Descanso Beach Club

So here's where Catalina starts to feel like a (strange, bit-off-the-mark) upscale and exclusive beach resort. Descanso Beach Club is a luxurious hub of beach umbrellas, chairs and cabanas, plus a private strip of imported beach (the natural waterline is rocky, so white sand was barged in). There's also a full bar and a rather large menu of specialty cocktails and medicore chow (the Greek fries may be the only stellar option worth the menu's high prices). There are kayak and snorkel gear rentals on site, as well as live comedy and the occasional steel drum band. If you're more of a land creature, there are a couple random boutiques on the lawn for shopping. The scene gets pretty clubby on the weekends, but during the week, it's quiet and more family-friendly. It costs $2 just to access the beach, though if you're sitting at the bar and drinking or eating, beach access is free. A cabana ($275-500) is where things really gets pricey. And keep in mind that the club is strictly for warm weather enjoyment though—it closes mid-October through mid-April.