facebook

Catalina Express: Catalina Island Travel Blog : Catalina Express

Catalina Express Blog

Avalon Bay with beautiful colors and fluffy clouds

A Cultural Experience on Catalina Island

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.

Hiking catalina island's backroads

New Year's Resolutions for the Traveler

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.

Catalina Island christmas sunset

Holiday shopping on Catalina made easy

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. 

Coffee cup from Catalina Island Brew House

Coffee Spots on Catalina

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. 

Camping on Catalina Island

Camping Catalina's Backcountry

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. 

Taffy being pulled on taffy puller

Behind-the-Scenes of Making Lloyd’s Famous Salt Water Taffy

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. 

two girls enjoying a beverage on the beach

Girls' Getaway on Catalina Island

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. 

Guys Getaway on Catalina Island

Guys’ Getaway Island-style

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 Catalina Island Green Pleasure Pier

Explore the Green Pleasure Pier

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.

Toyon's charcuterie plate pair perfectly with their on-tap kombucha

5 Catalina Beverage and Food Pairings You Must Try

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.

Catalina Conservancy's Trailhead; an adventurers dream location

The Trailhead – 5 must-do’s

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.

Join Dad on an adventurous trip to Catalina Island this Father's Day

An Island Adventure with Dad

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.

 

signer rocking the stage with a beautiful catalina island sunset

Summer Events on Catalina Island

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.

 

young family playing in the sand at Descanso Beach.

Give Mom the Gift of Travel

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.

take the taco trail and try the tacos at maggies

On The Taco Trail

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. 

 

Page 6 of 9

Daily Boat Trips To Catalina Island

Discover paradise on Catalina Island with daily ferry trips to and from the island. More than one million travelers choose Catalina Island as their getaway each year and Catalina Express' large fleet of boats make the trip in about an hour, operating every day, year round from three mainland ports - Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point.

Escape To Catalina Island

Leave the hustle and bustle of the "mainland" behind. Catalina Island is the perfect place to take a break from the demands of daily life. With so many activities to choose from, your visit to Catalina Island can be adventure-packed or filled with rest and relaxation. With its year round Mediterranean climate, it's the ideal place to enjoy ocean air and sunshine.