Off-season escape to Catalina Island, California

If you venture just 22 miles off the Los Angeles coast to Catalina Island during the off-season, you’ll be treated to a quiet escape. It’s a real contrast to the summer months when the town of Avalon can be overrun with tourists, especially since it is a popular cruise ship destination. Not only is Avalon more charming during the off season, but it is also easier to get hotel, dining and activity reservations… Just be sure to dress warmly, as most of the activities are outdoors.

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Photo courtesy of Santa Catalina Island Company

Getting there

Located off the Coast of Orange County, California, Catalina Island is 22 miles long and 8 miles across. Most visitors only see the city of Avalon, where the majority of island residents live. The small town is only one square mile in size, but has plenty to do and see.

Getting to Avalon requires a one-hour ferry ride via the Catalina Express, which leaves from Long Beach, Dana Point or San Pedro. Tickets are $35 each way (per adult), but it is worth the $15 more to upgrade to the Commodore Lounge. The upgrade includes indoor seating (it can be a bit cold and windy outside) and servers that deliver light snacks such as cookies and peanuts and a beverage. There is a $15 fee for overnight parking at the ferry terminal. If a boat doesn’t supply a dramatic enough landing for you, opt for a 15-minute helicopter flight. The ferry typically arrives prior to established hotel check-in times, but guests can either store their luggage at the ferry terminal or ask the hotel to store their luggage.

Photo courtesy of Santa Catalina Island Company

Getting around

Luckily, Avalon is small enough to get around on foot. For those wanting to cover more ground, bicycle or golf cart rentals are available. There are also a few taxis. Interior island tours are available through the Santa Catalina Island Company, which offers several excursions, including the 3.5-hour comprehensive Inland Expedition. For a shorter excursion closer to town, check out the East End Adventure , which offers an unforgettable trip to the summit above Avalon, in an open-air biofuel H1 Hummer. Traveling to 1,500 feet above sea level and five miles up the rugged interior terrain, guests enjoy spectacular views of the coastline and deep canyons below.

Photo courtesy of Santa Catalina Island Company

Accommodations

No matter what the budget, there are a variety of accommodations available, from moderate to luxury. The recently re-designed 72-room Pavilion Hotel features casual luxury accommodations with four different room types overlooking a central courtyard, most with semi-private outdoor spaces for relaxing, reading a book, or enjoying a glass of wine. It is conveniently located in the heart of town, just across the street from the beach. Join other guests to warm up around the hotel’s large, inviting fire ring every evening. Be sure to wwing by the nearby Vons supermarket to get ingredients to make your own s’mores.

At the Pavilion, guests can start their day with a complimentary European-style continental breakfast served from 7am–10:30am daily. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy a complimentary wine and cheese tasting from 4:30–5:30pm in the library while playing board games and taking in the ocean view. There is also a large covered patio with comfortable seating and outdoor heaters. All guests of Pavilion Hotel have access to Island Spa Catalina’s Fitness & Wellness Program, which offers fitness classes seven days a week.

Meanwhile. the Avalon Hotel‘s Rooftop Getaway provides guests with a quaint  spot to unwind while taking in views of the harbor and town. Enjoy the sunshine and ocean breeze in a lounge chair or bring your own snacks to watch the sunset from one of the cocktail tables. This  boutique hotel offers garden, balcony and ocean view rooms and features a garden patio with fountain and fire pit.

For those who appreciate a slice of history with the hotel stay, the charming, relaxed Hotel Catalina is a great option. Built in 1916, the hotel boasts Victorian architecture and decor, including wicker rocking chairs. The large balconies and private garden courtyard with jacuzzi allow guests the space to slow down and enjoy some rest and relaxation.

Photo courtesy of Santa Catalina Island Company

Dining

Avalon has some delicious dining options, from casual to fine cuisine, most of which have picturesque views. Keep in mind that during the slower seasons, some may be closed for renovations.

A popular restaurant among locals and visitors alike is upscale Avalon Grille, located on Front Street in the heart of downtown with large windows overlooking Avalon Bay. The menu features new American cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a large selection of wines, micro-brew beers and  cocktails. Guests can dine inside the elegant establishment, on the large and open-air outdoor patio or at the lively central bar. Menu items include the Blue Buffalo Burger with grilled house-ground buffalo and creamy Maytag blue cheese on a toasted Amish bun, with peppery arugula and sweet onion marmalade ($18), grilled octopus served over heirloom beans, pickled red pearl onions, chick peas and roasted eggplant purée, with savory pimento aioli and a Serrano chile kick ($15), and pretzel-croissant bread pudding served with salted caramel dulce ice cream ($8).

Photo courtesy Santa Catalina Island Company

For a quick bite or something to take with you, Ben’s Bakery features fresh sandwiches, salads and baked goods with daily specials. Ben’s also offers a variety of coffee drinks, smoothies, juices and teas. It is conveniently located in the Shops at the Atwater.

Other Avalon restaurants worth checking out, include El Galleon Steakhouse, Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant, Antonio’s Pizzeria & Cabaret on the Waterfront and Original Jack’s Country Kitchen.

Photo courtesy Santa Catalina Island Company

Adventure

There is no shortage of land and water activities around Avalon, whether you’re staying only a day or an entire week.

Thrill-seekers will love the two-hour Zip Line Eco Tour with five continuous zip lines. The longest run is 1,100 lineal feet. Participants will travel close to three quarters of a mile over five consecutive zip lines at heights of 300 feet above the canyon floor at speeds pushing 45mph.

Other interesting activities include mini-golf, the Wrigley Botanic Gardens, Interior Tours, Zip Line Eco Tour, hiking, glass bottom boat tours, parasailing, kayaking, sailing, SUP, scuba diving and semi-submersible tours. Activities run by the Santa Catalina Island Company will typically include a coupon for dining at the Avalon Grille, Ben’s Bakery and Descanso Beach Club.

Photo courtesy of Santa Catalina Island Company

Relaxation

The Santa Catalina Island Company has recently opened the Island Spa. This full-service spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials and body therapies. Some treatments unique to Island Spa include sand therapy and a Native American Sage Stone Purification Ritual. There is also a salon that provides hair, nail and makeup services.

The 15,000-square-foot spa is located inside the historical multi-level El Encanto building. There are 9 treatment rooms and a plenty of outdoor space for relaxing, including a small pool and the vista deck that overlooks Avalon Harbor. The Gentleman’s and Ladies’ Lounges include steam room and cedar saunas. While relaxing at the spa, guests can enjoy smoothies, sandwiches and desserts, as well as champagne, wine and beer at Encanto Cafe.

Whether trying to flee the hustle-and-bustle of Southern California or visiting from another state, Catalina Islands provides a wonderful spring escape.

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