Credit: Catalina Express

Celebrate 100 Years of Catalina with Exquisite Dining, Snorkeling Fun and a World Famous Bison Expedition

Cruise on Over to Celebrate Catalina Island’s 100th Anniversary with Adventure and Fine Dining

Written By: Elise Edwards
Photography: Provided By: Catalina Island and Catalina Express Catalina Island Activities

For 100 years, peaceful beaches, perfect climate and seaside scenery reminiscent of a European hill town have been luring visitors to the island of Catalina. It all started in 1919, when William Wrigley, Jr. of Wrigley chewing gum fame, sunk his teeth into the 76 square-mile property off the coast of Southern California and dedicated himself into making it a world-class resort destination. It didn’t take long for his dreams to be realized—what started as a playground for Hollywood elite now beckons to over a million tourists each year!

Catalina Island Activities

Stay In Style

Hotel Atwater

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by James Rafael (@jamesrafael) on

Almost 100 years after Hotel Atwater first opened its doors in 1920, those doors are opening again following an extensive and impressive renovation. Named after Helen Atwater Wrigley, wife of William’s son Philip, the overhaul gives a nod to her casual yet stylish persona. Visitors can expect fabulous entertainment in the lobby, a restaurant with communal tables and a “statement” bar featuring world-class wines and classic cocktails. Guest can check in starting August 18, 2019.

Hotel Atwater
125 Sumner Ave
Avalon, CA 90704 
866.332.4669

Catalina Island Activities

Have You Herd?

Bison Expedition

Starting in March, Catalina will be launching its brand new Bison Expedition! Climb aboard an open-air Hummer and set out in search of the herd abandoned by a movie crew in the ‘20s. This tour also provides you with a chance to get a lay of the land as you travel up Cape Canyon to a scenic overlook on Black Jack Mountain.

Bison Expedition
866.332.4669

Two for One

Cyclone

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Catalina Island Company (@visitcatalinaisland) on

Thanks to the Cyclone power boat, visitors can now explore both ends of Catalina in the same day. Start in Avalon and travel to Two Harbors where you can relax, explore, dine, snorkel and more! Take the 40-minute trip back to the mainland that day or stay overnight at the charming Banning House Lodge.  

Cyclone
866.332.4669

Banning House Lodge
1 W Banning House Rd
Avalon, CA 90704
866.332.4669

Catalina Island Activities

Tour Time

125th Anniversary Tours

In the pre-Wrigley days, visitors to Catalina would drop in for a horse-drawn stagecoach ride. In celebration of the 125th anniversary of those expeditions, Catalina Island Company is offering two tours. One takes guests to iconic spots such as the Catalina Country Club (originally the Cubs clubhouse). The other includes the historic Avalon Theatre and Mt. Ada, the former Wrigley mansion.

125th Anniversary Tours
10 Island Plaza
Avalon, CA 90704
866.332.4669

Catalina Island Activities

Flashback for Foodies

Descanso Beach Club

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Catalina Island Company (@visitcatalinaisland) on

Descanso Beach Club sits on the site of the former Hotel St. Catherine. The restaurant at Descanso Beach Club, the island’s only beachside dining, is the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation. For a limited time, guests can be transported to the past and sample from its historic menu, which includes vegetable soup and a prime rib sandwich.

Descanso Beach Club
1 St Catherine Way
Avalon, CA 90704
310.510.7410

Website | + posts

Trending

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

INTERESTS

Related Content

Skip to content