Descanso Beach Club

Descanso Beach Club is an exclusive coastal complex located in the picturesque town of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island in the USA. This spot is unique as it features one of California's last private beaches that remains open to the general public. Tucked away in Descanso Canyon, the club offers guests panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the atmosphere of an elite island resort.

Descanso Beach Club. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main highlight of Descanso Beach Club is its blend of natural bay beauty and high-level comfort. It is home to the town's only open-air seaside restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy regional dishes and signature cocktails right at the water's edge. Surrounded by swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters, the club is the perfect spot for those seeking seclusion away from crowded public areas.

For the ultimate relaxed experience, visitors can rent personal air-conditioned cabanas or comfortable chaise lounges with umbrellas. The site also features Catherine's Terrace—a magnificent venue often chosen for special events against the backdrop of an ocean sunset.

To plan your visit or book cabanas at Descanso Beach Club, you can use the contact information provided below. It is recommended to check availability in advance, especially on weekends and during the height of the summer season.

At Descanso Beach Club, there is something for everyone, from lazy relaxation under the sun to thrilling adventures. You can rent Signature Cabanas for groups of up to six people, where servers deliver drinks and snacks directly to your lounging spot. Be sure to try the local classic—the **Buffalo Milk** cocktail, which has become a signature drink of the island.

For adventure seekers, the club serves as a base for many activities in the canyon. The **Zip Line Eco Tour** and the Catalina Aerial Adventure ropes course are available here. Guests can also try their hand at the climbing wall, go snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. If you plan on going into the sea, we recommend bringing water shoes due to the rocky bottom.

On weekends, the atmosphere at the club becomes even more vibrant with DJ performances and live music. It’s the perfect place to spend the entire day, combining beach relaxation with a dose of adrenaline or exploring the bay's underwater world.

The journey to the club begins with a ferry ride. Most tourists arrive at the port of Avalon on Catalina Express high-speed vessels from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Newport Beach. After arriving on the island, a pleasant walk along the scenic waterfront awaits you.

The club is located at 1 St Catherine Way. The walk from the main pier takes about 10–15 minutes. The path passes the famous historic Catalina Casino building—a beautiful route with views of Descanso Bay. If you don't wish to walk, you can use a local taxi or rent a golf cart, which is the primary mode of transportation on the island.

For those who prefer organized transport, Safari Buses circulate through the town. However, given the compact layout, walking remains the most popular way to reach the destination. Remember that there is no direct car access from the mainland, so plan your ferry trip in advance.

The history of this location is inextricably linked to the development of tourism on Santa Catalina Island. The modern club sits on the site where the luxurious St. Catherine Hotel once stood. Built by the Banning family in 1918 following a major fire in Avalon that destroyed their previous estate in Descanso Canyon, the exquisite Spanish-style building quickly became a favorite getaway for Hollywood celebrities.

In 1919, the island was purchased by industrialist William Wrigley Jr., who invested heavily in expanding the resort. Under his ownership, the hotel added new guest wings, a pool, and unique interiors decorated with the famous Catalina pottery. During World War II, the building was used for training maritime specialists, and the furniture was temporarily removed.

Unfortunately, the historic hotel closed in 1966, and the grounds stood empty for over twenty years. It wasn't until 1992 that Descanso Beach Club opened its doors, breathing new life into the coastline and preserving the atmosphere of exclusive relaxation established at the beginning of the last century.

To fully enjoy your time here, most visitors need about 4 to 6 hours. This is enough time to have a leisurely lunch at the beach restaurant, relax by the water, and try one of the activities, such as the zip line or kayaking. If you are planning an all-day trip from downtown Avalon, renting a personal cabana is the best option.

For those stopping by just for some nice photos and a cocktail, 1.5–2 hours might suffice. However, keep in mind that the relaxed atmosphere of Descanso Canyon itself invites a long and leisurely stay to the sound of the ocean waves.

The club welcomes guests daily, offering a convenient schedule for daytime relaxation. From Monday to Sunday, the venue opens at 11:00. On Monday and Tuesday, as well as Friday through Sunday, it stays open until 17:00. On Wednesday and Thursday, the club closes slightly earlier at 16:00.

Please note that opening hours may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. It is recommended to check the current schedule before visiting, as hours may be reduced during the winter months or in case of unfavorable weather.

Exploring the surroundings of Avalon beyond the beach will help you get a deeper feel for the character of Santa Catalina Island. Just a few minutes' walk from the beach club are unique architectural monuments and interesting locations that will perfectly complement your day.