Catalina Island Beaches

Avalon Beaches

Avalon offers a number of relaxing beaches within walking distance of the city’s many hotels, shops, and restaurants. Most are close to restrooms and offer soft sand, gentle surf, and easy swimming access.

Descanso Beach

Located just past Catalina Casino, Descanso Beach is a picturesque two-tiered private beach with great swimming and lots of activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding.

There is a $2 fee to access Descanso Beach Club, which offers restrooms, outdoor showers, dressing rooms, and chaise lounge/cabana rentals. Descanso Beach Club is also home to Avalon's only beachside restaurant and bar, featuring signature dishes and classic Catalina cocktails. Descanso Fresh is a great place to cool off with ice cream treats and fruit smoothies.

Pick up the Descanso Beach shuttle near the Casino Way arch. Descanso Beach Club is also the starting point for the Zip Line Eco Tour, Catalina Aerial Adventure and the Catalina Climbing Wall.

South Beach

South Beach is just to the right of the Pleasure Pier and is easy walking distance to food, shopping, restrooms, and lots of activity. Plenty of sand, a gently sloping bank, and lifeguards during the summer make South Beach a great family experience.

Middle Beach

Middle Beach is on the left side of the Pleasure Pier. Just like South Beach, Middle Beach is scenic and relaxing, as well as being within walking distance of food, restrooms, and shopping. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer.

Step Beach

Step Beach is a small strip of sand that flows directly into deeper ocean waters just north of Middle Beach. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

Two Harbors Beaches

The upper beach in Two Harbors has a great sand volleyball court. There is also a beach area east of town in front of Two Harbors Campground. Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center rents kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, lounge chairs, and other beach items. If you’re the adventurous type, you can hike, paddle or kayak to stunning and secluded sandy beaches in nearby coves.

Harbor Sands in Two Harbors

This charming South Pacific oasis on the shore of Isthmus Cove rents furnished palapas and lounge chairs for a relaxing day at the beach. Other Harbor Sands amenities include a beachfront dining deck, food and beverage service, and a group picnic area with full-service catering.