Ah, yes. I’d been wanting to go check out the Annenberg Pool for quite some time—beach adjacent in Santa Monica and just off the PCH—but hadn’t because I thought the whole reserving online thing sounded like a deal. Really, all it involved was making sure to be at my computer at 7am Wednesday morning to reserve for Saturday (you can reserve three days in advance), which is exactly what I did—two adults ($10/each) and a parking pass ($10) was $30. I wondered it it would be worth it, after all, I remember going to the public pool as a kid with a couple bucks in my hand with enough leftover for some sort of unhealthy snack to savor in between swimming and splish-splashing around. The answer is yes, a definitive, yes, it was worth it… (The pristine pool, lunch on the sand after the jump.)
(Seriously, look how pretty the pool is!)
The husband and I got there early, before it even opened and there was a small crowd of people, mostly families with kids, waiting also. This was a good move, as it ensures that you get a spot with an umbrella, if you want one. Nice for us, it wasn’t that crowded for a Saturday, probably 4/5′s full at its height. There’s no alcohol, which makes it very kid- and family-friendly, but you can bring in your own food and drink, or grab something to-go at the Back on the Beach Cafe next door. The changing rooms, showers and bathrooms are nice and very clean; if you bring a lock, there are lockers located outside to store your stuff.
(There’s literally a staffer on bubble patrol, wafting bubbles over the pool from time to time, to the delight of kids and adults alike.)
(A workout room overlooks the pool; if you’re at the pool, you can use the workout room for just $5.)
(Smart, a kiddie play area right outside the pool.)
(A grassy area with more fun for kids at the fountain.)
(You can sit outside on the sand at the Back on the Beach Cafe.)
(Our view from the table at the Cafe.)
(I ordered a tuna sandwich and the husband got a burger. The food is fine, nothing spectacular, but that’s OK, because the view is spectacular.)
Just writing about this makes me want to return! It really was a fun day that felt like a mini getaway. I highly recommend, especially if a full-fledged vacation is not in the cards for you this summer. Next time, I will be on the workout/shower/pool plan, perhaps with some Joan’s on Third snacks chillin’ in a cooler.
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I had been contemplating a visit for awhile, nice to read your review on this.