Catalina Island offers an ideal weekend getaway from the bustling shores of Southern California. A short boat or helicopter ride transports you to a tranquil island escape packed with adventure and rugged beauty.
The view of Avalon from Mt. Ada.
Catalina Island has two main areas to visit, Avalon and Two Harbors. Avalon is the only incorporated city on the island and offers resort amenities with tons of attractions. Two Harbors is a rustic getaway for anyone looking to camp and enjoy the natural beauty on the island.
Planning a luxury retreat is my specialty, so this guide will feature all that Avalon has to offer for a perfect island getaway. Come with me on the ultimate weekend escape to Catalina Island.
Fun Fact: When you are on the island, you will notice the name Wrigley quite a bit. In 1919, William Wrigley Jr, owner of the Chicago Cubs and the "father of chewing gum", acquired majority interest in the Catalina Island Company. He turned the island into his families retreat and developed it into the resort island it is today. The Chicago Cubs held spring training on the island from 1921-1951.
Getting to Avalon
The Catalina Express will transport you to the island by boat in about an hour. It's a relaxing, comfortable way to enjoy the ocean breeze and even see a few dolphins on your journey. The company operates daily departing from ports in San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. Another option is a 15-minute helicopter ride to the island. Take in the stunning ocean and island views from the sky during this quick flight.
Once on the island, the best way to get around is by golf cart. You can rent one right when you get off the boat. Many hotels and condos come with a golf cart to use. Check the amenities or call the hotel to see if one will be available.
Tip: Take a golf cart ride around the island at sunset. It is stunning.
Where to Stay
For couples, my recommendation is to stay at Mt Ada. It is the most luxurious accommodations on the island and has breathtaking views of Avalon. Named after William Wrigley Jr's wife Ada, the estate was the family's former island retreat.
A private car will pick you up from the ferry and take you up the mountain through the private gates where you will be greeted with champagne and a guided tour of the historic home. The staff does an amazing job of making your stay memorable. The service is impeccable. The food is delicious. Breakfast, lunch and happy hour are included and served daily in the dining room or on the patio. The views from the patio are spectacular. While on the property, you have access to a fully stocked butler's pantry with snacks, gelato, and unlimited beer and wine. Each suite comes with its own private golf cart for exploring the island. My husband and I got a chance to stay at Mt. Ada on a weekend getaway, and we will never stay anywhere else when we go without our kids.
For families, I recommend staying at Hamilton Cove in a vacation rental. A short taxi ride past the Casino, takes you to your own private oasis. Most rentals come with a golf cart for your stay. Amenities include a private beach, pool & spa, a putting green, tennis courts, and a fitness center. The beach area has a great playground on the sand for kids. Hamilton Cove is also located right past the Descanso Beach Club.
Most of the vacation rentals have amazing views. On our last stay with the kids, I sipped coffee and watched the sunrise every morning from our condo balcony. It was the perfect start to each day.
Sunrise from a condo in Hamilton Cove.
Where to Eat
Over about a dozen trips to Avalon, I found my go-to restaurants for any visit. Here are my top 3 restaurants on the island.
For fresh seafood and an outdoor patio on the water, I always stop at Bluewater Grill Avalon. The food is delicious, and they have a great selection of drinks. Go for dinner and enjoy sunset on the patio.
For the perfect day at the beach with food and drink service, head over to the Descanso Beach Club. You can grab a table or get a private cabana. The views and service are exceptional. You will leave feeling like you spent the day at a private resort.
For an upscale dining option in the heart of Avalon, go to dinner at Avalon Grill. The service and atmosphere are excellent, but the food is the highlight. This will be one of your best meals on the island.
Where to Play
It would take several trips to check out all the activities on the island. Anything from outdoor adventure tours, kayaking, snorkeling, zip lining, hiking, casino tours, an art museum, golf, or a spa day.
Every trip I've taken includes exploring the island by golf cart. Every turn brings another amazing view. The Catalina Island Company also offers an adventure tour of the island. Once on board the open-air hummer, you'll travel to the island's interior in search of its unique mammal resident, the American Bison. Brought to the island for a movie filming in the 1920s, these majestic animals have become a symbol of the island since their arrival.
For a kid-friendly ocean activity, check out the glass bottom boat or the semi-submarine tour. These offer a glimpse into ocean life off the shores of Avalon. The kids will love seeing fish, plants, and other marine life through the underwater windows.
For a relaxing adults-only day, visit the Island Spa Catalina featuring an interior patio pool and calming outdoor rooftop deck overlooking the ocean. I love all the beautiful mediterranean tile work and the eucalyptus steam room.
For a day packed with outdoor fun, start your morning with the zip line tour. Enjoy the views going up to 45 miles per hour down Descanso Canyon to the water's edge. Once you've completed your ride down the canyon, head next door to the Descanso Beach Club. They have changing rooms on the property to get you out of your workout clothes and into a swimsuit for a relaxing day at the beach.
Descanso Beach Club on Catalina Island.
Can't Miss Annual Events: During the summer, experience the annual Catalina Wine Mixer based on a scene from the movie Step Brothers. It's two days of music, food, and of course, wine at Descanso Beach Club. For the runners, test your skills at one of the Run Catalina races. I've done the Catalina Island Half-Marathon & 10k. These races are trail runs with a steep uphill climb. Expect some of the most spectacular views of the island. A word of caution, train well. This was one of the most difficult half-marathons I've ever run.
Best Time to Visit
Anytime! Southern California offers an endless summer oasis allowing for year-round outdoor adventures. Temperatures are warm with few rainy days making it the perfect weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
Tip: Marine layer can produce many cloudy days in late May and June. Summer is always busy in Avalon. The island is less crowded in the fall.
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