425 Pacific Coast Highway
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Phone: 310-458-4904
Website: santamonica.gov
Instagram: @annenbergcommunitybeachhouse
The Annenberg Community Beach House is one of Santa Monica’s most recognizable attractions, mixing old Hollywood history with a public beachfront setting. Set on five oceanfront acres along Pacific Coast Highway, it offers a little bit of everything: a historic guest house, a seasonal pool, a splash pad, a playground, beach access, and open space for families, visitors, and locals.
Brief History
The site was once part of a lavish seaside estate belonging to prolific silent film star and philanthropist Marion Davies. It was gifted to her by her longtime companion, publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Designed by Julia Morgan, it featured more than 100 rooms and a 110 foot marble and tile swimming pool. In the 1930s, the home was used to entertain celebrities and dignitaries alike: names like Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable and Winston Churchill. A decade later, it was sold to Joseph Drown and the main home was converted into Oceanhouse, dubbed “America’s Most Beautiful Hotel.” The remainder of the property became the members-only Sand & Sea Club.
In 1959, the hotel was demolished and eventually sold to the State of California. The Sand & Sea Club continued for decades, until its lease expired in 1989. The property was severely damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
A $27.5 million gift from the Annenberg Foundation helped redevelop the property into Annenberg Community Beach House, which opened on April 25, 2009.
Now designated as a Santa Monica local landmark, the Beach House provides a rare link to the city’s glamorous past. What was once private and exclusive is now open to the public with no membership required.
Marion Davies Guest House
The Marion Davies Guest House is the Beach House’s most historic feature and one of the best reasons to visit. It’s one of the last remaining structures from the original estate and gives visitors a direct look at the property’s old-school character.
The 7000 square foot interior is adorned with photos of Davies, Hearst and their famous friends. The first floor and garden are available to rent for meetings, weddings and private events. Rates start around $3000 – $4000 during the week.
Free 20 minute docent-led tours are typically available Friday through Monday from noon to 2 p.m. on a walk-up basis. For anyone interested in Santa Monica history, classic Hollywood, or historic preservation, it adds a worthwhile stop to a beach outing.
Community Pool
The Beach House is especially popular in warmer months, when the historic pool becomes a major draw. The pool is heated to approximately 84 degrees and is open during the following hours:
Summer Season
June 14 – September 7, 2026
Monday – Thursday: 12 pm – 6 pm
Friday – Sunday: 10 pm – 6 pm
Extended Season
September 8 – September 27, 2026
Monday – Friday: Closed
Saturday & Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm
Adult admission: $10
Youth admission: $4
Senior admission: $5
- Pool passes go on sale in-person at the Guest Services window one hour prior to pool opening.
- Passes are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. All members of your party must be present.
- No advance sales.
- Once capacity is reached, a waiting list will be started.
Know Before You Go:
- Towels are not provided at the pool
- Children under age 8 must be accompanied in the water by an adult.
- Swimmers must shower before entering the water.
- Guests may bring food and beverages in to the pool area, but glass containers are prohibited.
Back on the Beach Cafe
Back on the Beach Café is one of the Annenberg’s best built-in perks. Located right on the sand, the restaurant is independently operated, has oceanfront seating, and is a classic Santa Monica spot for breakfast, lunch, or a laid-back sunset meal.
The menu features burgers, wraps, sandwiches and (of course) the famous Marion Davies salad. Private dining areas are available for special events. Reservations are accepted through OpenTable.
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Driving Directions & Parking Info
Onsite parking is available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis, but can often be quite crowded. The lot operates year-round with pay-and-display upon arrival.
For 2026, rates are $4 per hour or $10 to $15 per day, depending on the season.
Overflow parking is available at Beach Lot 8 North and Beach Lot 9 North.
City of Santa Monica Day Beach Permits and California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Annual Passes are NOT accepted at the Beach House.
From Los Angeles: Take the 10 Fwy West, which turns into Pacific Coast Highway. Follow signs to the Beach House (which will be on your left).
From Malibu: Head south on PCH, past Will Rogers State Beach. The beach house will be on your right.
From Santa Monica: Take the California Avenue incline to PCH and make a right. Head north for approximately 1/2 mile.
Note: Because it sits right on the coast, traffic and parking can be busy during peak beach days and weekends. Arriving early is usually the safest bet, especially if you’re planning to visit the pool, book a canopy, or have lunch at Back on the Beach.
Fun Facts
The original estate –– known as “Ocean House” –– boasted 37 fireplaces, 55 bathrooms, and a ballroom shipped from a 17th-century Venetian palazzo.
Architect Julia Morgan was the very first licensed female architect in California. She also helped design Hearst Castle.
The Beach House hosts quirky annual traditions, including a popular race where the public builds miniature boats completely out of cardboard and paddles them across the pool.
Why It’s Worth a Visit
Part beach day, part history lesson, part community space, the Annenberg Community Beach House has a personality that’s hard to duplicate elsewhere in Santa Monica. It works just as well for families looking for a kid-friendly outing as it does for history buffs, tourists, or locals who want a more laid-back oceanfront stop.
It’s a reminder that some of the city’s best attractions aren’t just about the view — they’re about the story behind it.
This page is maintained by the Santa Monica Sun Editorial Desk. Last updated: June 26, 2026. Have an update, correction or missing information to add? Contact us at hello@santamonicasun.com
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