Island vibes on Catalina

Consistently named a top island getaway by the media, Catalina Island has a unique laid back vibe.

Located just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, it has a rich and historic past, and water and land activities to suit any taste.

Whether it’s for relaxation or rev up the action, Catalina Island ticks all the boxes. Here are some of the new happenings on the Island this year.

Spend an hour aboard Catalina Express which offers up to 30 departures daily and year-round service to Avalon and Two Harbors from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. It offers comfortable airline-style seats and a galley with a full bar and light snacks. Traveling to Catalina Island in as little as one hour, each vessel was designed for comfort and speed.

Boat and Hotel Packages: Visitors who book a boat and hotel package enjoy savings and value added amenities at nearly 20 hotels in Avalon.

ACTIVITIES

Catalina Museum for Art & History features two exhibits through Fall 2023.  Through original artifacts and music, exploe the Hawaiian craze of the late 1890s to the present Skirting Issues: Hula Moves Stateside.

There is also a new installation at the museum, Below The Surface: The Catalina Photographs of Bruce Hall featuring a collection of underwater photographs captured over decades at Catalina’s Casino Point Dive Park, the country’s earliest underwater preserve. The art installation is curated by guest curator, Douglas McCulloh, and is currently on view through January 2024.

Prominent Southern California artist Bruce Hall is a legally blind underwater photographer. The diagnosis of legal blindness can have many different effects on people. For Hall, he can see something a few inches away from him, but beyond that, the world turns into a “shaky out-of-focus fog.”

Pier-side Fishing from “Learn to Fish….Hook, Line and Sinker” – Great for beginners, kids or adults, learn to fish like a pro with dock-side fishing lessons. No equipment or prior experience is necessary – rod, tackle and bait are provided.

Tour of Rancho Escondido —  An adventure inland to El Rancho Escondido, “the hidden ranch,” travels 12 miles outside of Avalon to a small valley nestled in the Island’s interior. Guests will board a vintage Flxible Bus to see the Arabian Horse Ranch, built by Philip & Helen Wrigley in 1930. Today, in addition to serving as a home for the family’s horses, the ranch is used to grow chardonnay, pinot noir and zinfandel grapes for Rusack Vineyards, another family venture.

For decades, the Catalina Casino has been available for tours and special events. Starting this summer, the iconic landmark will be open to the public for general admission during regular business hours, allowing visitors to step back in time and soak up the rich cultural history. Guests will enjoy movies under the Avalon Theatre’s Art Deco dome, discover the circular dance floor of the famed Ballroom, and take in spectacular views on the Terrace.

ISLAND EVENTS

Catalina Wine Mixer | June 2-3: The Catalina Wine Mixer weekend includes live entertainment, wine tastings from more than 18 wineries,  a whiskey tasting, and an exclusive wine pairing lunch. Enjoy music, dancing, fantastic food, fine wines, and an official Avalon Theatre screening of Step Brothers. Festgoers returning to the Catalina Wine Mixer are also in for an updated look featuring the Island’s iconic art tile. The colorful illustrations take inspiration from the classic, hand-glazed clay squares, designed in the 20s and 30s, found all over Avalon. The fun tiles connect to the Island, the event, as well as the cult classic movie which inspired the summer event.  Unlimited tastings start at $109. Tickets and more information.

33rd Annual Buccaneer Weekend | October 5 — Enjoy live musicand fantastic gruel & grog (that’s pirate for food & drink). Set sail for Two Harbors for a weekend of treasure hunts, costume contests, live music and fun. Getting to Two Harbors: Catalina Express ferry from San Pedro or Cyclone from Avalon.

36th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival | October 12-15 —  Since 1987 Catalina Island has hosted one of the most respected and recognized music festivals The Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival. Founded by Art Good, The Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival has been attended by audiences from all of the US and beyond. Each October this festival hosts some of the top entertainers from the smooth jazz genre as well as exciting new break out artists. 

Catalina Island is accessible by boat from three ports via Catalina Express: San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Catalina Express offers up to 30 daily departures and year-round service to Avalon and Two Harbors, transporting nearly one million passengers annually.

Catalina Island’s laid-back island town is full of places to eat, drink, and shop. Sightseeing includes escorted tours around town, jeep eco tours, hummer rides, zip lines, and more. Independent activities are plentiful, from camping, hiking, diving, and kayaking.