Descanso Beach
Avalon, CA
Descanso Beach is a private beach club just north of Avalon with seasonal public day use, and Casino Point Marine Park right next door is a genuinely excellent snorkeling spot protected as an underwater refuge, with an old shipwreck adding real history to the dive. Together they're one of the better combinations of beach club ease and real underwater exploring on the island.
The marine park's protected snorkeling is genuinely excellent and free, a real highlight even without paying for the beach club.
How we score beachesCasino Point Marine Park is free and open to the public even when the Descanso Beach Club charges for day use, don't miss it if snorkeling is the goal.
Limited parking in Avalon; most visitors walk from town.
Dogs are not allowed on the sand at Descanso Beach, though leashed dogs may accompany owners on the Descanso Beach Club's outdoor dining deck.
Summer brings the warmest water and busiest crowds; the marine park's visibility is often best in calmer fall conditions.
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