Beaches on Catalina Island

Explore Catalina Island’s distinctive shoreline, from South Beach, Middle Beach, Step Beach, Pebbly Beach and Descanso Beach to remote coves and coastal camping spots. Spend the day in the sunshine, unwind by the water, and enjoy time with friends and family.

Avalon Beaches

Avalon offers three public beaches and one private beach.

South Beach, Middle Beach and Step Beach are public beaches set along Crescent Avenue, just steps from hotels, shops, restaurants, restrooms and recreation. In the summer months, lifeguards and swim lines are provided at each public beach. Visitors may pack a meal, but alcoholic beverages, animals and smoking are not allowed on public beaches.

South Beach and Middle Beach sit on opposite sides of the Green Pleasure Pier. South Beach is the first stretch of sand visitors see after arriving from the ferry terminal, positioned directly in front of the Pavilion Hotel and Luau Larry's. Middle Beach faces the center of the harbor, near most of the shops and restaurants on Crescent Ave. Step Beach sits in front of the Via Casino Arch and is reached by heading a few steps down from Crescent Ave.

High tide and low tide happen twice daily, every six hours. Above the sea wall, beach-goers relax on white sand. Beneath the sea wall, damp sand creates a good spot for sand castles and other beach projects.

Descanso Beach Club

Past the world-famous Catalina Casino is Descanso Beach, one of California’s last private beaches with public access. As part of Descanso Beach Club, the area includes a table-service restaurant, full-service bar, restrooms, outdoor showers, dressing rooms, and chaise lounge and cabana rentals. Beach access costs $2 per day.

Descanso Beach Club is close to Descanso Beach Ocean Sports, where visitors can choose from sit-on-top and touring kayaks, stand-up paddle boards (SUPs), snorkel gear, wetsuits and boogie boards. Guided kayaking trips are offered daily.

For more adventure, visitors can try the Catalina Climbing Wall, the Catalina Aerial Adventure ropes course, or the Zip Line Eco Tour, where riders can travel through the air at speeds up to 40 mph.

Catalina Island beaches feature soft sand, warm sunshine and gentle surf. The crystal clear aqua blue water is ideal for families who want to splash and play in the ocean. Sunscreen is recommended. Visitors who need beach chairs or umbrellas may find that many hotels offer chairs and towels for guests, and in the summer months a rental shack is available for beach equipment needs. Beach supplies can also be found at the drugstore, Vons and several local shops.

For snorkeling, Lover's Cove is a strong option, though it is mostly rocky rather than sandy; it is a state marine conservation area.

Pebbly Beach

As its name suggests, Pebbly Beach has a rocky shoreline. It is located beyond the ferry terminal beside the Avalon's heli port, and it is popular with locals and people searching for sea treasures. Visitors can reach Pebbly Beach on foot, by bike, or as a stop on a golf cart tour. Pebbly Beach does not offer services or amenities.

Two Harbors

Two Harbors has long been a favorite for boaters and has also become a destination for hikers, campers and beach goers. Near Isthmus Pier is Harbor Sands, a white-sand beach club with palapas, lounge chairs, and a beachside dining deck called Harbor Reef. Visitors can enjoy a Buffalo Milk or stop for lunch at this seaside retreat.

The beach at Two Harbors, on both sides of Isthmus Pier and below the sea wall, is a well-liked place for recreation and water sports such as kayaking, SUP and more.

Visitors staying in Avalon can make a day trip to Two Harbors. The Cyclone boat offers a scenic 30 minute ride along the island’s coast. During the summer months, there are two daily trips between Avalon and Two Harbors. The Cyclone operates seasonally.

Interior Coastal Areas

Catalina Island’s remote interior lands include beautiful beaches. On the island’s windward side are Ben Weston beach, Little Harbor and Shark Harbor. Ben Weston beach is known as a surfing beach, though reaching it requires about a mile hike from the road. Little Harbor and Shark Harbor both allow overnight camping, with reservations available through Reserve America. These beaches can be reached by hiking, biking, private transportation or tour. Parsons Landing sits at the far west end of the island and also offers overnight camping. This beach can only be reached by hiking in or kayaking in, and camping reservations are available through Reserve America.

Additional Catalina Island beaches and coves can be reached by kayak or watercraft. Beach camping options range from beachfront campgrounds to primitive boat-in campsites along the island’s coast. Catalina Island offers more than 62 miles of unspoiled beaches and secluded coves—the longest publicly accessible stretch of undeveloped coastline left in Southern California.