Annenberg Community Beach House

The Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica is open to everyone, year-round, no membership required. On five acres of ocean front property, it features a swimming pool, cafe, gallery, play ground and the Marion Davies Guest House open for tours. The property was originally built by William Randolph Heart for the actress Marion Davies in the 1920s on California's Gold Coast. In the 1940s, the property was converted to an Ocean House and was declared "America's Most Beautiful Hotel."In recent years, it was converted to a property open to the public, at no fee, for all to enjoy.

And in November 2012, as the water numbed my toes, Alex and Serene jumped into the ocean fully clothed, rolled in the sand and conquered the play yard. They simply couldn't be pulled away from the Pacific waves even as the sunset.