As a coffee lover, I cannot imagine a morning without the smell of brewing coffee.  I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a Coffee Connoisseur, but I definitely think I do a good job pretending to be. Over my trips to Catalina, I have explored a variety of coffee shops on Catalina Island to see what they were brewing up. 

Want to know a secret? The real magic of Catalina Island can be found when you explore beyond the Avalon and experience the Catalina backcountry. While Avalon is limited to just about two square miles, the rest of the Island extends to nearly 76 square miles and offers an undeveloped wilderness just waiting to be discovered. 

When planning your trip to Catalina Island, you have to stop by Lloyd’s of Avalon Confectionery for some sweet delectable treats. If you have been to Catalina, most likely you have smelled the tempting sweetness of the confectionery from a block away or seen the taffy pulling machine in the window working its magic. Lloyd’s has been handmaking salt water taffy from their original recipe since 1941. I went behind the scenes with Taylor Morones to watch this delicious process of making taffy from scratch. 

Sometimes you just need to get away from the stress of life and just relax. Catalina Island is the perfect place to go. Grab your squad and hop on Catalina Express to escape to another world. The Island offers a variety of activities for whatever mood you are in. Relax on the beach, enjoy a hike or visit a museum, it can all happen on Catalina Island. 

Summer is finally here, which means it is time to round up your friends and head to the Island. Whether it’s a bachelor party or weekend trip with guys, Catalina Island has a lot to offer. 

The Green Pleasure Pier is a Catalina Island staple. Jutting out 407 feet, the Pier is packed with Island history. Originally built to ease the congestion of incoming boats and fishermen, the Pier now is a hub for activities and excitement. Explore the Pier to find comfort foods, book an island excursion, have all your Catalina questions answered and maybe see the next big catch being reeled in.

There are no boundaries when it comes to food, but it has to look delicious to be Instagram-worthy. I love trying new cuisine as my taste buds have no limits, but I always return to my favorite food and beverage combinations. Here are some of delectable pairings you must try on your next trip to Catalina Island.

Open now at the corner of Crescent Avenue and Pebbly Beach Road, the Trailhead is the perfect place to begin your Catalina adventure! It is the flagship facility for Catalina Island Conservancy, the 501c3 non-profit that manages 88% of Catalina Island with the mission to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. Here, we break down the top five things to do at the Trailhead.

Make memories with dad this Father’s Day by visiting Catalina, where he can reel in the catch of the day or relax beachside with his favorite brew or cocktail. The Island offers a variety of activities that your dad will enjoy, so being bored is never on the agenda.

This summer, experience the fun events happening on Catalina Island. From family-friendly games on the beach to concerts that will knock your flip flops off, find out all about the Island’s ongoing summer activities.

Finding the perfect gift for Mother’s Day is always a challenge. This year skip the traditional bouquet of flowers or sweater and give mom a getaway full of memories. Plan a fun vacation to Catalina Island where she can relax and spend time with you. No matter your mom’s personality, Catalina has you covered with a wide range of activities.

Who doesn’t love a delicious taco? It feels like you have found the Holy Grail when you discover that hidden-gem taco spot. Whether you prefer a soft or crunchy shell, let your taste buds explore Catalina through the Taco trail for some of the best tacos on the Island. 

The Catalina Island Conservancy protects 88% of the Island including more than 62 miles of unspoiled beaches and coves. The Conservancy cares for hundreds of plant and animal species, including over 60 species found nowhere else in the world. I had the chance to ask Hillary Holt, Catalina Island Conservancy’s Interpretation and Outreach Specialist a few questions about the Island’s amazing plant and animal life.

I recently sat down with Gail Fornasiere, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Catalina Island Museum, to catch up on the 2019 museum exhibition plans. The Catalina Island Museum has beautiful permanent and seasonal exhibitions featuring the island’s fascinating history, culture and interactive artwork. Conveniently located on Metropole Avenue, this beautiful landmark is a must on your next visit. I spoke with Gail about what she sees coming in 2019 that will be beneficial for visitors to know during their upcoming Catalina day trip or overnight stay.

Catalina Island offers a wide variety of hikes among the 165 miles of recreational roads and trails made accessible by the Catalina Island Conservancy. With new and improved trails, signs and restrooms, Catalina Island is a premier destination for hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts.