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A beach club for you and me (shhhhh...)
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The original pool has been renovated
As good parents, we know how important it is to teach our children to share. At two years of age, much too young to even grasp the concept, we implore them to give someone else a turn. “Let the little boy borrow your shovel,” we tell them. “Give your sister a piece. It’s good to share,” we say mechanically, because we know it is. It is good to share. Why is it then that we wait until the little ones are asleep before we pull out the pint of Ben & Jerry’s hidden in the back of the freezer, spoon in hand, and devour little chocolate peace signs by ourselves? Because sometimes, we’re really no different than we were as toddlers. We have our needs, our favorite toy/food/blanket, and we don’t want to share it with anyone. Sharing can be hard.
So it is with great hesitation on my part that I share with you a place I finally discovered this past week. You see, by dispensing this knowledge, there’s a chance you may take advantage of it and then tell your friends. It’s not that I don’t like people. I do. It’s just that sometimes I like keeping secrets and, as far as I can tell, this is one of the best-kept secrets (so far) in Los Angeles.
Wait for it.
It’s the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica. Originally built in the 1920s by William Randolph Hearst for his “friend”, actress Marion Davies, the property has had a few incarnations. This latest is one we can all appreciate. The Beach House is a beautiful public club on Pacific Coast Highway, less than a mile north of the California Incline. And by “public”, I mean no membership required. There’s a parking fee and they charge a day rate for use of the pool, but you can stretch out your blanket in the sand for free. A deck-like path has been built almost all the way down to the ocean, so no more burning those little feet in the sand. Forgot to pack a lunch/dinner to eat at one of the many tables and chairs on the grounds? Pick up something at the Back on the Beach café, alongside the club. Bring your volleyball (although I did spy some balls provided) and pull a game together on one of the many beach courts next to the shaded playground. There’s a splash fountain for frolicking, outdoor showers, an indoor pool house with lockers for those using the swimming pool, and the historic Marion Davies Guest House.
Wait. There’s more.
On Mondays, anyone wanting a pool pass who arrives before noon pays only $1 for the day. This, apparently, is no longer a secret and space is limited to the first 150 people, so get there early. Other days during the week are quieter. It’s best to make a reservation for the weekends, which you can do up to three days in advance.
Maybe you’re reading this article and you don’t have kids, or you want to ditch them somewhere (safe) and enjoy some grown-up time. Every Tuesday evening through September, the Beach House is offering free concerts, lectures and readings. This Tuesday, July 7th, enjoy a musical evening with the Santa Monica Symphony Woodwind Quintet.
I’ve reached my capacity to share more, unlike Wallis Annenberg, who generously donated millions through her foundation to get this place opened. If you ever run into her, give her a grateful hug.
Now go explore for yourself.
For more info: www.beachhouse.smgov.net/
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