Descanso Bay

Descanso Bay sits just west of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, where you can drop anchor and dinghy ashore to what's said to be one of the last private beaches in California still open to the public. The shoreline is mostly sandstone rather than sand, giving it a rugged, unhurried feel compared to the busier Avalon waterfront nearby. Once ashore, you'll find Catalina's only beachside restaurant and bar, plus good kayaking, hiking, and picnic spots in the surrounding area.