Avalon City Beach
Descanso Beach Club offers a premier beach experience in Avalon, Catalina Island, with loungers, cabanas, dining, and water activities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Avalon City Beach
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Descanso Beach Club offers a premier beach experience in Avalon, Catalina Island, with loungers, cabanas, dining, and water activities.
"This beach club rivals some of the best I've been to in the French Riviera."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Get to Descanso Beach Club when they open at 10 AM for hours of serenity and prime lounger selection.
🍹 Order the Ceviche!
Highly recommended Peruvian Ceviche at Descanso Beach Club - it has a delicious kick!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Descanso Beach Club
Avalon, Catalina Island
Relax on spacious loungers, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and soak up the sun at this premier beach club.
Peruvian Ceviche
Descanso Beach Club
A must-try dish with a delightful kick, this ceviche is a flavorful highlight of the dining experience.
Avalon's Scenic Beauty
Avalon, Catalina Island
Experience a charming island town with picturesque views, reminiscent of a European getaway.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Descanso Beach Club: Your Catalina Island Oasis
Getting to Avalon & Beach Access
+1 While the public beach can get crowded, the club offers a more exclusive experience with loungers and cabanas. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Get to Descanso Beach Club when they open at 10 AM for hours of serenity and prime lounger selection.
🍹 Order the Ceviche!
Highly recommended Peruvian Ceviche at Descanso Beach Club - it has a delicious kick!
📅 Book Cabanas in Advance
Secure your shaded spot and a more luxurious experience by booking a cabana ahead of time.
⛴️ Ferry Travel Tips
Take the Catalina Express from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Newport Beach for easy access to Avalon.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
Get to Descanso Beach Club when they open at 10 AM for hours of serenity and prime lounger selection.
🍹 Order the Ceviche!
Highly recommended Peruvian Ceviche at Descanso Beach Club - it has a delicious kick!
📅 Book Cabanas in Advance
Secure your shaded spot and a more luxurious experience by booking a cabana ahead of time.
⛴️ Ferry Travel Tips
Take the Catalina Express from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Newport Beach for easy access to Avalon.
🎶 DJ Music Note
Be aware that the DJ music can be loud starting at 1 PM, which some find disruptive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Descanso Beach Club's prime location and relaxing atmosphere, comparing it favorably to European beach clubs. The food, especially the Peruvian Ceviche, receives high praise, and the service is generally friendly. However, some find the DJ music starting at 1 PM to be disruptive, and a few note that drinks can be weak. Despite minor drawbacks, it's considered a must-visit spot on Catalina Island.
"Fun place to hang out with a lot of activities. A bar A big ground where a wedding was taking place. Clean rest rooms loungers
Clean beach and a lot of people enjoying voters in serenity. Also a deer happened to come and became another attraction. Will reach it late and still enjoyed all the facilities at this magnificent club. A great place to be in Vince, you're never on. It's a little ahead of the tuna club. Number hundred, and both the walk on.This island for the scenic beauty."
Dr.Mohina S Kulkarni
"Fake euro summer. This beach club rivals some of the beach clubs I’ve been to in the French Riviera. The service is awesome and friendly, the chaises are pretty big and the water is beautiful. They even have the rocky beaches like in Europe 😂 the public beach gets packed so it’s nice to have your own space and the option of shade under your own umbrella. The chairs are pretty well spaced out as well. The one difference between this beach club and European ones is the obnoxious music the DJ plays when she comes out at 1pm. Somehow he fits 3 songs into 1 min. I would choose any random wedding DJ over this guy. If you get to the beach club when they open at 10am, you’ll have a few hours of serenity and very few beachgoers. Oh the food and drinks are good too and very reasonably priced. Just go! It’s worth it"
Vanesse Della Torre
"Such a nice place to stop and eat on the island. Good service, good food. Is near the water and I'm thinking you can rent chairs and eat on the beach if you want. Not sure so don't quote me on that.
I ordered the Peruvian Ceviche, delicious!! I highly recommend it. It has a little kick so if you can't eat spicy, don't order this.
The sword dish sandwich was also tasty. Never had sword fish. It was good.
I highly recommend to come and enjoy the food and view at Descanso Beach Club."
Lisa M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Avalon City Beach is by taking the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Newport Beach. The ferry ride is about an hour.
Yes, you can also jet ski or take a helicopter to Catalina Island, which can significantly reduce travel time.
Avalon City Beach is located on Catalina Island, which is off the coast of Southern California. It's a popular day trip destination from Los Angeles.
The ferry ride to Avalon from the mainland typically takes about an hour.
No, cars are not permitted on Catalina Island for visitors. You will need to park on the mainland and take the ferry.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Avalon City Beach itself is public. However, Descanso Beach Club, located on the beach, offers amenities like loungers and cabanas for rent.
Descanso Beach Club typically opens at 10 AM. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Rental prices for loungers and cabanas can vary. It's recommended to book cabanas in advance, especially during peak season.
The public beach area is free to access. Fees apply for rentals and services at Descanso Beach Club.
Yes, you can bring your own beach chairs to Avalon City Beach.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, or simply relaxing. Descanso Beach Club also offers food and drink service.
Yes, Descanso Beach Club has a restaurant and bar serving food and drinks. The Peruvian Ceviche is highly recommended.
Descanso Beach Club provides clean restrooms and onsite showers for visitors.
Yes, it's a great spot for families to enjoy a day by the water with various activities and amenities.
The water is generally beautiful, though sometimes it can be murky.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the coastline, the charming town of Avalon, and the iconic Descanso Beach Club. The late afternoon light offers beautiful golden hour opportunities.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
It's ideal for beach photography, lifestyle shots, and capturing the island's relaxed vibe.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, like the deer that have been spotted on the island, adding a unique element to your photos.
Early mornings offer serene shots with fewer people, while late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Anniversary Trips
☀️ Day-Trippers from LA
You can spend the day enjoying the beach, exploring Avalon, and dining at Descanso Beach Club before heading back in the evening. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Descanso Beach Club Experience
Dining at Descanso Beach Club is a highlight, with a menu featuring delicious options like the highly recommended Peruvian Ceviche, which has a pleasant spicy kick.
Beyond lounging and dining, the club is a great base for enjoying the water. Swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling are popular activities.
Getting to Catalina Island: Ferry vs. Other Options
+1 This scenic journey typically takes about an hour and offers beautiful views of the coastline as you approach the island. For those seeking a faster or more adventurous arrival, options like jet skiing or even helicopter rides are available, cutting down travel time significantly.
These alternatives offer a unique perspective and can make your trip feel even more exclusive. However, for most visitors, the ferry provides a convenient and enjoyable start to their island getaway. It's important to note that private vehicles are not allowed on Catalina Island, so you'll need to park on the mainland before boarding your chosen mode of transport.
Planning your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season, is a good idea to ensure availability. Exploring Avalon: More Than Just the Beach
+1Visitors can enjoy strolling along the waterfront, exploring the local boutiques, or visiting historical sites. The island's scenic beauty is a constant backdrop, making even a simple walk a delightful experience.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as deer are known to roam the island, adding an unexpected element to your exploration. For those interested in activities beyond the beach, Avalon offers opportunities for kayaking and snorkeling.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit