A Catalina Island Getaway

Start your adventure with the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach (or Dana Point or San Pedro—your pick). The hour-long ride is a total breeze, complete with a bar offering cocktails and snacks to kick things off properly.

Once you arrive in Avalon, check in at Hotel Atwater. It’s charming, central, and walkable to everything. If you’re in the mood for a scene, head to Descanso Beach Club, where the DJ is spinning and the rosé is flowing. Prefer peace and crystalline water? Step Beach is the move. Quiet, gorgeous, and ideal for a dip.

In the late afternoon, swing by the iconic Catalina Casino. It’s not a gambling spot but a beautifully preserved Art Deco theater that screens short films every day and real-deal movies on Friday and Saturday nights (yes, there’s popcorn).

Dinner is casual and satisfying at NDMK Fish House (go for the fish and chips), followed by a nightcap Manhattan at Bluewater Grill. If you can snag a table by the water, do it. As the lights sparkle across the bay, you’ll start to see what I mean. Avalon feels surprisingly Mediterranean in the best way.

Start your morning with breakfast at the hotel, then lace up your walking shoes for a mellow hike to take in Avalon’s cliffside beauty. There are plenty of photo-worthy moments along the way.

After your hike, wander down Pebbly Beach Road to Lover’s Cove. Bring your goggles or snorkel gear. This is one of the best spots to swim with the local fish, and the water is unreal.

Post-swim, treat yourself to a massage at Island Spa Catalina. Housed in the restored El Encanto building, this serene spot blends Catalina charm with expert bodywork—perfect for melting away any lingering mainland tension.

Early dinner is back at Topside. Don’t sleep on the surf n’ turf sliders, especially craveworthy when you opt for blackened shrimp. Solid cocktails and a relaxed harbor view make it the perfect wind-down.

Stick around for sunset on the pier. The colors, the breeze, the bobbing boats—this kind of quiet beauty sticks with you.

Sleep in and head to The Naughty Fox for brunch. It’s stylish and right on the waterfront, serving up tasty breakfast fare with a view.

Before your ferry, take a slow stroll through Avalon’s boutiques. The beachfront Catalina Pottery store is a must. It has lovely ceramics and surprisingly addictive snacks (truffle popcorn and dill pickle peanuts, anyone?).

Round out your island escape with an ice cream from Catalina Cones, the adorable pink house near the ferry terminal. It’s classic, cute, and the perfect sweet ending before boarding your boat back.