Descanso Beach Club

"Living the good life seaside at Descanso Beach Club"

I am lucky enough to live about 40 miles from Catalina Island but had never actually made the venture across the sea to the island across the channel until recently. Arriving in Avalon was like arriving in some Mediterranean sea town thousands of miles away. It was so cute and quaint and the water was so clear and blue. Unfornately, the beach on the main strip in Avalon is in the same harbor as all the boats which is probably not the cleanest water in the world given all the boat fuel. Luckily, just past the world famous Casino there is Descanso Beach.

Since all the beaches near Avalon are naturally rocky, they kind folks who run Descanso have filled in the cabana and chaise lounge area with gorgeous white sand. I swear I could spend days just laying on the that beautiful strp of sand, gazing out at the ocean and back at the dramatic hillside.

We had a cabana when we stayed at Descanso which was wonderful.  Lunch and drinks were served to us by the most friendly and helpful waitress. She even brought the kids little glasses of whipped cream after they eyed someone else's fancy alcoholic beverage. having the cabana meant we had shade when we needed it, a place to put our things, and two luxurious lounge chairs. I highly recommend splurging for the day and going that route. Its a good place for families to have as a meeting spot.

One thing I didn't realize until after the fact was that they had complimentary wireless on the beach which would have been very helpful for my husband who was attempting to work while on the beach. Next time!

There was equipment rentals such as snorkel equipment, kayaks, etc. but we were perfectly content to hang out on the beach all day. I am sure as my children get older and can swim kayaks and snorkel gear will be right up their alley.

My only complaint was the actual thin strip near the water still had pebbles and wasn't very fun to walk on barefoot so I recommend water shoes for kids who want to play in the water all day (though none of the kids I saw seemed to mind. Maybe my feet have just become sensitive in my old age).

If you come to Catalina be sure to spend the day at Descanso. Its a wonderful way to spend a leisurely beach day.

Bottom Line: Take a look at the pictures. If they don't make you want to spend the day with a cabana at Descanso Beach, nothing will!!

Disclosure:  My family received a complimentary meal and cabana from the Santa Catalina Island Company while on Catalina as part of a press tour. They did not require that I express any particular opinion and my review is entirely based on my honest opinion. I will always give my honest opinion when reviewing any hotel or activity.