Summer is almost over but doesn’t it feel like it has only just begun? Unless you are one of the lucky ones who managed to get away this year? I definitely got travel envy after reading the last few issues of the British Weekly – first there were the stories of sailing around Europe from Nick followed by Craig’s escapades in England.
I know it’s sunny in California more often than it’s not, but there is still a different feeling when it is actually ‘summertime’ and even more so when you get to go on holiday. Seeing as that was off the cards for me this year I was more determined than ever to take advantage of what California has to offer. However, as is typical of many Angelenos, life and work got in the way… but I decided that I could at least try and visit the ocean more, which always makes one feel like they are on vacation, right? I rarely go, but every time I do I always say I need to come back more often.
I live in up in the hills of Hollywood, and whilst on a clear day I can occasionally get a glimpse of the Pacific it’s not exactly on my doorstep.
LA is such a sprawling city, which is something that most people don’t realize and can’t visualize until they actually visit. To put it in to perspective for those of you who don’t live in LA, for me to drive to Malibu it will usually take an hour (on a good day) and I will travel 35 miles – which is similar to driving from Shepherds Bush to Whipsnade Zoo. Not too long a journey, but also not something you choose to do regularly, even if the end result is fun. But I was determined to make the time for once, even more so seeing as it is also ‘Covid safe’.
Confident in my affirmation I bought a large beach umbrella at Costco to seal the deal and also circumvent the fact that sitting in the sun for too long usually makes me really grumpy. Shortly after said purchase (back in May), I received an invitation to meet some friends at the beach. I immediately accepted as not only are they dear friends of mine, but it also meant the beach pact (with myself) was going to actually be upheld. Annoyingly, it was such a grey day the umbrella wasn’t necessary. I was almost tempted to use it just to get my moneys worth!
I decided to store it in my car ( along with a couple of beach chairs and a picnic blanket) so I would always be ready for my future jaunts to the seaside…. which I am slightly ashamed to admit didn’t happen until September 3rd. And yet again there was no need for my fancy beach umbrella! My friend had rented a spot at the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, and they provided a large canopy to shade us! Ah well, at least I made it to the beach again.
And I highly recommend this location – it really is a hidden gem, they have ample parking which is only $12 for the entire day, and it is footsteps from the beach, has a cafe, a play area with swings etc. for the kids, a swimming pool and you can also reserve a volleyball court or play for free if nobody has booked it in advance. It is all very affordable too – courts are $15 an hour, canopies (with a table) are $60 for 4 hours and you can rent paddle boards starting at $45 for 2 hours. It really is the ultimate staycation! Visit their website for details – www.annenbergbeachhouse.com
The building was initially developed during the Gold Coast era of the 1920s by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst for actress Marion Davies. In the 1950’s it was sold to the State of California and then in the late ‘90’s Wallis Annenberg provided a $27.5 million grant to help pave the way for it to become a public facility. Best of all you can take a tour of the Marion Davies guest house, which I didn’t get to do this visit but will report back when I make it. Maybe I will even get the chance to finally make use of my umbrella… it is surprisingly similar to my relationship with umbrellas when I lived in London. I would carry it around religiously and any time I forgot it meant it was bound to rain. So I guess that means my beach version is staying in my car, just in case.
Don’t forget our pub quiz has resumed to being an in-person event, it’s every Tuesday evening at our new location – the Market Tavern, which is at the Farmers Market at the Grove.
Email us at info@britsin.la if you have questions or comments.
Cheers
Eileen
