Catalina Island, increasingly popping up on lists of ?best? little known islands to visit, including Sunset Magazine, USA Today, Jaunted.com and CBS Early Show, will not disappoint new and returning visitors this summer. Now through December 31, 2014, Catalina Express gives travelers a free round trip ride on their birthday (up to $76.50 round trip) plus hundreds of dollars of savings with its Birthday Island specials.
Whether travelers are going for a day in the sun or spending a weekend or more experiencing true island culture, there are events galore, a new restaurant and a new spa that appeal to young, not so young, couples, families and adventure seekers. Golf carts, new electric bikes and walking are preferred modes of island transportation. Below is just a sampling of the openings, events and activities in which visitors can partake this summer.
Maggie?s Blue Rose: Award winning restaurateur Steve Bray and his wife Margaret have just opened Avalon?s newest restaurant. This duo has been working side by side for the past ten years establishing Steve?s Steakhouse as the number one restaurant in Avalon. Overlooking the Bay and Crescent Avenue, Maggie?s Blue Rose features authentic Mexican cuisine paired with an extensive margarita selection and wine menu.
Island Spa Catalina: Opening July 2014, the Island?s first-ever resort spa will feature nine treatment rooms with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, an Island Spa Caf?, a spa marketplace, a salon, an ocean view relaxation deck, a spa courtyard complete with a uniquely designed soaking pool and luxurious chaise lounges for guests to relax before and after treatments. Reflecting Catalina?s rich history and seaside atmosphere, Island Spa Catalina was designed to complement the graceful architecture of the famed El Encanto Building, originally built in the 1930?s. The spa will offer relaxing, healing and therapeutic treatments and rejuvenating body therapies.
Exploring Catalina Island on foot is a great way to experience nature and rekindle your spirits.? The Catalina Conservancy established and maintains the trails through the wild lands as part of its mission to restore and protect the invaluable natural, cultural and recreational assets of Catalina.
Hiking maps can be downloaded from the Conservancy’s website or purchased in the Explore Store in Avalon. Hikers can also explore Catalina with the Conservancy’s new iPhone and Android apps, which offer a GPS-driven map of some of the most popular trails.
One of the more popular trails out of Avalon is the Garden to Sky Hike. It starts at the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and leads to Divide Road from the top of Avalon Canyon. The entire round trip hike is 2.5 miles and can take up to two hours or so to complete. A sign at the top reads, “You Made It,” but the spectacular view is the real reward. From here, hikers can see both sides of the Island. For more information about hiking on Catalina, please call 310-510-2595, ext. 108. To obtain a permit online, please visit catalinaconservancy.org.
A full listing of Catalina Island events can be found here:
JUNE 2014
Thru 9/28 Chaplin and Goddard: A Secret Love Affair Exhibit at the Catalina Island Museum
She was an aspiring actress. He was an acknowledged genius. They shared a secret love… A love that could never be revealed. They had only one escape… An island, 26 miles off the coast of Los Angeles. Catalina Island Museum, 310-510-2414, www.catalinaislandmuseum.org
5/29-6/1 7th Annual Flying Fish Festival
The 7th Annual Flying Fish Festival is a four day event to celebrate the return of the incomparable Catalina Flying Fish with a variety of family fun themed activities. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce., 310-510-1520, www.flyingfishfestival.com
5/30-6/5 2nd Annual Avalon Restaurant Week
Avalon?s most popular restaurants are ready to dish up mouth-watering food at fantastic prices during the 2nd Annual Avalon Restaurant Week. This foodie celebration provides locals and visitors alike the opportunity to indulge in a variety of specially created prix fixe menus at some of Avalon?s finest establishments. Come out and Taste More of Avalon. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce. 310-510-1520, www.avalonrestaurantweek.com
6/14 Free Family Friendly Concert on Wrigley Plaza Stage: The Xceptional Tribute to ABBA
The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Xceptional Music Company are pleased to present this free, family friendly Summer Concert Series, next to the Bay on Wrigley Plaza Stage. Concerts are from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. A Beer & Wine Garden will be available at all concerts.
6/24-8/28 Summer Beach Bingo (each Tuesday & Thursday)
Bring your beach chair and some friends to the South Beach Lifeguard stand every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00-7:00pm. Bingo cards are $1 each and participants can win fun local prizes. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987, www.CityofAvalon.com
6/25-8/27 Kid?s Fishing Derby (each Wednesday)
Meet at the Green Pier at 7am. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987, www.CityofAvalon.com
6/26 Free Family Friendly Concert on Wrigley Plaza Stage: The Catalina All-Stars
The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Xceptional Music Company are pleased to present this free, family friendly Summer Concert Series, next to the Bay on Wrigley Plaza Stage. Concerts are from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. A Beer & Wine Garden will be available at all concerts.
JULY 2014
Thru 9/28 Chaplin and Goddard: A Secret Love Affair Exhibit at the Catalina Island Museum See June listing. Catalina Island Museum, 310-510-2414, www.catalinaislandmuseum.org
Thru-8/28 Summer Beach Bingo (each Tuesday & Thursday) See June listing. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987, www.CityofAvalon.com and Catalina Kid Ventures, 310-510-1704.
Thru-8/27 Kid?s Fishing Derby (each Wednesday)
Meet at the Green Pier at 7am. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987, www.CityofAvalon.com
Thru-9/1 Scavenger Hunt, Urban Adventure Quest Challenge
Part game, part tour, solve clues and challenges around Avalon, and be entered into a team competition for a free Quest awarded each month. Free Quest can be used in any of 25 Quest cities. Team size is 2 to 5 people. You MUST use promo code: CATCHALLENGE to be entered into the competition and to receive 15% off. Good for the Catalina walking tour only. Must have a smart phone to play. Sign up to play online at: www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com
7/4 Annual 4th of July Parade, Dinner at the Casino Ballroom, Fireworks Display
The golf cart parade down Crescent Avenue begins at 1pm. Enjoy a BBQ buffet dinner & music of the USC Marching Band in the Casino Ballroom with premium balcony viewing for the fireworks display over Avalon. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce. 310-510-1520, www.CatalinaChamber.com
7/4 4th of July Music Festival on Casino Point
Join the Catalina Island Museum from 3-10pm for its annual celebration of the 4th of July on Casino Point. This year’s event will feature a special appearance by Pattie Boyd, best-selling author and one of the most celebrated women to witness the 1960’s, live music and great food during the afternoon. The fun continues in the evening with a concert and watching the fireworks over Avalon Harbor. Visit the website for more information and to purchase tickets in advance. Catalina Island Museum. 310-510-2414, www.catalinamuseum.org
7/4 4th of July Mardi Gras Party at El Galleon
Visit El Galleon Restaurant before and after the 4th of July Parade. Featuring music from the Hyperion Dixieland Band and folk singer Trevor Jones on guitar. Live Karaoke from 9pm to 1am. Choose from over 20,000 song titles! El Galleon Restaurant. 310-510-1188, www.CatalinaHotSpots.com
7/6 A Hard Day’s Night with Special Guest Pattie Boyd
The year 1964 was one of the busiest and most creative in the history of the Beatles. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the London premiere of A Hard Day’s Night, the Catalina Island Museum will have a screening of the film in the Avalon Theatre at 7:00pm. Pattie Boyd has agreed to a live interview just after the film, in which she will discuss her memories of the Beatles, including meeting her husband on the set. Tickets are $8.00 for members of the museum and $10.00 for the general public. Catalina Island Museum, 310-510-2414, www.catalinaislandmuseum.org
7/19 Free Family Friendly Concert on Wrigley Plaza Stage: Xceptional Blues Featuring Billy Thompson
The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Xceptional Music Company are pleased to present this free, family friendly Summer Concert Series, next to the Bay on Wrigley Plaza Stage. Concerts are from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. A Beer & Wine Garden will be available at all concerts.
7/19 1st Annual Gold Star Dive
Scuba divers search for gold stars in Casino Point Underwater Park. This event is a fundraiser for the LA County Sheriff?s Community Programs and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. ASCSA Avalon Station Community Services Association. 310-510-0174
AUGUST 2014
Thru 9/28 Chaplin and Goddard: A Secret Love Affair Exhibit at the Catalina Island Museum See June listing. Catalina Island Museum, 310-510-2414, www.catalinaislandmuseum.org
Thru-8/27 Kid?s Fishing Derby (each Wednesday)
Meet at the Green Pier at 7am. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987, www.CityofAvalon.com
Thru-8/28 Summer Beach Bingo (each Tuesday & Thursday)
See June listing. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-1987, www.CityofAvalon.com and Catalina Kid Ventures, 310-510-1704.
Thru-9/1 Urban Adventure Quest Summer Challenge ? see June for full description
See July for full description. www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com
8/2, 8/16, 8/23, 8/31 Free Family Friendly Concerts on Wrigley Plaza Stage (8/2, Tribute to Eric Clapton; 8/16, Roadhouse Rock; 8/23, Video Generation; 8/31, Sirens Top 40 and More)
The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Xceptional Music Company are pleased to present this free, family friendly Summer Concert Series, next to the Bay on Wrigley Plaza Stage. Concerts are from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. A Beer & Wine Garden will be available at all concerts.
8/13 Catalina Film Society, (2nd Wednesday, every other month)
An opportunity for film enthusiasts to enjoy, discuss and celebrate brand new unreleased independent films on a monthly basis. Suggested donation of $10 for non-members, or become a member and support the effort to celebrate and educate the art of independent films. 818-787-1946, www.CatalinaFF.org
September 2014
Thru-9/1 Urban Adventure Quest Summer Challenge ? see June for full description
See July for full description. www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com
Thru 9/28 Chaplin and Goddard: A Secret Love Affair Exhibit at the Catalina Island Museum
See June listing. Catalina Island Museum, 310-510-2414, www.catalinaislandmuseum.org
9/13 Catalina Island Women?s Forum Wine Festival
This 19th annual fundraiser features over 80 wineries, delectable hors d?oeuvres and smooth jazz. Net proceeds help support mentoring and scholarship programs. Tickets available at the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce. 310 510-1520, www.theciwf.org
9/24-9/28 Catalina Film Festival
Annual celebration of Catalina?s rich film history features approximately 100 films screened at multiple venues around the island plus nightly events and entertainment. The festival is competitive with awards in up to 10 categories, including our festival partners? prestigious awards; the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation?s ?Great Communicator? Award, the Chaplin Family?s Charlie Chaplin ICON Award, and the ISLA Earth Award – an honor presented by the Festival?s beneficiary, the Catalina Island Conservancy. Catalina Film Festival. 818-787-1946, www.CatalinaFilm.org
9/19-9/21 56th Annual Catalina Festival of Art
Longest running annual event on Catalina Island. Artists from all over the country exhibit along Crescent Avenue and sell their works of fine art, sculpture, fine crafts & photography. Highlights include charity art auction and kids art show. Catalina Art Association. 310-510-2788, www.catalinaartassociation.org
9/27 National Museum Day
Discover Avalon?s sole institution dedicated to art, culture and the history of Santa Catalina Island with FREE admission to the Catalina Island Museum in celebration of National Museum Day. Open from 10am to 5pm. Catalina Island Museum. 310-510-2414, www.catalinamuseum.org
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 nearly 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, 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, snub, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, spa treatments, beach lounging, golf, motor boating, parasailing, fishing, boat rides down the coastline and more.
