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Descanso Beach Club

3.9 (1.1k reviews)
ModerateNew American
Closed • 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Updated a few days ago

Descanso Beach Club Photos

Business Info

DESCANSO BEACH CLUB ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Touristy
Outdoor seating
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Descanso Beach Club

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Beach
Jennifer D.

Made a reservation for my daughter and me, knowing Catalina would be a port stop. I'm giving it 4 stars only because they didn't open until 11, but once they did, the service was top‑notch. We really enjoyed the food, the kids' chicken nuggets, the guacamole and chips, and the delicious sushi bowl. The views are absolutely gorgeous. The only reason we ended up leaving was because the wind picked up and the beach was pretty rocky, which made it hard for my daughter to get into the water.

Poh Kay bowl
Stephanie H.

We spent the day in a cabana and this was my favorite thing I ate all day! The chips and guacamole were excellent too. It may seem expensive to book a cabana, and it is a lot. I think it was $300 for the day. But the service and the quality of everything we were served was top tier! The water was so clear- I was able to change into my snorkeling gear from the privacy of our cabana and come straight back for yummy food and cocktails ALL DAY LONG! I recommend booking your chair or cabana in advance. Especially on days when there is a cruise ship in town.

Baja shrimp tacos and chicken salad
Ken Z.

Food came out quickly so service was good, ambiance and views are great (right on the sandy beach). The food was typical bar food. Wings were nicely sauce and not dry at all Baja coconut shrimp tacos were so so Chicken salad was with ground chicken which was a little strange but actually pretty yum

Cabana Coladas basking in the sun ready to drink!
Jeff T.

Catalina island of course is beautiful, but then you go to Descanso Beach Club, and wow...it gets even better. Basically, we started out at a quaint "fishing village" type feel of Avalon...walked the beach path past the old casino to a non-descript riveria!!!! The beach bar though...all of a sudden we are in the Caribbean with emerald waters and extremely tasty versions of pina coladas. The great part, the cruise ship people don't seem to know about this (we are on a Catalina to Ensenada cruise now) and almost no one is here!!!! While we are not having food here this trip, it is well worth the visit if you are out here!

Buffalo Milk and Pina Colada

Such a beautiful area of the island! We ate lunch yesterday at the Beach club. They had plenty of people working, since tables were full and in demand. They cleaned quickly between each. Service was great and friendly! I ordered the Buffalo Milk and the steak fajitas. My son had the Cabana Colada and the burger. Both didn't look very appetizing when they arrived, but ended up being pretty good. Can't beat the tropical setting!

Cobwebs
Shanna J.

I absolutely loved visiting here, we got a cabana which was stocked with waters and towels, it had a beautiful view of the water and the theatre. We were greeted by a nice girl who escorted us to our cabana. Our waiter/host/awesome attendant was Rylan and he was so attentive, nice and knowledgeable, he always made us feel comfortable. We ordered the fajitas and shrimp tacos, they were good the chips on the side were fresh and I really enjoyed them. The drinks were good, not watered down, not too strong, just perfect. My only complaint would be the cobwebs above us with bugs stuck in them. Tip: the water isn't sand it's rocks, we got a ride with an app called "Ride Circuit" it's like Uber, rides cost $1. Would definitely go back here again!

The Original Buffalo Milk
Jasmine T.

Came during a cruise stop. The beach club had a nice view and lots of seating area. The food prices were a little pricier than some of the other restaurants in the area. We ordered the Original Buffalo Milk, which was refreshing but overall an okay drink. Not very strong for the price and when I asked about adding an extra shot, the bartender said it would double the price of the drink. The location is nice but I wouldn't order from here again.

Caleb G.

Talk about a very relaxing experience. Enjoyed a drink on the beach, and the customer service was great. Justice was great at giving recommendations. Everyone loved their drinks. It's a must visit when you're here.

Lori K.

We visited a week after a storm had brought torrential rains to the Southland. It was the last weekend of February and we had sunny skies, 80 degree weather and snow capped mountains to stare at over on the mainland. We enjoyed our afternoon at Descanso laying out, soaking up the sun, and sipping our drinks. They do provide complimentary water bottles and are happy to bring ice. There is a limited food menu and attentive drink service. The staff were friendly and came by often. The bathrooms were super clean, and the beach loungers were so comfortable we were able to take much needed naps. We opted for chairs in the last row that had some natural shade which worked out since we didn't need to ask for the umbrellas near our chairs to be opened. It was all perfect!

Diego R.

Descanso Beach Club in Catalina Island is amazing. Great food, incredible drinks, and the view is absolutely spectacular. There's no better place to chill and relax on the island. It really makes you feel like you're in a different country while still being in California. If you're visiting Catalina, this is the place to go. - Check my drone video until the end!! That was a nice shot showing the Catalina Casino.

Chips and dip, fish and chips
Sam P.

Great, relaxing experience if you can shell out $100 for a pair of chairs. We went on a Friday and I'm very glad we did. Weekends seem to sell out, but it was quiet on the Friday we went. Service was great. Raul took care of everyone on the beach. The food and drink prices aren't outrageous, just normal "California expensive" rather than "Catalina expensive". The beach club has sand, but the actual beach in front of it is all very sharp rocks.

Mimi L.

This beach club is a must stop for us during summer times. We hung out at the bar and lounge area for a couple hours this time. They had DJ spinning mostly old school and early 2000 hip hop songs. The food menu has gotten better and bigger, it used to be very limited. They make very good Bloody Mary and michelada, Buffalo milk is very tasty too. They have full service for the tables near the beach. But other seatings are on first come and first serve bases. People just order at the bar and get everything by themselves when they are ready. The beaches next to the ocean are all public access, remember there are no private beaches in California. Beach club lounge chairs and cabanas are in the back for renting. They also rent out floats and beach chairs. The summer send off Hawaiian themed dinner was nice, they served fresh cut tuna and grilled sword fish on the beach. Hawaiian hula dancing was so much fun to watch. This is a fantastic place to hang out with a lively atmosphere. It's fun either you rent cabana / lounge chairs or just hang out for an hour or two. The ocean views are the best!

Descanos Beach Club
Allen C.

I was here for the view. Ive was here on my last trips here and I rembered sitting looking at the picturesque views of the water and boats so I came back. Unlike the last time it was very busy so service was a little slow. I wished they had a little more items on the menu but in the end I settled for the burger and fries. It wasnt horrible. Id come back just for the view.

View from chairs (3rd row)

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8 months ago

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9 days ago

Shoutout justice! Great server, good vibes and delicious food at descanso beach club!

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9 months ago

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2 months ago

Picturesque spot! We were visiting for 3 days and came here all three days for lunch and drinks. Friendly staff, good drinks and tasty food.

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Descanso Beach Club Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Descanso Beach Club

Is there a designated smoking area?

Thank you for your inquiry! We do not have a designated smoking area but guests may smoke 20 feet away from where food is served. No cigars.

Is this a pet friendly place? Seen a response that said service animals only & another one that said pet friendly. We have two small dogs that will remain in either a stroller or handbag. One is an emotional support animal and the other one is not.

I havent seen it being an issue

Hello, do you offer a Mother's Day brunch 2024?

Hello and thank you for your inquiry. We are offering our regular menu on Mother's Day and the menu is available at www.visitcatalinaisland.com. Have a great day!

What are your rental policies in October?

Hello and thank you for your inquiry! Cabana and chaise lounge rentals policies can be found at our website at visitcatalinaisland.com but hours are usually restricted outside of summer.

Are you dog friendly?

Hello and thank you for your inquiry! We do allow service dogs.

Any vegetarian options? In the past we've had the soyrizo tacos, hummus wrap, or vegan burger but I don't see anything besides chips and salsa or fruit salad that's veg friendly. What do we do? Send everyone back into town for lunch?

Thanks for your inquiry! Currently, there is a Roasted Veggie Wrap on our Summer Menu which can be found at https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/dining/avalon/descanso-beach-club-dining/

Hi I would like to rent only three chaise lounge chairs the website only allows rentals in pairs. Is this possible?

If that's their open season then of course you can rent as many as you want. Just go to the website and reserve the lounge chairs you want to rent (they have a small map, like a seating chart) and then check out. Enjoy!

Is it pet friendly?

Yes, I saw a lot of other individuals bring their pets!

Are you open weekdays in November when cruise ships come to port?

Hi! Thanks for your inquiry. The restaurant is open daily 11-3 and cabanas are available Friday-Sunday.

We’ve book a hillside cabana (last one available) is it far from the water? Also, is the beach too rocky for bare feet?

Yes, the hillside cabanas are a little far, but it's a short walk to the water and you will enjoy them and your time there. You will benefit from bringing and wearing water shoes. The beach is full of rocks and in the water as well.

Can you bring a small cooler?

Thanks for your inquiry! Descanso Beach Club does not permit coolers.

Which chaise lounge chairs are free? Are they padded?

There aren't any free chaise lounge chairs. You can rent them for the day ranging from $75-$95 for the pair.… Read more

Chairs and cabanas are sold out, can we still come to the beach there, order drinks/food and snorkel?

Yes, you can still enjoy the beach club without a rental. There is a public side for non rentals with some tables and chairs (by the bar in front of Catherine's Terrace) that are first come first served. You can also sit on the sand (which is… Read more

Is there an entry fee if we don't reserve chairs or cabanas? If so, what is it? Thanks!

No entry fee at all for the public side of Descanso Beach Club. The cabana and chaise lounge side is for rentals only so you will not be allowed unless you have a rental. The public side is in front of Catherine's Terrace and the big outside bar… Read more

Can you arrive late to your cabana reservation? My ferry leaves at 10:45am and my reservation for cabana starts at 10am. I just don't want them to give my cabana away. Couldn't find a Ferry that leaves earlier

Yes, your reservation will be held for your arrival. Safe travels!

Do you have to make reservations on weekends?

Yes, for the cabanas and the lounge chairs with the padding (left side). There are some lounge chairs that are first come first serve (on the right side).

Does descanso have a kids menu? With like fish and chips or peanut butter sandwiches? I have a picky eater .

They don't have a kids menu, and they won't let you bring outside food for your kids. They actually made us leave because we brought food for our kids.

Recommendation for getting to the beach club from the ferry drop off location (Uber, taxi)?

Hi! Descanso Beach Club is a short 15 minute stroll from the ferry terminal in Avalon! There are no Ubers on the island but you can call for a taxi at (310) 510-0025.

How many guest per cabana?

Six!

If we are renting the chaise lounges, can we come and go throughout the day if we want to take a shopping break?

Yes, you can come and go as you please.

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Descanso Beach Club - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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