North Beach (Annenberg)

BEACH HOUSE ACTIVITIES, OCEAN & SUN

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Saturday, July 11, is shaping up to be a beautiful day at the coast, with a dominant marine layer bringing 100% cloud cover and a cool temperature of 65°F. This morning, the marine layer is expected to burn off by late morning, revealing a stunning day for beach visitors. As the day unfolds, we can expect a fun-filled day of surfing, swimming, and outdoor activities, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.



The ocean conditions are looking great for surfers, with a wave height of 2.6 feet, making it perfect for longboarders. The water temperature is a comfortable 68°F, suitable for spring suits or boardshorts for short sessions. However, rip current data is unavailable today, so it's essential for swimmers to check with the lifeguard on duty before entering the water. Additionally, be sure to check the local tide chart for low and high tide times, and note that swell data is also unavailable.



For runners and cyclists, the morning conditions are ideal, with a gentle wind of 1mph from the NE and the marine layer providing a cool overcast cover. With a low UV index of 0.05, no special sun protection is needed just yet, but be sure to apply sunscreen as the UV builds through the morning. The moderate air quality, with an AQI of 72, may require sensitive individuals to limit their prolonged outdoor exercise. Beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and tennis are all great options for the morning, before the afternoon onshore breeze picks up, making the morning window the best time to enjoy these activities.



As the day develops, the marine layer will burn off, and the sun will shine through, making for a pleasant coastal afternoon. Although the pressure is slightly low at 29.79 inHg, indicating unsettled possible conditions, the overall outlook is promising. As we head into this evening, we can expect continued pleasant conditions, making it an excellent day to enjoy the coast. So, grab your board, your bike, or your sunscreen, and make the most of this beautiful Saturday at the coast – it's going to be a fantastic day!



Briefing issued 6:25 AM, Saturday, July 11. Live conditions update continuously above.

About This Coastline

North Beach stretches beyond the busiest central waterfront toward the Annenberg Community Beach House, where Santa Monica’s public shoreline takes on a more spacious, residential character. The beach remains broad and urban, but the distance from the pier reduces the sense of spectacle.

The Vibe

The atmosphere is relaxed, family-friendly and gently active. Swimmers, walkers and cyclists share the coast with people using the Beach House facilities, while the northern setting attracts locals looking for a less crowded alternative to the central beach. The pace is especially calm on weekday mornings and outside peak summer periods.

There is still a polished Santa Monica quality, but it is softened by open sand, restoration planting and the public nature of the Beach House. The area feels organised without becoming formal.

The Local Anchor

The Annenberg Community Beach House is the defining landmark. It occupies five acres of oceanfront property and incorporates the restored Marion Davies Guest House and historic swimming pool, preserving part of the estate developed in the 1920s by William Randolph Hearst for actress Marion Davies.

Today the site is a public facility rather than a private club, with recreation spaces, cultural programmes and beach access. Its transformation from exclusive estate to community resource is central to the identity of North Beach.

The Landscape

The shoreline is wide, sandy and exposed to Santa Monica Bay. North of the main pier district, the bluff and Pacific Coast Highway sit close behind the beach, while the Santa Monica Mountains become more prominent toward Malibu.

Dune-restoration areas near the Beach House add pockets of native coastal vegetation to a heavily managed urban shore. The bicycle and pedestrian paths run parallel to the water, creating long, level routes. North Beach combines open horizon, historic architecture and practical public space in a way that feels distinctly Californian.