Interesting was to demystify the Descanso Beach: Ranked high in some lists with the "best beaches in California," this beach was rather disappointing to me and to our kids alike. We expected splendid swimming, and a great sand. In reality the sand is stony and not very friendly to feet. And otherwise, nothing of interest at all. We remembered foremost booths selling entry fees... Our kids voted to return to Avalon, and to swim there.