Explore and Chill at Descanso Beach Club

Hop on a ferry to Catalina Island and spend the day at Descanso Beach Club, where adventure meets relaxation with kayaking, snorkeling, and beachfront lounging

Last updated: Feb 2025

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Lounge chairs - $50 (for 2), Cabanas - $150-300 (up to 6-8), Catalina Express Ferry ~ $70 (roundtrip)
More than 500 Miles from you
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Description

Just a short ferry ride from the California coast, Catalina Island offers the ultimate escape for a daycation or staycation. Nestled along the waterfront past the iconic Catalina Casino, Descanso Beach Club is the island’s top destination for those looking to explore, relax, and soak in the island vibe.

For the adventure-seekers, start the morning by renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the stunning coastline, or grab snorkel gear to dive into Catalina’s crystal-clear waters. Spot vibrant marine life, discover hidden coves, and even search for sea glass along the shore.

Prefer to kick back and relax? Descanso Beach Club is home to one of the last private beaches in California open to the public, where you can enjoy a luxurious day of sunbathing and ocean views. Rent a chaise lounge or go all out with a private cabana, complete with a personal beach butler delivering drinks and food straight to your chair.

When hunger strikes, enjoy fresh coastal cuisine at Catalina’s only beachside restaurant and bar. Sip on a signature cocktail, like a Descanso Beach Club Mai Tai, and indulge in island-inspired dishes—all while keeping your feet in the sand.

Can’t get enough of Catalina? Extend your stay and explore more of the island, from scenic hikes to ziplining through lush island canyons. Whether you’re coming for a single day or a weekend getaway, Descanso Beach Club is the perfect place to relax, explore, and unwind.

What's included

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For two

For groups

For parents and grownups

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Itinerary

Arrive on Catalina Island – Take the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach, Dana Point, or San Pedro.
Walk to Descanso Beach Club – Follow the scenic path past Avalon’s waterfront and the Catalina Casino.
Choose Your Adventure – Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel gear and explore the ocean.
Relax in Style – Grab a chaise lounge or upgrade to a private cabana for VIP service.
Enjoy Beachside Dining – Order island-inspired dishes and cocktails delivered straight to your seat.
Explore More – Walk the shore, collect sea glass, or just soak up the sun before heading home.

Location

1 St Catherine Way, Avalon, CA 90704

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Packing List

Swimsuit & towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Water shoes (optional for rocky areas)
Sunglasses & hat
Waterproof camera
Small backpack for personal items

4.5 ● Google reviews

very nice! amazing view, great service, and very relaxing. we went at the end of the season (late november/early december), and it was still a blast. we particularly enjoyed how few people there are at this time.

I recently visited Descanso Beach Club and had an amazing time. The location is great, with easy access and beautiful surroundings. The atmosphere was really good, perfect for relaxing. The views were simply breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for photos. We also enjoyed the food, especially the good cocktails and the delicious guacamole. Overall, Descanso Beach Club is a fantastic place to spend a day, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great beach experience.

Yes renting a pair of beach chairs Descanso is really steep. Is it worth it? Absolutely. I'm really glad we did bc after checking out the little shops on Catalina, there's really nothing much to do after besides enjoy the beach. Why not do it with tasty drinks in a comfy lounger in the shade? For $130 we got a pair of beach loungers, an umbrella, complementary waters, towels, and a server (who by the way, was excellent and very attentive). You have the rental from 10am-5pm. We got there a little after 12pm and it was all ready for us. You also get access to their bathrooms, showers and changing rooms. There is another area of the beach that doesn't require you to purchase lounge chairs but I believe it's $2pp to access. The beach here is pretty rocky so pro tip: wear water shoes. We had such a relaxing time here, we did not regret it one bit.

Best views, beach, food and drinks. 🍹. One can't go wrong with this place. One can rent a pair of the beach lounging chairs for ~ $120/day. Service is impeccable! Beach is little rocky but fun to enjoy as it's shallow. Great view of cruise ship 🛳️ if you visiting island for a day, like we did! Place has restrooms, open patio seating and a cute gift shop for souvenirs.

Excellent spot to spend a few hours and enjoy the sun when visiting Catalina Island. We got to the island in the morning and explored via the golf cart rental and after headed over to the beach club. Good vibe and music playing with very friendly staff. We had an issue with someone taking our chairs however the staff smoothened that over promptly so no issues for us. Useful tip: Book your seats in advance as it can get full fairly quickly in the weeks leading up to your planned trip. Will visit again when I go to Catalina Island.

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FAQs

How do I get to Catalina Island?

The Catalina Express ferry runs daily from Long Beach, Dana Point, and San Pedro, with a one-hour ride to Avalon.

Do I need to reserve beach rentals in advance?

Reservations for cabanas and chaise lounges are highly recommended, especially during weekends and summer. Walk-up rentals for snorkeling and kayaking are available on-site.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

No outside food or drinks are allowed, but the Descanso Beach Club restaurant and bar offer a full menu of delicious options.