visit the Annenburg house and beach during our stop over, how much is the admission fee if the pool is closed and are there showers available for use?
Written 5 February 2020
Check out their website for specifics. There are cold water showers and a fun cafe/restaurant on the sand. The views and beach are incomparable. The Marion Davis Guest House is usually open for tours on the weekend. Otherwise there are lots of family friendly grounds, beach volleyball and of course endless beach walks!
Written 9 February 2020
How much is admission fee for adults and for children?
Written 22 August 2018
The only fee is parking to use the beach. I don't know the fee for the pool.
Written 23 August 2018
Are there lockers with storage that could fit a small carry-on suitcase? Shower and changing facilities? Thanks!
Written 27 May 2018
There are small lockers available, but I don't think a suitcase will fit. Shower and changing are there, but think beach, nothing fancy like in your gym.
Written 28 May 2018
Hi there, I am planning a stay in December in Santa Monica... Is this open at that time of year? What can we expect for beach and pool weather? Thank you
Written 26 August 2017
The pool is closed in December but the Guest House is open on the weekends, Mondays, and Fridays from 11:00-2:00. You can expect sunny California weather, but probably not bathing suit warmth.
Written 30 August 2017
Hello, how much is it to do a wedding and reception there? Also seperate prices for the reception, no more than 130 guest
Written 23 January 2017
There are weddings all the time. Quite popular. So many different options available that would dictate the price. You would have to call the main office of t he Annenberg Beach House. I was working there today and a couple came in who were married there five years ago today. They came for a tour on their anniversary. Very sweet. Off topic,,my daughter just got married at the Wattles Mansion in Hollywood. Built in 1906 and totally original. Beautiful place owned by the City of Los Angeles.
Written 2 September 2017
Hi, I am visiting Santa Monica for 2 months from June 22 and will be renting an apartment. Can I use the pool at the Beach House to swim lengths daily?
Thank you!
Sally
Written 23 May 2015
I believe you can buy passes that are cheaper than paying the entrance on a daily basis...there are also adult/fitness swim times.....I'm assuming you're an adult:)
Written 23 January 2017
Hi Charles,
There is no charge to have a party on the beach or in any of the first come, first served public areas of the Beach House, including the courtyard, sand areas, or Splash Pad.
All the information is at Annenbergbeachhouse. Com, on the "Plan Your Visit" page, as well as in the "Plan Your Beach House Party" PDF at the bottom of the Plan Your Visit page.
There is a charge for canopy reservation. See those pages for canopy fees, FAQs, and more.
Written 27 April 2015
Hi, we are planning a family trip in late January 2016 with our final destination before heading home being Anaheim. How far away is the train station where the Coast Starlight train comes in from San Francisco? Cheers, Vivienne
Written 4 February 2015
The trains run through Union Station, which is in Downtown Los Angeles. I'm not entirely sure where you are looking to go from Union Station, but since you are requesting this information on the Annenberg Community Beach House page, I'm guessing you mean Santa Monica? If you mean Anaheim, the train goes right down to Disneyland from Union Station.
If you Google Map 'Union Station' and find directions to Santa Monica, you'll probably see a commute of about 30 mins (no traffic) to 1 1/2 hours (lots of traffic.)
A few public transportation options from Union Station:
Take one of the Metro rail lines to connect with the Expo Line, this will take you as far as Culver City as of today. However, it is being built out to the Santa Monica Pier and might be done by the time you head out the States! Google The Metro Exposition Line for info. The Metro rail is much nicer than the public buses, generally.
There are public buses, I'm not familiar with them and never recommend using them since they have so many stops and might take up to a couple hours!
Lastly, there's a Flyaway Bus, which would shuttle you to LAX. Google "Flyway Bus Los Angeles"
The Santa Monica Big Blue Bus #3 will take you from there, straight up Lincoln Blvd, and right into Downtown Santa Monica. Google "Big Blue Bus".
Written 4 February 2015
fayssal s
Greater Sydney, Australia
Hi, are their shuttle buses to Universal studious?
Written 11 January 2015
You could pick up a tour from one of the hotels nearby. Or look up on the Internet for tours of Universal. It's a bit of a drive.
Written 25 May 2015
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