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Catalina Express: Catalina Island Travel Blog : Catalina Express

Catalina Express Blog

Catalina Island Fox native to Catalina Island. Can be found nowhere else in the world.

Plants and Animals of Catalina 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.

An exclusive interview with Gail Fornasiere, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Catalina Island Museum.

A Catalina Museum Exclusive Interview

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 camping and hiking tails for every level.

Catalina Island's Hiking Guide

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.

The Catalina Casino decorated for the holidays at dusk.

Catalina Holiday Gift Guide

What do you give the family member or friend who is impossible to shop for this holiday season? Avoid the holiday lines and give an experience that will create treasured memories. Catalina Island has something to offer every type of personality on your holiday list.

Sunset over Avalon Bay with holiday decorations on the Catalina Island Casino

Catalina for the Holidays

Trade in the snow for the white sandy beaches this holiday season on Catalina Island. The Island is a truly festive place to enjoy the holidays with many fun activities and events.

Jazz guitarist planing on Descanso beach with the Catalina casino behind him

Fall Fun on Catalina Island

Fall continues to be the secret season on Catalina with beautiful weather and numerous activities for visitors to enjoy. From marathons to one of the most celebrated Jazz festivals, the Island is the premier destination for your Fall getaway.

Image of live music at Catalina wine mixer

Catalina Wine Mixer

If, like me, your summer is defined by Will Ferrell movies, wine, fun music, and sunshine, or really, any of the above, then you should have already purchased a ticket for the upcoming Catalina Wine Mixer on Catalina Island. If you already did, then you’ve nailed it…. If not, just know your search is over for that magical, glorious weekend that will define your summer. It’s here… on Catalina Island.

Catalina Express’s world-famous Bloody Mary

Catalina Island Bucket List

From its heyday as Hollywood’s playground to a relaxed beach resort atmosphere, Catalina Island has always been a great place for weekend getaways. As a place with such illustrious history, there are certain must do’s when visiting. Here is the ultimate bucket list for Catalina Island.

Two girls enjoying a weekend getaways at Catalina Island

Girl's Trip Catalina Island

Catalina Island will be one of your favorite girl’s weekend getaways with a multitude of both fun and relaxing activities. As you disembark the boat, start your morning at Catalina Brewing Company with a delicious pastry and some hot or iced coffee, You and your girls can enjoy your brunch inside or outside the quaint café or take it on the go as you stroll through town. Be sure to stop in some boutiques to browse the cute apparel and pick up beach essentials from bathing suits to sunscreen.

Antonio’s slice of cheese pizza

Catalina Island Lunchtime Deals

Everyone visiting a new place loves to find a good deal especially when it comes to lunchtime. Take advantage of Avalon’s lunch specials on your next visit. Finding a delicious lunch for under $10 is easy when you know where to go.

Group of people sitting on a beach playing bingo

Summer Time Activities on Catalina Island

Summer time is about putting down the cell phone and reconnecting with your family and friends. Catalina Island offers visitors the perfect escape from the work emails to relax and experience life at a slower pace. While the Island has plenty of amazing tours year-round, there are also many summer activities guests can experience. From Kids’ Fishing Derby to concerts, Catalina hosts fun events and activities for everyone in your party.

two young girls sitting on a beach

Tips and Tricks to Catalina Island with Young Children

As schools begin to let out for the summer, it is time to start planning your family vacation. The thought of traveling with young children can be daunting, especially if your vacation spot is an hour boat ride away. However, with a little bit of preparation and some travel hacks, your trip will go as smoothly as a baby’s bottom. Here are some travel tips and tricks to traveling to Catalina Island with young children.

Family by the coast

Explore Catalina Island with Dad

Trade in the traditional dad tie for something he will really enjoy, an island adventure. Make memories with him this Father’s Day by visiting Catalina, where he can make the catch of the day or relax beachside with his favorite brew or cocktail. The Island offers a variety of activities for every type of dad, so being bored is never on the agenda.

large group of people attending a festival on a beach

Tasty Festivals on Catalina Island

Taste and sip your way through Catalina Island by experiencing the upcoming festival season. From the occasional wine and beer drinker or restaurant goers to an expert oenophile or gastronome, Catalina is sure to have an event just for you. The Island hosts many delicious foodies, beer and wine fests from summer to fall that you won’t want to miss. 

mother and two young kids on a sunny day

Give Mom the Gift of Travel this Mother’s Day

Finding the perfect gift for Mother’s Day is always a challenge. What do you get the woman who does everything for you all year?
This year skip the traditional bouquet of flowers or sweater and give mom the gift of travel. Plan a fun getaway to Catalina Island where she can relax and spend time with you. No matter what your mom’s personality is, Catalina has you covered with a wide range of activities.

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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.