Descanso Beach Club: Catalina Island's Ultimate Daycation

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.

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.

4.5 ● Google reviews

Gabrielle Chappel

3 months ago

This place is an absolute dream. The food, service, and atmosphere have an elevated but relaxed feel that truly makes this place special. Our server Raul was kind, attentive, professional and friendly. He ensured we had fantastic service during our day. Chef Kapo’s menu was fantastic- the ceviche was incredibly fresh and the sushi bowl had been executed wonderfully with fresh ingredients and great toppings. The bathrooms were also clean and well attended, and you truly can’t beat the view. I cannot wait to come back and hope to share with others my great experience on my social media channels. I will be back!
Joon Lim

4 months ago

Went for the location. We got the two beach chairs to just lounge for the afternoon. Amazing amazing location wih a relaxing vibe. But the food was surprisingly good as well. To be fair I've never tried ohers, but the buffalo milk was fantastic. The chips and dip was even better. They fry the tortilla chips to perfection. Crunchy on the inside with just a little fluff left inside. The dip was glorious. The view and vibe was obviously the best you'll find in Catalina. Highly recommend Descanso! Pablo was also the best host. Thank you!
Joshua

4 months ago

Descanso Beach Club was one of the highlights of our Catalina Island trip. The location is beautiful, the beach has a relaxing vibe, and it feels like a nice little escape without being too far from everything in Avalon. The water views are amazing, and it is a great spot to sit back, enjoy the beach, and take in the island. The setup is comfortable, the atmosphere feels fun but still laid-back, and it is definitely worth visiting if you want a more relaxing beach day on Catalina. It does get busy, so planning ahead is a good idea, especially if you want chairs, cabanas, or a good spot. Overall, Descanso Beach Club is a great place to spend part of the day on Catalina. Beautiful views, good atmosphere, and a fun experience. Would definitely recommend.
Joseph C.

2 months ago

I ordered the lettuce chicken wrap and they gave me ground chicken so be careful what you order. The chicken tenders in the burgers were decent. I didn't get my fries with my lettuce chicken wrap but that's okay the waitress was pretty busy but the kitchen did send us the wrong kind of chicken wings which we had to send back. I suggest asking the wait staff more specifically how they prepare the order and what exactly is in the dish. I would have given the atmosphere of 5 instead of a four but it was a Saturday and quite busy but they were kind enough to reserve our table of 9 which was cool. Got a little noisy but not too bad right on the beach, can't complain about that.
Daily Travel

3 months ago

I truly enjoyed every moment at Descanso Beach Club. It was the perfect escape from the busy city life. Spending four days here was absolutely magical. Waking up to the ocean, breathing in the fresh sea air, and relaxing by the water made this trip unforgettable. The food and drinks were excellent, and the atmosphere was peaceful, beautiful, and welcoming. If you're looking for a place to unwind, recharge, and enjoy an incredible oceanfront experience, I highly recommend spending a few days here. I can't wait to come back.

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