Settle into a private, sun-drenched beachside cabana at Avalon's most glamorous beach club — a legendary retreat where azure water laps a crescent of golden sand accessible only by boat or a short walk from the harbor. Pure Riviera-on-the-Pacific indulgence.
What to expect
Tucked just around the Casino headland from the main harbor, Descanso Beach Club feels a world away from Avalon's busier promenade. Your private cabana is pre-set with cushioned loungers and shading; a full bar and restaurant serve everything from chilled rosé and fresh ceviche to island-inspired cocktails named after Catalina legends. The sea here is calm, clear, and ideal for a lazy swim. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent directly on the sand. With the Casino's Art Deco silhouette as a backdrop and dolphins occasionally arcing offshore, the scene is genuinely cinematic.
Good to know
Pre-book cabanas directly through visitcatalinaisland.com as they are extremely limited and sell out weeks in advance on cruise-call days. The beach is a pleasant 10-minute walk from the tender pier along the harbor walkway — no transport needed. Bring a light coverup for the evening sea breeze. Leave ample buffer before all-aboard as the walk back is leisurely by design.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Avalon — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Avalon
- Private Golf Cart Tour of Avalon with Expert Local Guide
- Catalina Casino: Art Deco Icon & Panoramic Tower Tour
- Undersea Sub Expedition: Kelp Forest & Marine Life Dive
- Lovers Cove Marine Reserve Snorkel & Glass-Bottom Kayak
- Catalina Falconry Experience: Fly a Hawk Over the Pacific
- Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden: Hilltop Sanctuary Walk
- Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour: Five Lines Over the Pacific at Dusk
- Catalina Island Conservancy Eco-Jeep Wildland Adventure