So the age old question is surely “What do you feel like eating today?” but the second, and the most vexing for parents is “What do you want to do with the kids this weekend?” Well, the answer is simple... take them to The Annenberg Community Beach House.
The Annenberg Community what? Let's let the City of Santa Monica website explain...
“The Annenberg Community Beach House is the only public beach club in the United States. The Beach House was built on the site of the former Marion Davies Estate, built in the Gold Coast era of the 1920s by William Randolph Hearst as a playground for actress Marion Davies and her Hollywood guests. The building was severely damaged in the Northridge earthquake of 1994. With a generous grant from the Annenberg Foundation, the City was able to rehabilitate the site, which involved extensive remediation of underground pollutants, as well as preservation of the historic Guest House. Adding to the already impressive story, the facility undertook many sustainable measures to reduce the environmental impact of the new building. The Beach House was awarded LEED Gold Certification in 2009 in recognition of its achievements.”
This Ultra Modern facility is brimming with all things new and shiny. There is a sparkling pool surrounded by tangerine tinged umbrellas and chic lounge chairs, a children’s playground on the sand, a splash zone play area with dancing fountains, a café that serves lunch and breakfast right on the beach, a rental shack where you can buy or rent anything your husband forgot at home, a sleek special events building, beach volleyball courts, the Marion Davies Guest House, public parking and more… And for all this? No Membership Fees… Unbelievable, especially for being on the Santa Monica beachfront.
Sure, you have to pay for parking, 4 dollars an hour or 10 for the day. There is also a separate fee if you choose to use the pool. (10 bucks) The food can be a bit on the pricey side, but these costs are a whole lot cheaper than coughing up a six digit membership buy-in while still having the privilege of paying exorbitant monthly dues like at the exclusive "Jonathan Club" next door. As the summer months arrive, the weekends will certainly get crowded. On those days, the parking lot may actually “sell out”. So if you choose to go on a day that is surely to be busy, a tip for you is to call ahead and reserve a parking spot ahead of time. I, however, will just recommend avoiding summer weekends altogether and target weekdays or maybe a warm weekend day in May or June before the summer rush.
The "Beach House" has been open since April, 2009 and I am kicking myself for not finding it sooner. Being much too far east of La Cienega does have its drawbacks I guess. Ahh well... The past is the past, and now I'm looking forward to warmer weather and the chance to load my car up with eager kids and multi-colored sand toys. That day is coming soon. This Sunday perhaps? Can't think of a finer way to celebrate Mother's Day...
My kids are well traveled, but when a certain place holds as much charm for me as it does for them, it marks this spot as truly special indeed... The developers on this project have achieved something very rare. They have created a magnificent facility that has dual appeal for parents and kids alike with its sleek modern aesthetic, yet kid friendly spaces. All in all, the "Beach House" is a true delight and the best thing is that it is available to all. I came up with a line that I find very fitting for this little gem in Santa Monica, "It is a place where your kids want to go and a place where you want to be." Cya there...
Here's the details...
The View Deck, Splash Pad and Garden are open daily 8:30 am - 5:30 pm.
The Marion Davies Guest House and Event House Gallery are open Mondays and the 2nd Saturday of each month 11 am - 3 pm
415 Pacific Coast Highway
Santa Monica, CA 90402
(310) 458-4904
beachhouse.smgov.net
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