July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Annenberg Diamond Anniversary

The beach house celebrates its 10th anniversary. 

By Melanie Williams-Galuten 

What would you say if I told you that 5 acres of beachfront property; an ornate marble swimming pool; a beautifully designed facility built on the footprint of a 110-room mansion; a refurbished 1920s guesthouse; a playground, splash-pad and volleyball courts ALL with full on ocean views could be yours for the day…FOR FREE!?

Well, it’s true.  As the original owner, famous newspaper owner William Randolph Hearst said: “Truth is not only stranger than fiction, it is more interesting.”  You can just head on over to 415 Pacific Coast Highway any day of the week between 8:30 and 6:30 to enjoy this membership free beach club.  

As cool as The Annenberg Beach Community House is with its stunning location, fabulous facilities and tons of events and classes…its history is even cooler.

The original Beach House was built in 1929 by William Randolph Hearst for his true love, actress Marion Davies.  The compound was THE place to see and be seen on Santa Monica’s Gold Coast.   Dubbed the ‘Versailles of Hollywood’ the massive mansion designed by Julia Morgan cost $3 million to build and $4 million to furnish! The current Beach House was built on the same footprint as the original mansion.  The lovely Marion Davies Guest House still stands and you can tour it for free or just be a guest, sit for a bit and enjoy the free Wi-Fi and the views.  

Annenberg Community Beach House’s swimming pool.

Hearst and Davies were THE power couple of their time entertaining Hollywood and political royalty with massive, legendary parties.  Somebody had to enjoy the 37 fireplaces, tennis courts and gardens and test out the 55 bathrooms, right?  One memorable circus-themed party hosted 2,000 costumed guests who, among other things, could enjoy the full-size merry-go-round that Davies borrowed from a Warner Bros. set. 

Here we are in 2019 and although there is no merry-go-round you can still party down in the very same seaside spot.  April 28, The Annenberg is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a HAVE A BEACH BALL Anniversary Celebration.  Can’t make this fantastic special event?  No worries.  There are PLENTY more things to enjoy all year round such as Beach Volleyball, Yoga Classes, swimming (for a fee), playing in the playground, or maybe just bring a picnic and eat under an umbrella at one of the many tables and chairs placed around the grounds.  You can also dine on the sand at the Back on the Beach Cafe. If you have a special event you can reserve and rent a canopy on the sand for up to 30 people.   Are you planning a wedding or a biz event or maybe you just want to revive the zeitgeist of the Gold Coast-see-and-be-seen parties and hold your own catered event?   You’ve got it!   Visit the website www.annenbergbeachhouse.com to make a reservation and land an ocean view space in the main building or the lovely historic guesthouse (fees vary). 

Be on the lookout for other cool events and exhibitions including artist in residence shows; Beach Dances (public dance rehearsal and workshops with killer ocean views from a platform in the sand); Public Library pop ups; cardboard regattas at the pool; community picnics; concerts and more.

Walter Annenberg, founder of the Annenberg Foundation whose $27 million dollar grant made this wonderful public Beach House a reality said,  “Accomplish something every day of your life.”   I think he, Davies and Hearst might agree that fun counts and fun is definitely easy to accomplish at the Beach House.   

The Annenberg Community Beach House’s 10th anniversary, featuring Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis, will kick off with at 10:30 a.m. with the DC6 Singers, a Capella group and include opening remarks, culminating in photo opportunity where speakers will launch a dozen colorful beach balls into the air. Following opening remarks, participants will organize on the sand to participate in an aerial photo of guests making a shape of a beach ball. For more information, click here

<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...