What to do Catalina Island
Credit: Catalina Express

Craving an Island Escape? Here Are 4 Reasons We Love Catalina for a Winter Getaway

The Cooler Months Are the Perfect Time for Outdoor Exploration—and Even a Polar Bear Plunge!

Whether you’re looking for an unexpected winter escapade or a quick getaway to recharge, Catalina Island is one of our favorite spots to book a trip to during the holiday season—especially when it only takes an hour on a high-speed ferry to get there.

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With three ports on the mainland in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, Catalina Express offers up to 30 trips a day to and from Catalina’s ports: Avalon and Two Harbors. After over 42 years of service, Catalina Express’ fleet consists of eight high-speed vessels, half of which are large catamarans. We love the multi-level decks, choice of indoor or outdoor seating and the overall thrill of flying over the sparkling waters of the Pacific—things that are only made better by the gorgeous view, snacks and bar service. The fleet also offers luggage storage, which will definitely come in handy if you plan on staying on the island for a few days.

So let’s set sail! Here is your adventurous guide to a winter island escape on Catalina.

 

Winter Boat & Hotel Packages

Catalina Island Museum Events
Credit: Catalina Express

After an exciting ferry ride, we recommend making your first stop the hotel. Catalina Island offers a multitude of beautiful places to stay, but this winter, check out the Best of Winter Package—you’ll get up to 50% off your hotel stay and get your boat trips covered! The hotels included in this promotion are:

 

Credit: Catalina Island Company

Hotel Atwater: A refined, resort-style property offering two splits of sparkling wine upon arrival and $20 (per room and per night) food and beverage credits for Bistro at the Atwater, Avalon Grille, Antonio’s or Descanso Beach Club.

 

Credit: Catalina Canyon Inn

Catalina Canyon Inn: Enjoy a winter stay at the newly renovated Catalina Canyon Inn! Their winter package includes free shuttle service and two round-trip tickets aboard the Catalina Express.

2/23

 

Credit: Bellanca

Bellanca Hotel: Situated steps from the water, this boutique hotel is perfect for a weekday getaway! Starting at $307, guests can choose their room type, enjoy round-trip transportation aboard Catalina Express, taxi transfer from the boat landing to hotel and a bottle of sparkling wine.

 

Credit: Hotel Metropole

Hotel Metropole: A chic oceanfront retreat, Hotel Metropole is offering one-night in a deluxe room, round-trip transportation aboard Catalina Express for two for $309 plus tax! Valid Nov. 6, 2023 through March 17, 2024.

 

Credit: Glenmore Plaza Hotel – Amelia Earhart Ocean View

Glenmore Plaza Hotel: Starting at $135 per person, Catalina visitors can stay in a premium queen room at the Glenmore Plaza Hotel and enjoy a continental breakfast, free WiFi and round-trip transportation for two aboard the Catalina Express!

2/18

 

Outdoor Exploration

Hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail

Credit: Catalina Island

Catalina Island is known for many things, one of which is its beautiful and diverse ecosystem—something we absolutely recommend enjoying to the fullest extent. One way to do this is by hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail—a 38.5-mile trail stretching across the island from Avalon to Two Harbors. The terrain is hilly and perfect for hiking at any level, from beginners meandering about to advanced adventurers planning a four-day exploration.

 

Bison Expedition + Zip Line Eco Tour

For those looking for a fun daytime activity, animal lovers and cinephiles will appreciate the Bison Expedition, a two-hour ride on an open-air biofuel Hummer to see the island’s famous bison population. Thrill-seekers will absolutely love the Zip Line Eco Tour, a heart-pounding zipline ride that lets you take in all the natural beauty of the island (if you’re brave enough to keep your eyes open!).

 

Cultural Experiences

Catalina Casino

Credit: Scott Fairchild

No matter if it’s your first time visiting or if you’ve been coming to the island for ages, there’s always more to learn about Catalina’s rich history and cultural scene. For history buffs, we recommend heading over to the Catalina Casino to get an inside look of the iconic landmark. You can even catch a movie at the Avalon Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays! 

 

Catalina Museum for Art & History

Credit: Catalina Museum

The Catalina Museum for Art & History offers an immersive collection of Catalina’s history as well as pieces of art and photography. To celebrate its 70th anniversary, the museum is allowing visitors the opportunity to pull back the curtain and peek into its Cabinet of Curiosities! Witness stories of fantastic feats of human endurance, observe items of implausible ingenuity, and gaze upon the artistry revealed through the treasures from the permanent collection. Be sure to check the museum’s calendar while planning your trip—yours may line up with one of its special events.

Writer | Website | + posts

Born and raised near the Pacific Coast, Jordan Nishkian is a California girl through and through. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in Anthropology, and her favorite place to be is curled up in a comfy chair with a book in her hand and a pen in her hair.

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