A Weekend in Catalina Island

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This winter, California Life was lucky to visit Catalina Island and explore some of its fan-favorite tourist attractions. With activities galore to experience from Eco tours into the Catalina’s interior, undersea adventures in a semi-submersible submarine, to kayaking, parasailing, hiking and enjoying the myriad shops and boutiques, many with locally made products, there’s no reason not to stay a night or two in Avalon.

After taking the Catalina Express from Dana Long Beach, we landed in Avalon just in time to check in to the Bellanca Hotel. . Now through March 25, 2022, Catalina Express and hotel partners offer combination boat and accommodations packages at 10 hotels in Avalon as part of its popular annual “Best of Winter” offering. We had dinner at Naughty Fox, an incredible restaurant with a great bar atmosphere and even better food. 

With events such as several viewings of A Christmas Carol in the historic Avalon theater, 48th annual New Year’s Eve celebration in the Casino Ballroom, Avalon 50K/50 Mile Run on January 8, the family friendly Kite Festival on February 6, 40th Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup on February 26, to the  Otillo Swimrun Catalinaon March 19, there’s plenty of things to see and do.

By next morning, we went on a tour to Avalon Theatre. You can’t beat the views of the theatre. Build in 1929, this landmark has been restored to its original grandeur, Art Deco furniture, Tiffany-esque lights and gold leaf accents. Their world famous ballroom hosts thousands of weddings, dances, and events, all surrounded by the most spectacular views of Avalon. 

We had lunch at the authentic restaurant The Lobster Trap. The fresh ceviche, oysters, and bread bowl clam chowder was to die for! We can see why this spot is a local’s favorite. 

After lunch, we headed to Catalina’s Aerial Adventure. Walking back from the Descanso Beach Club, you’ll feel like you are deep in the woods, as you climb, swing, and crawl through a series of challenging obstacles suspended in a grove of towering eucalyptus! 

There are plenty of shopping and hotels available as you browse through downtown. From budget to luxury, newly renovated and historic hotels, there is a deal to fit every pocketbook and taste. Following is a sampling of winter offerings; a full listing can be found here. Each package includes round-trip boat transportation on Catalina Express. Even betterseveral Avalon hotels offer discounts on activities and tours, complimentary continental breakfast and/or wine and cheese hour. Below is a sampling of some of the Best of Winter packages.

The Avalon Hotel

The Avalon Hotel guests experience a whole new level of Catalina Island lodging. Each guest room at this boutique hotel offers thoughtful touches like handmade natural soaps and fully lined bathrobes. An idyllic courtyard with a koi pond is a guest favorite, as is the rooftop deck to enjoy while watching the sky put on a dramatic show.

The Best of Winter Package includes:

·       Two-night stay in a Garden View Room double occupancy only

·       Round-trip transportation aboard Catalina Express for two

·       Complimentary taxi to and from hotel once in Avalon

·       Extended continental breakfast served in the Koi Garden

Packages start at $494.00 based on double occupancy, including taxes, for a savings of up to 44 percent. This package is valid for stays Sunday – Thursday, through March 25, 2021. Based on availability. Holiday and special event dates excluded. To book, click here.

Bellanca Hotel

Bellanca Hotel recently completed a multi-million dollar top-to-bottom renovation with contemporary architecture, luxe amenities, coupled with a soothing color palette and ocean-inspired furnishings. A Rooftop Lounge reserved for hotel guests serves up ocean views, comfortable lounges and seating, light bites and beach chic cocktails. Bellanca also is home to Naughty Fox, a modern beach bar serving coastal cuisine all day long. 

Go & Play Winter Getaway includes:

·       One night accommodations

·       Round-trip transportation aboard Catalina Express for two

·       Taxi Transfer from ferry terminal

·       Bottle of sparkling wine

Packages start at $299.00 based on double occupancy, excluding taxes, for a savings of up to 55 percent. You must travel to Catalina Sunday – Thursday and return Monday – Friday. Based on availability. Valid through March 25, 2021. Holiday and special event dates excluded. To book, click here.

Hotel Atwater

Hotel Atwater stays true to the Wrigley family legacy with family heirlooms in the lobby and splits of sparkling wine in each guest room as a tribute to Helen Atwater Wrigley and the glass of bubbly she enjoyed every evening before bed.

The Best of Winter Package includes:

•       One-night accommodation

•       Round-trip transportation aboard Catalina Express for two

•       Two splits of sparkling wine of arrival day

•       15% discount on Catalina Island Company activities and tours

•       15% off spa treatments and day passes at the Island Spa Catalina

•       $20 credit per night for Catalina Island Company restaurant

Rates start at $110.00 per person, double occupancy, excluding taxes, for a savings of up to 30 percent. You must travel to Catalina Sunday – Thursday and return Monday – Friday. Based on availability. Black-out dates are February 13-14, February 20-21, and March 1, 2022. Valid through March 25, 2022. To book click here.

Hotel Catalina

Built in 1916, Hotel Catalina is a historic blue and white Victorian landmark that can be seen when entering the harbor. Quietly nestled a few doors from Avalon Bay, this Catalina Island lodging offers all the charm and hospitality of Catalina’s yesteryear – yet you will feel right at home with all the modern amenities and conveniences of today.

The Best of Winter Package includes:

•       One-night accommodation

•       Round-trip transportation aboard Catalina Express for two

•       Free morning Kona coffee, Tea, Juice and donuts

•       10% Discount at Original Jack’s Breakfast Kitchen

•       10% Discount Catalina Adventure Tours

•       Round Trip Shuttle from the boat dock $20.00 extra

Rates start at $83.50 per person, double occupancy, excluding taxes, for a savings of up to 15 percent. These packages are valid for stays Sunday – Thursday, through March 25, 2021, based on availability. To book, visit here.

Hotel Metropole

Experience Catalina Island’s natural beauty and unlimited activities from the incomparable Hotel Metropole. Centrally located in the heart of Avalon, and just steps from the beach, Hotel Metropole is the perfect spot for romantic, family and singles getaways, as well as social gatherings, business meetings and weddings.

The Best of Winter Package includes:

•       Overnight accommodation in Deluxe Room

•       Round-trip transportation aboard Catalina Express for two

•       Champagne in room for two

Packages start at $285.00 based on double occupancy, excluding taxes, for a savings of up to 30 percent. These packages are valid for stays Sunday -Thursday, through March 25, 2021. Based on availability. To book, click here.

About Catalina Island and Catalina Express

Located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, 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 over one million passengers annually. It offers comfortable airline-style seats and grouped table seating. Traveling to Catalina Island in as little as one hour, each vessel was designed and built/purchased specifically for comfort and speed. Catalina Express is an unparalleled resource in Southern California, and one of the world’s most respected ferry fleets. For information and reservations, call 800.429.4601, or visit Catalina Express.

Catalina Island’s clear blue waters and Mediterranean climate and ambiance are a Shangri-La. This laid-back island town is chock full of places to eat, drink and shop. Catalina has a wealth of natural and cultural resources, unique animals and plants found nowhere else on earth. Sightseeing opportunities are numerous and varied from escorted tours around town, adventure rides into the interior, Jeep eco tours, hummer rides, to zip lines, rock climbing and undersea adventures. Independent activities are plentiful, camping, hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, spa treatments, beach lounging, golf, motor boating, parasailing, fishing, boat rides down the coastline and more.

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