Urban Beach Hike to Santa Monica, Fast Pace

"Charlie don’t surf and you know that it ain't no good." Ooohhh yeah! Who sang that? Well we also don’t have to surf so what else can we do? Lucky for us, there will be no snow -again- on the beach this winter. So, let’s do a sunny winter beach hike in Santa Monica and show Charlie what’s good!
This “SaMo” beach hike is fast paced- not for beginners. We will go down and up at least 4 staircases and cross the bridges over PCH to alternate hiking between the beach bike path and Ocean Avenue as we make our way to the end of the pier and back. Minimal inclines but still fast paced. At the end of the pier we will take a short restroom/snack break before heading back.
Let’s get out and enjoy this silly sunny Socal winter weather. We will enjoy lots of sun and pretty beach views!

Included in the beach hike: After the pier, there is an option to visit the Annenberg Community Beach House to conclude the hike. It’s a quick ten minute flat walk along the beach path- near the Montana Ave bridge/staircase that goes back to the cars. At this point, you can leave the Meetup hike if you don’t want to go to the ACBH.

If you go to the ACBH, please read Part 1 and Part 2:
Part 1) We will see the public pool (closed for the season) and the Marion Davies Gold Coast era guest house, which opens at noon. You can explore on your own or take the free docent-led tour. We will take a restroom/snack break while we wait for the guest house to open at noon. There is a beach cafe on the premises (optional).
Part 2) The Annenberg Community Beach House is a public recreation center built on the historic site of the former residence of Marion Davies. Ms. Davies was an American actress, producer, screenwriter, philanthropist and more. She was also William Randolph Hearst’s steadfast companion during his declining years until his death.
Docents are available to offer free tours of the guest house starting at noon, or you can explore on your own. The docents appreciate donations (they have a cash tip jar).
Wallis Annenberg was an American philanthropist and heiress who served as president and chairperson of the board of the Annenberg Foundation, a multibillion-dollar philanthropic organization in the United States.
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ ALL MeetUp TIPS 1-10 below:
1) We will fast-walk on the paths designated for walkers as much as possible. On parts of the path, there can be skaters, bikers, fast e-bikes, so please be careful. Mostly they have a separate path but you need to be alert and aware. 2) We will walk single file when necessary, especially on the staircases 3) We will be respectful of elderly folks, wheelchairs, strollers, etc., by stepping aside for them to pass. 4) Please try to keep your eyes on your hike host at all times. It’s easy to follow someone else, and then they get lost. There is no “sweep” or volunteer to stay behind with folks who get separated. 5) We will stop at crosswalks and wait for the light to cross together as a group, but not wait for people who are lagging behind. 6) If there is no traffic light, then we will wait for traffic to clear before crossing. We do NOT step into traffic and try to stop it. 7) Please do not lag or fall behind. Be aware of the distance between you and the person ahead of you. A yard distance is fine. Too close and it’s creepy. Too far and you might end up following a stranger. 8) Taking pictures is fine, but please, not on the stairs. Too dangerous. If you take any pictures, please kindly step aside and let others pass you. 9) Itinerary is subject to change as venues, roads, trails, etc can be closed due to circumstances beyond the control of the hike host. 10) The host has very limited cell phone service and unable to check the Meetup app once the rsvp's close.
LEVEL: Moderate plus. Average pace is 17 minutes/mile. There are some inclines and long staircases. Our pace is fast, to the point where we are out of breath. We have to keep the pace in order to finish by the posted end time. We will pause briefly at the top/botttom of stairs to regroup, and to pet doggies. Pace at the pier will probably slow down due to pier visitors, vendors, and performers.
LENGTH: roughly 5.5 miles, 2.5-3 hours if going to the ACGH.
BRING: water, snacks, exercise clothes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, face mask (for sun), phone with GPS, small supply of personal wipes, $$ singles optional (for snacks from vendors), comfortable walking shoes with good traction, support and tread. The hike terrain is a mix of concrete, wood, dirt, and some stairs. Poles are not necessary. You can actually pack very light as there are many amenities along the way. ***WATER/SNACKS: Public water fountains are available along the way to refill water bottles. You can also quick-purchase snacks from vendors along the way (optional, and helpful to have $$ singles)MEETUP LOCATION: Corner of Montana Avenue and 4th Street in Santa Monica, CA. Use this address for GPS: 708 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90402.MEETUP TIME: 9:00 am sharp. Please give yourself extra time for possible traffic and to find parking. We have quick introductions at 9:00 am and leave promptly at 9:05 am.PARKING: Free street parking along Montana Ave. and surrounding streets. Please read posted signs to be safe.*
RESTROOMS: Plenty of public restrooms along the way (remember to bring a few personal wipes just in case).

LIABILITY: The organizer is an uncompensated and untrained volunteer. By joining this event each member accepts full responsibility for knowing their limits, for all injuries, health issues, material losses, assessing all risks and for getting lost. Each member shall make their guests aware of these policies and releases the host from all liability. Itinerary is subject to change as venues, roads, trails, etc can be closed due to circumstances beyond the control of the hike host.