Get Away to Catalina Island

Nothing says I love you quite like a mini vacay. Catalina Island is a world class, laid back island sitting just 22 miles off the coast of SoCal that feels a world away -- albeit, literally, an hour from home. 

Its crystal blue waters and Mediterranean climate offer a plethora of things to do and places to explore -- from tracking exotic animals (bison tour, anyone?) to zip lining through lush forest with the Pacific as a backdrop to cabana lounging with an island-famous ‘Buffalo Milk’ in hand at the Descanso Beach Club. 

Visitors can hop on the Catalina Express from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point for a quick jaunt over to paradise. (Hawaii, who?) Offering nearly 30 daily departures, and packages that feature 16 hotels from budget to luxury, a trip to Catalina easily works around your schedule and is perfect for a day trip or weekend jaunt. 

Once you step off the ferry into the island’s main town of Avalon, you feel as though you’ve been transported back to another era -- vintage VW busses, bicyclists, and locals that are actually happy you’re there. Golf carts rule the roost here, so there’s no real need to rent a car as many of the hotels line the shore and are just a short five to ten minute walk from the ferry. If you do want to pop over to the other side of the island, book one of Catalina Island Company’s many excursions like the “Discover Two Harbors” tour which will transport you over on a Cyclone power boat. (It’s well worth the trek.) 

STAY

Hotel Atwater

The 100-year-old historic hotel, just steps from the sealine, was renovated last year to meet all of your modern needs, while still making sure to stay true to the Wrigley family legacy. The island was purchased in 1919 by William Wrigley Jr. (of Wrigley gum fame) who named the hotel after his son’s wife, Helen Atwater Wrigley. She was known to love flowers and champagne, so today, each room features fresh blooms and a split of bubbly on your bedside table, because why not make like Mrs. Atwater and celebrate another successful day in paradise with a glass of class as you head to bed? Guests have access to complimentary bicycles, use of the amenities at Descanso Beach Club, and luggage service from the ferry. Not to mention a $40 food and beverage voucher... because you’ll definitely be needing some food with all that champagne.

Hotel Metropole

If you’re looking for romance, slip into Hotel Metropole’s rooftop jacuzzi with its jaw-dropping view of the harbor. Located in the heart of Avalon, this is a hotspot for weddings, meetings, and continental breakfasts so beautiful you won’t want to leave -- and with balconies that overlook the beach, you really don’t have to.

Pavilion Hotel

A whole 14 steps from the beach and one of the first hotels along the boardwalk from the ferry, you’re truly in the center of it all at Pavilion. Join in on the nightly wine and cheese social and sip away the evening with new friends around the courtyard’s cozy fire ring. Situated amongst tall palms and tropical flowers, it’s a safe haven in the middle of Avalon. Complimentary bicycles, access to Descanso Beach Club, and a full continental breakfast buffet served at the neighboring Avalon Grille all promise for a trip of great (and nearby) adventure.

Play

Bison Expedition

Not for the faint of heart (or easily car sick), this is an action packed tour in an eco-friendly H1 Hummer (how cool does that sound?) that will literally have you on the edge of your seat as you zip through the island’s remote canyons. Explore the rugged outback while you track Catalina’s famous bison (they were imported to the island in 1924 for a movie and have since grown to a herd with numbers over 150). In addition to Hollywood’s vintage movie stars, you may also spot foxes, eagles, and definitely some of the island’s most Insta-worthy backgrounds. 

Island Spa Catalina

Nestled along the boardwalk, the historic El Encanto building is the island’s first destination resort spa, offering 15,000 square feet of stress-free relaxation. Choose from a menu of rejuvenating signature treatments like “Seaweed Surrender” or “Cactus Cooler” and then soak in the pool and spa, detox in the eucalyptus steam room, and have a healthy lunch with a glass of Chard from the Spa’s own Encanto Café (and yes, you will take that on the rooftop patio). 

Catalina Parasail

Get a bird’s eye view of the island while parasailing. Flights can accommodate two to three at a time and reach altitudes of 600-800 feet. Float through the air with California’s premier parasail operator for panoramic views that are truly unforgettable. 

EAT

Lobster Trap

If you’re a fish person, the Lobster Trap is fish heaven in party mode. Prepare for some of the freshest fish on the island as owner Caleb Lins, a commercial lobster fisherman, combs the waters himself, bringing in catches of the day that attract a crowd — both locals and tourists lining up outside the door, daily. The atmosphere is friendly, fun, and the walls are lined with so many fishing trinkets you’ll always find something new — no matter how many times you’ve been.

Descanso Beach Club

The hotspot to be on the island, the Descanso Beach Club comes more and more alive as the day goes on. Before the bustle starts and the live music begins, serene mornings are spent at the Beach Club Restaurant, located on an expansive deck right on the sand. One of the last private beaches in California with public access (meaning that yes, you can still drink on the beach), it’s easy to spend an entire day snorkeling, kayaking, or indulging in a 21-and-up ice cream cone from the Club’s very own sweet shop, Descanso Fresh.

Bluewater Avalon

Voted “Best of Catalina,” whether you come for a casual lunch or a sunset dinner on the patio overlooking the crystal blue water, you can rest assured you’ll be partaking in some of the world’s best seafood which they source from around the globe (did someone say salmon from Scotland?). Complete with an oyster and sushi bar -- alongside an actual full service bar -- Bluewater Avalon lives up to the Bluewater Group’s high expectations (they have additional restaurants in posh seaside locales like Newport Beach and Santa Barbara). Popular with locals, tourists, large parties, and weddings, their slogan speaks for all of Catalina when it says: “Come in, Get hooked.”

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Lindsay DeLong is the Editor-in-Chief of Laguna Beach Living. A brand strategist and web designer, she is well-versed at building brands from the ground up, establishing online identity, and golf-carting around Catalina. Check in with her at lindsay@lagunabeachliving.com or on her personal site, iLikeLindsay.com.

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