The iconic Griffin Club may not be the refined scene-y Soho House that caters to a younger crowd, but it is one of a plethora of private clubs in LA that caters to families and all ages due to their many offerings. 

The members-only social and athletic club situated in West LA has a deep history dating back to 1926. Once known as the Beverly Hills Country Club, the grounds were a hideaway for actors and entertainers who were shunned by elite clubs of the time. Originally founded by Merv Griffin’s Uncle Elmer, the Griffin Club became a gathering place for the most famous actors of the time including Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, and Caesar Romero.

Spread over 4 acres, members enjoy two outdoor swimming pools, eight tennis courts, fitness facilities and classes, and 2 restaurants plus event space. Recent $20 million dollar renovations spruced the grounds with a junior Olympic size adult-orientated swimming pool, new cabanas, and jacuzzi making it the only club in Los Angeles with two outdoor pools. The tennis courts have been recently resurfaced featuring LED lights and a host of programming options include live ball, cardio tennis, adult instructional and youth lessons. 

The pool bar and grill have expanded to service both pools with healthy California cuisine and fresh sushi. For those looking to work out regularly, the club boasts state-of-the-art cardio and strength training facilities considered the best in L.A., supplemented by complimentary fitness classes each week along with personal trainers and Pilates instructors.

Today the club boasts around 236 new members each year with approximately 1700 total members. While the average age before was much older, now around 85% of membership is under 60 with a mix of young families and older members. The club prides itself on being progressive, inclusive and diverse, as well as welcoming to families, couples and singles of all ethnicities, professions and backgrounds

Since Covid, the Griffin Club LA is become a respite for many with tons of outdoor space and social distancing on 4 acres. Areas have been created to appeal to remote workers in need of a safe and quiet place too while after school programs, swim lessons and swim teams are being offered for kids, serving as a welcome relief to working parents. 

Griffin Club has evolved with new technology, procedures, virtual classes and enhanced cleaning protocols to help its members during these difficult times. A new app has been unveiled so members can book dedicated—and socially distanced—time slots for swimming, tennis, dining and exercise classes while maintaining proper social distancing.

The casual environment with a variety of options seems to make all the sense for families as well as Angelenos who are now spending more time working from home and are looking for a place to get away, close to home.