When the lifeguards stand watch over Will Rogers Beach in Santa Monica, scanning the water from behind dark sunglasses, their red rescue cans resting on their shoulders and a steely, focused expression on their faces, it is difficult to ignore the similarities between a typical afternoon at Will Rogers Beach and the opening credits of Baywatch. After all, the similarities are more than sand deep; the dramatic lifeguard series starring David Hasselhoff was filmed at the lifeguard headquarters of Will Rogers Beach, a flat-roofed structure with chalkboards mounted on the exterior walls posting the estimated surf height and high and low tides.
As admirable as a long running spot on network television may be, the amenities and accessibility of Will Rogers Beach outshine any small screen successes. Will Rogers packs in plenty of activities in its one and three quarter mile stretch.
Located at the intersection of Temescal Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway, Will Rogers Beach offers public parking for ten dollars; but note the catch – you are not allowed to come and go with your vehicle once inside the lot. Be sure to bring snacks or be prepared to do a little walking in order to find a meal, though the snack bar at the Will Rogers Beach entrance does offer reasonably-priced, kid-friendly fare (quesadillas, hot dogs, ice cream, and burgers).
If the ten dollar parking commitment seems daunting, try driving up Temescal Canyon Road and paralleling along the curb. There is usually plenty of space to park before the afternoon (weekends are a bit more competitive, but manageable), and the walk is not far (just go straight down to the PCH and Temescal intersection -- you can't miss that blue horizon).
There are public bathrooms and showers here at the beach entry, and more public restrooms are located further south near the lifeguard headquarters. Dozens of beach volleyball courts line the beach, and are used on a first come first serve (pun intended) basis. All kinds of players are welcome – from semi-pro to semi-*no*-idea-what-we're-doing.
Will Rogers Beach is more compact in size, beginning at Temescal Canyon Road and stretching just until Entrada to the south, but for a true California beach experience, Will Rogers stands strong.
Beach Information
- Location:
- 15100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Los Angeles CA
- Resources:
- Will Rogers Beach: www.watchthewater.org
- LA County Department of Public Health, Water Quality: www.lapublichealth.org
- LA County of Beaches & Harbors: www.beaches.co.la.ca.us
- A Wheelchair Riders Guide to LA Beaches: www.coastalconservancy.ca.gov
