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With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to get into the spirit the best way we know how: Island-style! Catalina Island offers many different ways to celebrate during the season. Events such as the Tree Lighting, Shop Catalina, a Holiday Concert, and New Year’s celebrations that will bring the whole family holiday joy. Enjoy these events in sunny California right on the beaches of Catalina Island! Shop Catalina Avoid the craziness of the malls this season with unique gifts you can only find on Catalina. Join locals for a day of fun at the 29th Annual “Shop Catalina” Holiday Kick Off that is held on December 3 from 12pm to 8pm. This Catalina tradition is an event that supports the local small businesses on the Island while bringing in the holiday spirit with different festivities held throughout…

Catalina Island is known for its wonderful hiking trails but if you have a bit of a competitive spirit kick it up a notch with some great races throughout the year. Catalina Island serves as the perfect backdrop for any running enthusiast. From the experienced runner to the enthusiastic novice Catalina Island has a race to please everyone with various distances and levels. Avalon 50k/50m Benefit Run – January 7, 2023 To start the New Year with a bang, the Island offers the Avalon 50k/50m Benefit Run. If you are an ultra-distance runner, this is definitely the race for you. You can choose to conquer the entire Island in the traditional 50 Mile Run, now going into its 41st year, or start off with the Avalon 50K Run (31 miles). This race weekend is renowned as one of the country’s…

Finding a place where the whole family can find something to enjoy can be difficult, especially on vacation. Avalon has you covered with many great restaurants that will satisfy the pickiest of eaters. Descanso Beach Club After experiencing the thrilling Zipline Eco Tour or the Catalina Aerial Adventure with the family have a delicious lunch beachside. The restaurant at Descanso Beach Club has a great menu with the nachos, hamburgers or even poke. CHILL at Descanso Beach Club offers frozen concoctions in a variety of flavors including alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Eric’s on the Pier Located right on the Green Pleasure Pier, Eric’s has been serving up delicious eats for 76 years. Offering everything from burgers to fish & chips, it’s a great place to stop by for a quick bite. Its right next to beach, so it is easy to…

With the mild Southern California weather and less crowds, many would say Fall is one of the best times to visit Catalina Island. From Jazz concerts to thrilling excursions, Catalina has so many activities and events that you can enjoy with your family and friends. Special Events Events are always more special when hosted on Catalina Island. The Fall is the season of many events that have a special island twist to them. Below are a few events you are sure to want to attend. For the Jazz music connoisseur, there is the 35th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival happening on October 13-16 and October 20-23. This long running event is a favorite and keeps bringing people back year after year. How about running a triathlon or half marathon on an island? The Island provides a breathtaking backdrop to a…

Vacation means different things to different people and not all travel destinations can provide something for everyone to enjoy, but Catalina Island has something to offer all different types of personalities. From thrill seekers to nature lovers, here are a few suggestions to customize your Catalina getaway to your liking. Thrill Seekers Nothing screams adventure…

Vacation is the time to indulge and nothing says indulgence like sweet treats. From frozen concoctions to traditional favorites, Catalina has a variety of desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Lloyd’s of Avalon Confectionary A Catalina Island institution for over 80 years, Lloyd’s is serving up a plethora of sweet treats. Try their famous salt water taffy that is made in-house. Made in a variety of flavors, once you taste one you will not be able to stop. Lloyd’s boasts a variety of other confectionary creations like caramel apples, peanut brittle, creamy fudge, ice cream in fresh waffle cones and chocolate covered strawberries. Chill at Descanso Beach Club While soaking up the sun on Descanso Beach refresh yourself with one of Chill’s frozen cocktails. They have a variety of flavors like Strawberry Daiquiri and Piña Colada with or without alcohol….

Cool off from the heat with an island vacation full of water activities. From diving into the sea and discovering the marine life to relaxing on the beach with a chilly refreshment, your Catalina getaway is calling. Dive In Get up close and personal with Catalina’s fishy residents by diving into the Island’s cool waters….

Nothing says vacation like indulging in a fun refreshment especially with an ocean view. Catalina Island has a boundless selection of delicious beverages to try, from the signature Catalina cocktail, the Buffalo Milk to an Island brew. Here are a few of the many places you could find a tasty drink on Catalina Island. Before…

Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day but lunch can be the most fun. Catalina has a variety of delicious places to try for this mid-day meal. From a quick bite to a whole culinary experience Catalina has just what you are looking for. Toyon Grill Toyon Grill specializes in fresh, sustainable, local fare with and the outside deck offers unforgettable views of the harbor. Toyon is located in the Catalina Island Conservancy Trailhead and is the closest restaurant to the Catalina Express Avalon terminal. With a unique cocktail selection and a delicious menu, it is a great place to stop after a morning hike. Café Metropole After a morning of activities on the Island, Café Metropole is a great place to grab a quick bite with a healthier vibe. This casual restaurant is located just steps…

As Father’s Day approaches, it’s time to think of the perfect gift for dad. Make some memories that you and your dad will never forget. From dads who love a bit of adventure to those who like to relax with a cocktail, Catalina Island is the place to be. Thrill-seeking Dad Play: Have a friendly competition…

You never want to skip the most important meal of the day on Catalina Island. From spicy breakfast burritos to gooey cinnamon rolls, fuel up on some tasty options to kick start your day. Pancake Cottage The Pancake Cottage, located right when you arrive in town, has all your favorite breakfast foods. It wouldn’t be called The Pancake Cottage if they didn’t make a mean stack of flapjacks. They also serve a variety of Mexican breakfast favorites like huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos. A personal fave is the waffle topped with strawberries and whip cream. Original Jack’s Country Kitchen There is something about breakfast that screams comfort food. Located on Sumner Ave. just a few doors up from the Green Pleasure Pier, Original Jack’s Country Kitchen serves you hearty meals just like your mom used to make. This old-school diner…

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, looking for the perfect gift can be a challenge. Let us help you take the guess work out of picking a fun present for mom. A Catalina getaway with relaxation and adventure is just what she needs. History Buff Catalina Island has a rich history that is begging to be discovered. For the mom who loves history, Catalina Island has a variety of activities she will love. Activity Located in the heart of Avalon, the Catalina Museum for Art & History helps you immerse yourself in the Island’s history. The museum celebrates the Island’s unique and vibrant cultural, featuring collections of Catalina artifacts, photographs, the connection to the Chicago Cubs, its role in World War II and more. For a more hands on approach to history, take the Catalina Tile Experience. This 90-minute…