Top 10 Reasons to Visit Catalina Island

Though it’s located just 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island feels like a world away. Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or romantic weekend escape, this hidden gem of the Pacific offers endless outdoor adventure, natural wonders and plenty of options to simply relax and unwind. There are many reasons to fall in love with Catalina Island, so consider this your introduction. With so many fun things to do, it’s the perfect excuse to visit again and again!

Catalina Express
Before your trip begins, the best way to get to the island is Catalina Express. This fleet of high-speed vessels will take you from the mainland – there are ports in Long Beach, Dana Point and San Pedro – to the island in about an hour and oh what a fun ride it is! Just being out on the water is refreshing and if you’re lucky, you’ll see dolphins. If you can, upgrade to the Commodore’s Lounge for an extra $15 — not only will you get to board the boat before everyone else, but you’ll have VIP access to the top indoor deck and get a free drink.

Avalon
The heart of Catalina Island, Avalon is a town that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back to a simpler place and time. Just walking along the stretch of shops and cafes is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Whether it’s the pier or the bay or the little side streets, this charming center of Catalina is a huge part of the island’s charm.

Golf Carts
Golf carts, golf carts, everywhere a golf cart! One of the most popular things to do in Avalon is rent one of these fun little rides to get around the island. Since it’s pretty much impossible to get car permits on Catalina (it’s one of the reasons this island is so charming), golf carts will be your main mode of transportation. You can rent a four- or six-passenger cart to explore and discover at your leisure. No required routes, just your sense of adventure and imagination.

Catalina Casino
There’s nothing more iconic about Catalina Island than the Catalina Casino. This beautifully restored, circular Art Deco building is not only an architectural stunner, but it’s also an historic treasure. But don’t expect to gamble here. The casino takes its name from the Italian term meaning a “gathering place.” Originally opened over 85 years ago, it has hosted countless celebrities over the decades. There is a movie theatre on the lower level, lined with spectacular murals, where you can catch a movie at night, as well as a museum, plus a ballroom upstairs where events regularly take place, including weddings. You can take a tour led by friendly and informative guides who will bring the history of this place to life. You’ll get to experience the theatre acoustics for yourself (seriously, you’ll be amazed) and learn fun trivia like looking under the theatre seats. (You’ll find original holders for top hats – a necessity for gentlemen back in the day!)

Catalina Falconry Experience
Whether you’re nine or 91, one of the most memorable activities you can do on the island is the Catalina Falconry Experience. This is your chance to get up close to some of the coolest birds of prey who keep the pesky seagulls away without actually killing them. You can take a lesson on how to hold and call a hawk to your glove and meet & greet an owl. Make sure to take pictures because there’s a good chance you won’t believe your eyes.

Inn at Mt Ada
Head up the very steep hill to this one-of-kind guesthouse and you’ll be rewarded with the most stunning views overlooking the Avalon Bay. Once the home of William Wrigley Jr. and his wife Ada, this six-bedroom inn is perched nearly 400 feet above the Pacific Ocean. (You can even see the baseball field down below where the Chicago Cubs would practice back when Wrigley owned the team.) Just walking through the living room and property feels like stepping back in time and the staff is more than happy to tell you about its history. For the ultimate experience, book a room and you’ll probably never want to leave. But even if you’re not staying here, you can make a lunch reservation and dine on the patio or in the main dining room. The views and the food will surpass your expectations.

Pavilion Hotel
Catalina Island is ideal for day trips, but do yourself a favor and stay overnight. The Pavilion Hotel is located right in the center of Avalon, the island’s charming town lined with shops and cafes. Recently redesigned, the Pavilion Hotel is an intimate retreat with casual-chic rooms (get a suite with views looking out to the Pacific if you can), beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, a large outdoor fire ring and laidback courtyard lanais with views of the ocean and sidewalk action. Even better, complimentary breakfast and daily wine and cheese tastings are part of your stay.

The Avalon Grille
The hottest dining and drinking spot in town, the Avalon Grille not only has a fun bar scene, but the food is beyond what most people would expect. (Translation: It’s not a culinary tourist trap.) Focusing on seasonal American cuisine, dishes include everything from gourmet burgers to fresh seafood. For those with dietary restrictions (vegan, for example), the chef and crew will do everything they can to accommodate you. If you let them know in advance, even better. Sit by one of the large windows overlooking Avalon Bay or on a warm day, sit in the open-air patio and make sure to have one of their killer cocktails.

Descanso Beach Club
When you want a little luxe relaxation, hit up Descanso Beach Club. Rent a cabana, lounge on a chaise right on the sand and enjoy a seaside drink (or two) along with top-notch food. The open-air restaurant is a perfect spot to grab lunch with some of the best ocean views around.

Hummer Tour
Last but not least, one of the most adventurous, fun and unforgettable things you can do while on Catalina Island is to get on board an open-air, biofuel Hummer and take a two-hour tour to the summit above Avalon. Your driver will tear through five miles up rugged interior terrain where you just might see some of the island’s famed buffalo (on my trip I had to settle for bison dung!), insane views of the coastline and a serious trip down the deep canyons below.

For more info and to plan your visit, check out the official website for Catalina Island

Mar Yvette

Lifestyle writer Mar Yvette is on a mission to bring you the best people, places and products to make your life pop!