North Beach (Annenberg)

BEACH HOUSE ACTIVITIES, OCEAN & SUN

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Thursday, August 27, is shaping up to be a beautiful day at the coast, with a dominant marine layer bringing 100% cloud cover and a cool, overcast start to the morning. This marine layer typically burns off by late morning, giving way to a lovely day for beach visitors to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. As the day unfolds, we can expect a range of activities to be available, from surfing and swimming to running, cycling, and beach volleyball, making it a great day to get outdoors and make the most of the coastal lifestyle.



The surf conditions are looking promising, with waves at 3.1 feet, or waist to chest high, and a solid beach break that's perfect for catching some waves. With the water temperature at a warm 73°F, boardshorts are the way to go, and you can enjoy the ocean without needing a wetsuit. However, please be aware that rip current data is unavailable today, so it's essential to check with the lifeguard on duty before entering the water. You can also check the local tide chart for low and high tide times, and note that swell data is unavailable.



This morning is ideal for runners and cyclists, with a gentle 5mph wind from the east and the marine layer providing a cool, overcast cover. With the low UV index of 0, you don't need to worry about special sun protection just yet, but be sure to apply sunscreen as the UV builds through the morning. The moderate air quality, with an AQI of 93, means that sensitive individuals should limit their prolonged outdoor exercise. Beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and tennis are all great options for the morning, before the afternoon onshore breeze picks up and makes conditions a bit choppier.



As the day develops, we can expect the marine layer to burn off, and the sun to come out, making for a pleasant afternoon and evening. The slightly low pressure of 29.73 inHg indicates that conditions might be a bit unsettled, but overall, it's shaping up to be a wonderful day at the coast. With no rain expected and plenty of sunshine on the way, it's a great time to get outdoors and enjoy all that the coastal lifestyle has to offer. So why not grab your board, your bike, or your sunscreen, and make the most of this beautiful day?



Briefing issued 6:26 AM, Thursday, August 27. 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.