Planning a trip can be very overwhelming especially if you have never been there before. I am here to tell you that it is so easy to go to Catalina. Follow my top travel tips and frequently asked questions to prepare for your stress-free Island vacation. 

What could be more romantic than walking hand in hand down a beautiful island beach? Catalina or “the Isle of Romance” offers all types of couples the most unforgettable dream getaways and is only about an hour boat ride away from the coast of Southern California. Share a delectable meal, awe inspiring scenery and thrilling activities that will bring your bond closer together.

Discover the history of Catalina Island that has inspired artists and musicians for years. From the art-deco architecture to colorful tile murals, history and culture are truly around every corner on Catalina.

The New Year is here and we all know what that means… New Year’s Resolutions. This year, instead of creating a boring list of potential goals bring a bit of island fun into it. See our list of how to accomplish your resolutions while having an entertaining time.

Holidays are usually stressful, hectic and dramatic at times. Why not take a break and head over to Catalina Island during the off-season to get your peace of mind and reset. While you’re there, pick up a few items to check off your shopping list. What a better way to surprise the people on your holiday list than with a special gift from Catalina Island. Here are some fun ideas that will knock your friends and loved ones’ socks off. 

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.