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The Sandcastle Cottage 140 steps to the Beach

Photo gallery for The Sandcastle Cottage 140 steps to the Beach

Exterior detail
Living area
Living area
Interior
Living area

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Catalina Island Museum
2 bedroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Internet access
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Avalon, CA
  • Place, Catalina Island Visitor Center
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Avalon Port
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Catalina Island Museum
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Avalon, CA (AVX-Catalina)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

The Sandcastle Cottage 140 steps to the Beach

Perfect Cottage for your vacation. Our Cottage has two bedrooms one with King size bed and the second one with two twins. In the living room we have a Queen size sofa sleeper that two more people can sleep in. We welcome families and individuals who enjoy the activities of Catalina Island including bike riding, hiking, boating, beach activities and diving. Our rustic cottage was built in 1912 and retains the charm of early Avalon. Come stay in our home and enjoy the ambiance of a genuine historical setting. Amenities include cable TV, Wi Fi, air conditioning, completely equipped kitchen and washer & dryer.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Wash dishes
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1181096vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Avalon

Located in Avalon, this cottage is in the city centre and near the beach. Travellers looking for local activities can try Avalon Port and Catalina Island Golf Course, while those looking to experience a bit of culture can stop by Catalina Island Museum. Three Palms Avalon Arcade and Nature Center at Avalon Canyon are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
View more Cottages in AvalonOpens in a new window
Map
Avalon, CA

What's nearby

  • Catalina Island Visitor Center - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Avalon Port - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Catalina Island Museum - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Catalina Casino - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Catalina Island Golf Course - 17 min walk - 1.5 km

Getting around

  • Avalon, CA (AVX-Catalina) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Descanso Beach Club - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Pancake Cottage - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Catalina Island Brew House - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Bluewater Avalon - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Sandtrap - ‬9 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Sandcastle Cottage 140 steps to the Beach pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Sandcastle Cottage 140 steps to the Beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Sandcastle Cottage 140 steps to the Beach?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Sandcastle Cottage 140 steps to the Beach located?

Located in the heart of Avalon, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Catalina Island Visitor Center, Avalon Port and Catalina Island Museum. Avalon Pier and Three Palms Avalon Arcade are also within 5 minutes.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 56 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

JOHN Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location very close to Catalina Express dock, easy walking to al of Avalon (market, tours, restaurants...).Property is old but very nice, kind funky (in a good way) layout and decorations.Loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 November 2025
Thank you for your comments and we are happy that you enjoyed your visit.
Verified

8/10 Good

Robert F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location for this little beach cottage. It is obviously an older place so you only have one bathroom, but everything was clean and they provided everything you need to enjoy the beach in the island.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2025
Thank you for your visit and your comments, they are greatly appreciated.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

We thought this little island cottage was perfect for our needs. Great character, great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 May 2024
Thank you for your visit, we loved having you as guests. Please come see us again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kahty P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A marvelous local place to stay!

Excellent local charming cottage nestled in Avalon. Wonderful communication with property manager Michael!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 May 2024
Thank you so much for your visit and I am so happy that you enjoyed our quirky little cottage.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nick D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place

I have a great time Great place to be in
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2024
Great guest, very easy to work and to communicate with. Enjoyed having them as guests!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Surprisingly ample vintage beach cottage

Great place, incredible relic in Avalon
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 22 March 2020
Thank you so much, we enjoyed having you and your family as guests.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sean M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best place in Catalina

My favorite place to stay - I’ve done it twice and will do it again in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 10 July 2022
Thank you so much for your return visit. We look forward to the next one!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ROBBIE H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Great spot close to everything. Very clean
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 October 2023
Thank you for your visit and we are happy that you enjoyed your stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea G.

Weekend away

This property was great! Very quaint, clean, and perfect for our family of 4. The property manager was very helpful and we loved being just steps from town. We'll definitely plan to stay here again on our next visit!
Stayed 1 night in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 22 March 2020
Thank you so much for your visit and the kind words, we hope to have you visit again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing Beach Cottage

This property was very quaint and was clean and tidy. It is so close to everything that you want/need to do: shopping, dining, beach and the grocery store. Check in/out was super easy too!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 20 April 2021
Thank you for your visit and I am happy that the Sandcastle met you needs! Please come visit again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Darlene J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Close to harbor

An older property but it was clean and close to everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 June 2024
Thank you for your visit and please come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Megan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Prime location, excellent host!

You can’t beat the location of this little house - just far enough off the main drag to be quiet but close to enough to be steps from the action. The house old, but that makes it quaint, and it’s well maintained and clean. Perfect vacation spot!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 May 2022
Thank you for your visit and your comments. They are always appreciated.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Avalon Gem!

Loved the space. Loved the location. Well stocked and comfortable!! Would definitely come and stay again!
Stayed 1 night in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 June 2022
Thank you so much for your visit and I am happy that you enjoyed your stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Cottage with excellent service.

We arrived early and our host allowed us to leave our luggage at the Seacrest Inn which was Nextdoor. It was a
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 December 2024
Thank you so much for your visit and we are happy that you enjoyed your stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cutest house / All the charm!

This house was so dang cute, and had more charm than any house I have ever rented! It was very clean - very close to the pier - close to restaurants - and the host was very responsive! We will definitely book this rental again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 June 2023
Thank you so much and I am pleased that you enjoyed your stay in Avalon. We look forward to a return visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

esther H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved the cottage

Quaint and authentic cabin-like cottage seemingly built by a man of the sea. Cool details in all rooms. There were two large bedrooms with a nice usable kitchen with all the amenities. The location is close to the beach, shopping and eateries. Michael was very accommodating, we enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Barbara H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historic Cottage

A rather eclectic historic cottage, filled with so many memories from both the past & present. Beds were a bit too firm, but other than a blow dryer, it has all you need. Location is great, close to ferry and downtown. Hotel staff were very kind and accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 9 October 2023
Thank you so much for your visit and your comments, they are always appreciated.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maricella G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best getaway!

After this past year we needed a getaway. The cottage was clean cute and comfortable! Oh! And close to everything! We will definitely be back and I will definitely refer! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 20 June 2021
Thank you so much and we are happy that you were able to enjoy yourselves after a crazy year! Please do come back for another visit.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Getaway

Avalon is just so much fun. Everyone had an outstanding time. Although the unit is dated, that makes it interesting and fun. Lots of memorabilia of times past! Pots and pans could be improved.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2022
Thank you for your visit and comments they are always appreciate.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best of everything!

We had a fantastic time in Avalon! The location of this cottage couldn’t be better. The size of the cottage was a lot bigger than expected. Kitchen was equipped with everything needed. The Rooftop BBQ view was amazing. You could see all of Avalon! Micheal our host was very friendly and notified us when cottage was ready and was able to get into it early. I would definitely go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2021
Thank you so much for your visit and kind words. I hope to see you on your next visit to Catalina Island!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Abir K.

Don’t judge a book by its cover!

The place was really old! It had all the necessities (minus the golf cart). It was located close to the beach and boat dock. A bit overpriced, didn’t feel like we got a great deal! Some basics were missing like a beach umbrella, chairs, inflatables. These things would have made the stay a little easier.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 22 March 2020
Kim, I am sorry that we did not meet your expectations. Not all vacation rentals on Catalina Island provide the items that you have listed and we are not allowed to provide a golf cart by City ordinance. We have tried to provide the items that you listed but they tend to walk away from the property. Thank you, Michael
Verified

8/10 Good

Gary T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just the Right Place

I will start with our host Michael, very easy to reach and was very helpful with everything needed, thank Michael. The properties description was spot on and perfect for myself and my 3 teenage grandsons. We had everything we needed and everything from beach to dining were a short walk away. I would have given a 5 star for the property but there was no outdoor seating area like a patio or deck. It is a dated place but also as described so my expectations were met. The question is always "Would you stay there again?" My answer is yes without hesitation.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 August 2022
Thank you for your visit and I am happy that you and your grandsons were able to enjoy Catalina before the school year begins. We enjoyed having you as guests.
Verified

4/10 Poor

Kathy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

Good location

Let me begin by saying that the host was extremely responsive, very easy to work with and courteous. Other positives are that the beds were pretty comfortable and you are close to shops and restaurants. The linens in the bathroom and bedroom were nice and we were supplied with an abundance of coffee. There were three nice TVs which as great. That being said, we were unhappy about several things. There are electrical wires all over, some with knob and tube. We felt insecure due to the fact that not every window had a secure way to lock and the locks on the doors did not appear to be very secure and are not very easy to open and close either. We FROZE the entire time we were there. The host did provide us with some little electric heaters but it was not enough to keep the place warm- the bathroom was particularly frigid. The lighting here is inadequate- it was very dark and cold, but I must add that it is a cold time of year. The shower was lined with some type of crusty residue. Several things were in disrepair, like the ceiling fans and some of the desperately needed lights. The place needs a coat of paint. And finally, we wanted to do a load of laundry (asked permission from one of the workers) and refrained from doing so due to the condition of the inside of the machine- full of residue- icky. We believe this is where linens for the property are laundered as workers were there constantly. So that was a turnoff. The house is full of a lot of old stuff and old furniture, etc. I know that some people are into that but to me, it just looked like a bunch of cast-off things. And the street out front has constant, loud traffic noise, something I was trying to get away from. I appreciated the host but most of the rest of the stay was a big disappointment.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 26 February 2023
Thank you for your comments they are always appreciated. I did explain the history of the Sandcastle. The old wiring is not connected to any type of power source. I also explained how the over head heaters worked and that the floor heaters were the back up as you were here during the storms that came through Southern California.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pictures don't do it justice

This house is SO cute. We loved checking out all of the collector signs, the wall that so many visitors tacked up a memory on, the old/antique phone in the kitchen, it was just all so cool. So many sliding doors/windows, almost like a scavenger hunt. We have 3 teens (2 x 16 and 1 18) and us and the size was more than enough. It's larger than the pictures make it out to be the I was a bit concerned about only having one bathroom but it's SO big, didn't matter. I seriously loved the cottage and hope to stay again. Amber was a huge help and so sweet, at check in. She showed us around, helped us understand the TV remotes and how to work the AC, just all around wonderful experience. My family was all very pleased with the house
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 6 December 2021
Thank you so much for your visit and I am happy to hear tat you enjoyed your stay. It is a quirky little cottage and all the memorabilia people have left is fun to explore.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Catalina

We love the house a lot of vintage stuff including the house really cool. We would read this again. Very close to town
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 26 November 2021
Thank you and I happy that enjoyed your visit!

About the host

Hosted by Michael Ponce

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Languages:

English

Premier Host

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