Story and photographs by Greg Aragon
Catalina is not just an island paradise; it’s a very close island paradise, which makes it a perfect day or weekend getaway for Southern California residents. In fact, at only 22 nautical miles across the sea from Long Beach, the island can be reached by boat in one hour. With this in mind, the family and I recently escaped to the island for a memorable getaway.
Our journey began in downtown Long Beach at Catalina Express where we boarded one of the company’s sleek, catamaran-styled vessels for a one-hour trek across the Catalina Channel.
Featuring comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, lots of big windows and a full bar and snack shop, the boat makes for a fun trip. Highlights of the crossing included incredible views of the legendary Queen Mary; the giant, white geodesic cruise ship dome (former home to the Howard Hughes “Spruce Goose”); the beautiful Long Beach cityscape and a few playful dolphins following the boat.
For our crossing we upgraded our seats to the Commodore Lounge, where passengers enjoy priority boarding and check-in privileges, roomier and more intimate seating areas, and a complimentary beverage and snack.
When we reached the island, the captain anchored in the harbor at Avalon. Here we were greeted by schools of bright orange Garibaldi – the California state fish, along with a bustling little town, full of colorful boats and yachts, boutique hotels and shops, and scores of vacationers.
We then strolled a few minutes to the Avalon Hotel where we would spend the next three days and two nights.
Located on a hill, in the heart of Catalina Island, The Avalon Hotel overlooks the island coast in all its splendor. The property offers 15 luxurious, boutique rooms. Some are uniquely configured with an assortment of balconies offering sweeping views of Avalon and the harbor. All rooms include comfortable beds, premium linens, flat-screen TVs, a desk, microwave, refrigerator, and private bathrooms. Select rooms include a wet bar and an option of a Murphy bed.
We stayed in Room 101 and it was unforgettable. The first thing we saw when opening the door to this room was a gorgeous view of Avalon Harbor coming from a large window. The scene was so beautiful and colorful that it looked fake. But it was as real as the rest of this charming hotel.
The room also came with a huge, open balcony, with comfortable chairs and more impressive views. Other highlights included a Murphy bed, handmade natural soaps, fully lined bathrobes for guests to use, and a stately bathroom with tub and shower, upscale amenities, and signature toiletries.
Our room was next to the lobby and the lush, peaceful courtyard. Adorned with plants and trees, a trickling fountain, and a koi fish pond, the courtyard is where complimentary breakfast is held each morning.
Once acquainted with the hotel, we walked a couple minutes for a delicious lunch at Bluewater Avalon. Located on big wooden piers, overlooking the water, the restaurant boasts a tantalizing menu, specializing in fresh seafood and tender meats.
Bottom: The fresh cioppino and fish and chips are worth a return visit.
Our lunch began with fresh baked bread and a tasty jumbo shrimp cocktail appetizer. I then enjoyed a delicious bowl of cioppino, with clams, shrimp, calamari, local fish and vegetables in a rich tomato broth. Next we shared a plate of light and crispy fish and chips, while the kids had chicken tenders and a hamburger.
After lunch we walked next door to tiny Avalon Beach, where we played in the water and made sand castles and watched people swim back and forth to their boats that are anchored in the harbor about 50 yards offshore. We then headed back to the Avalon Hotel and relaxed on the rooftop deck, admiring expansive views of the beach, hillside homes and hotels and the iconic Catalina Casino.
Probably the most famous structure on the island, the round-shaped Catalina Casino was built in 1929 as one of the first theater’s in the world to be designed specifically for the new “talkie” movies. The building features hand-painted murals, by John Gabriel Beckman, whose work also adorns Hollywood’s Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.
The casino was also a popular spot during the Big Band era, when each week hundreds of people would sail to the island to see big bands with the likes of Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Gene Autry and other greats play on one of the biggest wooden dance floors the world had yet seen.
The next morning we enjoyed a healthy and hearty complimentary breakfast in the serene courtyard at the Avalon Hotel. The breakfast included hard boiled eggs, toast and muffins, cereals, coffee and juices.
After breakfast we walked to Catalina Golf Cart Rentals for a fun and unforgettable, 90-minute golf cart ride around the island.
Beginning across the street from the beach, our journey took us up a steep hill, where we encountered spectacular views of the ocean and coastline. We then winded through the island’s beautiful and rugged interior, passing hidden homes and numerous tiny vans and cars. Because the island is so small, golf carts and tiny, imported cars are what locals use for transportation.
Golf carts are not only fun, but are perfect for navigating small, island streets.
At one point in our journey we came to a dead end street at the base of a hill, where a group of deer came up to our cart to share our sunflower seeds. If you wanna see the island, a golf cart is one of the best and most fun ways to do it.
After touring the island we experienced lunch at Lobster Trap.
The restaurant is owned by commercial fisherman Caleb Lins, who searches the fertile waters off the Channel Islands in his 40-foot boat, looking for the freshest local fish and California spiny lobster to catch for his customers.
Our Lobster Trap lunch began with fresh Hawaiian poke, with tuna sashimi on a bed of salad. Next we shared a creamy bowl of clam chowder with lots of tasty clams and potatoes. We then sampled fish and chips and a delicious lobster sandwich, while the kids had a burger and chicken tenders.
After lunch we grabbed ice cream at Lloyd’s of Avalon, a Catalina tradition for more than 80 years that is famous for its saltwater taffy and one-time patron, Marilyn Monroe, who used to live on the island. We then spent the afternoon relaxing on the beach.
For dinner, we got sandwich stuff at the local market and enjoyed a lovely dinner on our balcony at the Avalon Hotel. As the sun went down, we watched boats bob in the harbor and waves crash on the shore.
We concluded our island visit with breakfast in the courtyard and then an exciting voyage back to the mainland aboard Catalina Express.
For more information on visiting Catalina Island visit the Catalina Express (or call 800-613-1212) and the Avalon Hotel (or call 310-510-7070).
