Tag: Polar Bear Plunge

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica posted on its website on Tuesday, December 16 that the eighth annual Polar Bear Plunge will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026. It is an opportunity for community members of all ages to dive into the new year with an invigorating ocean plunge.

The day starts at the Annenberg Community Beach House Guest Services kiosk for check-in before heading to the beach. At around 10:15 a.m., participants can take an energizing group plunge into the Pacific Ocean, followed by a 300-yard swim out and back around a buoy for those who want to test their stamina.

After the ocean experience, participants can head to the Annenberg Community Beach House pool, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to warm up, grab a hot chocolate, or take a photo with Pat the Polar Bear. Admission is required for entering the pool, deck area, and heated showers: $10/adult, $5/senior adult at age 60, $4/youth age 1 through 17.

Event schedule:
10 a.m. Beach house pool opens, check in at Guest Services before heading to beach
10:15 a.m. Ocean plunge
10:25 a.m. 300-yard buoy swim
2 p.m. Event ends

Santa Monica Harbor Patrol, Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguards, and city of Santa Monica lifeguards will be on hand to support the ocean plunge and buoy swim.

Advanced online registration is available here. In-person registration may be limited on the day of the event. For event details and information visit: https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4a4rq5j26pfbfrtrbpxrgmjnmr/202601101000.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On December 19, the city of Santa Monica posted on its website that the annual Polar Bear Plunge will take place on January 4, 2025.

The seventh annual Polar Bear Plunge is set for Saturday, January 4, 2025, an opportunity for community members of all ages to dive into the new year and enjoy family-friendly activities with this fun Santa Monica tradition.

The day begins at the Annenberg Community Beach House Guest Services for check in before heading to the shoreline for a dip in the Pacific Ocean. Participants can take a quick plunge or test their stamina with a 300-yard buoy swim.

The youngest swimmers take the plunge at 10:15 a.m., followed by the rest of the crowd. At this no judgement zone, everyone can have a shared experience that gets the blood pumping and the skin tingling.

Participants will be able to visit the Annenberg Community Beach House heated pool from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to warm up, enjoy a hot chocolate or take a photo with event mascot Pat the Polar Bear. Admission is required for entering the pool, deck area and heated showers: $10/adult, $5/senior adult age 60+, $4/youths 17 or younger.

Advanced online registration is available here. In-person registration may be limited on the day of event. Pool admission required.

Event Schedule
-10 a.m. Beach House Pool open, check in at Guest Services before heading to oceanfront
-10:15 a.m. Ocean plunge
-10:30 a.m. 300-yard buoy swim 2 p.m. Event end

The Annenberg Community Beach House is made possible by a generous gift from the Annenberg Foundation, at the direction of Wallis Annenberg, and in partnership with the city of Santa Monica and California State Parks. Additional funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.

By Trevor