Neighborhood: Catalina Island

A vacation just isn’t complete without wonderful nightlife venues, and Catalina Island is no exception. If you are planning a romantic get away or vacation to Catalina Island, you’ll enjoy the wonderful activities available to those who seek an active nightlife. In fact, it may seem that once the sun sets on Catalina Island, the best part of your vacation begins. Catalina features plentiful options for those who would like to dance the night away or enjoy live entertainment until early morning hours. So whether you are enjoying a gorgeous sunset on the beach, or dancing until the sun comes up, you’ll find that Catalina Island offers activities for every night owl to enjoy.

If you are looking for a great restaurant to enjoy nighttime drinking, you’ll find that there are a few amply stocked bars that are all located within walking distance of each other. The El Galleon offers steak, fish, and lobster and is located right on the beach. They offer plenty of fine fare as well as Happy Hour from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M and have evening Karaoke as well.

Steve’s Steakhouse Bar & Grille also boasts a full bar but provides nightlife seekers with a relaxing atmosphere and wonderful views while sipping great cocktails.

If a tropical atmosphere, live music and dancing is what you are seeking, then you’ll love Luau Larry’s. Located on the bay, this fun bar provides the perfect nightlife for those who want to dance the night away and enjoy some of the great local bands of the area. Known for their famous tropical drinks and cold beers, Luau Larry’s is a must see on your nightlife list.

Another great place to go for music and dancing is the Chi Chi Club. This dance club features DJ and live music, and has pool tables. The Chi Chi Club is for those 21 and over.

Whether you’re visiting Catalina Island for the day or vacationing for a week, dining options are likely of the utmost importance.

Casual Dining

If you’re interested in dining at casual restaurants while visiting Catalina Island, you’ll find that the options are almost endless. For a slice of pizza or a deli sandwich, Antonio’s Pizzeria & Deli is a favorite amongst Avalon locals and visitors. If you’re in the mood for some Mexican food, the Buffalo Nickel Restaurant is the place to go. This restaurant is located right outside of Avalon near the helicopter pad at 57 Pebbly Beach Road.

Fine Dining

For those who wish to indulge in a meal with a fine dining atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed. Some of the more popular fine dining establishments in Catalina Island includes Steve’s Steakhouse Bar & Grille, Ristorante Villa Portofino and El Galleon Restaurant. Both Steve’s Steakhouse and El Galleon serve steak and seafood entrees and have a wonderful atmosphere to them. Ristorante Villa Portofino is also a lovely dining establishment – catering to customers that are looking for an authentic Italian meal.

The best part about dining in Catalina is that there’s no dress code. Even if you’re headed out to one of the fine dining establishments listed above, you’ll be just as comfortable in a t-shirt and shorts as you would be in a sports coat or dress.

Most dining establishments are open for lunch and dinner – however, it’s best to call prior to heading over.

Horseback riding is one of the most popular activities on Catalina Island and it’s the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors while taking in all the spectacular scenery around you. There are several horseback riding stables on the island that provide a number of riding tours for individuals, allowing you to select the appropriate tour length and trail route to fit your budget.

One of the better known horseback riding stables on Catalina Island is Catalina Stables. Located at 600 Avalon Canyon Road, Catalina Stables offers several horseback riding options, varying in length of time, difficulty and price. From ½ hour tours to overnight excursions, the prices start around $40 per person and increase from there. For more information on Catalina Stables or to make reservations, you can contact the stables directly at 310-510-0478.

Catalina Island is a location which is not only aesthetically pleasing but has a fascinating history behind it as well. In fact, some may be surprised to find that its history dates back quite a few centuries.

The Discovery

The first people to inhabit Santa Catalina Island were individuals of the Gabrielino/Tongva tribe. These Native Americans traveled back and forth to the island from the mainland for the purpose of trading items such as soapstone. The first European to discover Catalina Island was Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, a Portuguese explorer who was on his way to Spain and when coming upon the island believed he had found the country. The island was rediscovered in 1602 by a Spanish explorer named Sebastian Vizcaino who came up with the name which is used today.

Post-Discovery

Catalina Island saw many visitors in the years that followed its discovery. Smugglers, pirates, and even otter hunters from a number of different countries used the land to benefit their businesses. After losing most of the population to a widespread epidemic, the 1860’s saw a resurgence of population due to a type of gold rush – although the benefits were not reaped due to lack of gold on the island. In 1864, the federal government cleared the island of people and it wasn’t until around the early 1900’s when the island became a tourist destination and the population surged as a result.

The city of Avalon came into existence around the beginning of the 20th century and from that point forward the development was great. Hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities were constructed and turned Catalina Island into a wonderful tourist destination. During portions of the 20th century, the Chicago Cubs used the island for spring training as William Wrigley, Jr. had part ownership of the island. In addition, during the 1900’s pottery and tile was made on Catalina and the main airport on Catalina Island was constructed in 1946. The island saw a brief shutdown in the mid 1900’s due to military use during World War II but opened back up shortly thereafter and saw an influx of tourism which is evident to this day.

California’s Catalina Island offers numerous water activities. The gorgeous turquoise waters are the perfect playground for snorkeling, fishing, boating, swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving.

First, Catalina Island features four beautiful beaches, all of which you may swim in. The four main beaches located in Avalon are Descanso Beach, South Beach, Middle Beach, and Step Bach. The Descanso Beach is part of the Descanso Country Club. Many people favor kayaking at Descanso Beach, and the Descanso Beach Ocean Sports offers great kayak and other boating accessories for rent.

South Beach is located to the right of Green Pleasure Pier, a very popular fishing location, and is close to plenty of activities such as dining and shopping facilities. When spending the day at the beach, you’ll find there’s plenty of time to enjoy a great day in the water, or fishing, and then enjoy some of the attractions. On the left of Green Pleasure Pier, you’ll find Middle Beach, and just north, you’ll find the smallest beach, Step beach. It’s important to realize that lifeguards are only on duty during the summer months.

In addition to the wonderful beaches, the fishing at Catalina Island is plentiful. People of all ages enjoy fishing at Catalina, from very young children to experienced anglers. You will need a saltwater fishing license and you can pick one up at the Two Harbors General Store. There are also several bait and tackle shops on the island. You’ll also discover that Two Harbors offers a number of incredible activities, from Buffalo Safaris, to Scuba and Snorkeling rentals.

Scuba Diving Magazine credited Two Harbors with the honor of being the World’s Healthiest Marine Environment. The water is crystal clear and provides the optimum scuba diving experience. Beginners will enjoy snorkeling, as there are plenty of lessons and guided underwater snorkeling tours. One of the most fascinating scuba diving locations is the Lover’s Cove Undersea Gardens. The Marine has been preserved and offers a wonderful underwater view for novice as well as experienced scuba divers. Whether you are spending the day at the beach, fishing, or enjoying the amazing sites while scuba diving, Catalina Island is full of wonderful water based activities.

For those visiting California’s gorgeous Catalina Islands, boating and kayaking provides a wonderful activity. Catalina Island is rich with scenic beauty and one of the best ways to explore these natural treasures is by boat or kayak.

The only way to reach Catalina Island is by ferry or plane, and once on the island, you’ll discover that boating or kayaking is the best way to access some of the more inaccessible areas of the island. Kayaking offers many benefits to those who want to view the island due to the fact that they are small and easy to navigate. Even a novice can handle a kayak, so you don’t have to worry about your boating skills before setting off on your adventure.

Santa Catalina island has a number of different boat rentals available and you can pretty much pick and choose the boat or kayak that best fits your needs. There are double kayaks that have an additional seat. This is a great option for those kayaking with children. In addition, you can take one of the guided tours of the island by kayak. An instructor, who gives a lesson regarding paddling and the basics of kayaking before setting off on the journey, leads these excursions. One company in particular, Descanso Beach Ocean Sports, provides guided kayaking tours as well as charter boats for those who would like to kayak in more remote parts of the island.

You can rent kayaks by the hour, by half a day, or a full day. The prices vary for single and double kayaks. You can expect to pay about $16.00 per hour, $35.00 for half a day, and $48.00 for all day rentals. The price for double kayak rentals is roughly $24.00 per hour, $52.00 for half a day, and $64.00 for a full day. In addition, there are several other boat rental facilities on the island, worthy of mention are Joe’s Rent-A-Boat and Wet Spot Rental.

Located off the coast of California, Catalina Island is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and plethora of activities. Whether it's spending a wonderful day golfing, or exploring the island on horseback, Catalina offers scenic splendor and activities everyone can enjoy.

Catalina is a hot spot for tourists and sees nearly one million tourists per year. The island is accessible by ferry or helicopter and day ferry tours are also provided. You can access the island by private boat and you’ll find that there are many cruise lines in California that make Catalina a favorite destination.

When visiting the island, you’ll have your choice of staying in one of the four star hotels and enjoying all of the amenities afforded by a luxury island resort. For example, the plush Catalina Canyon Resort and Spa offers benefits such as a garden courtyard and private balconies. The resort is styled in true Mediterranean architecture and you’ll wonder if you’re in Greece or Italy instead of California. The spa offers the best service and you’ll enjoy candlelit rooms where you experience the powerful healing benefits of aromatherapy and the most cutting edge trends of massage.

In addition, you’ll find that a trip to Catalina Island may also be explored best by staying in the campground, Two Harbors. You will need a permit to camp but you will find that the experience is well worth the stay. There are facilities available that include showers, toilets, a barbecue pit, lockers, and fresh water. You can choose to either set up your own tent or take advantage of one of the tent cabins that sleeps up to six people and includes cots, a stove, lanterns, and picnic tables. Whether you choose one of the exquisite hotels on the island or to experience the beauty of Catalina Island first hand while camping, you’ll discover that the island offers some of the most exciting adventures and exhilarating activities for all visitors.

Whether you are planning the wedding of your dreams, looking for a romantic get-a-way for two, or planning a family vacation, you’ll find that Catalina Island meets your expectations and then some more. Activities abound and in addition to the swimming, boating, horseback riding, and other outdoor adventures, you’ll also find that Catalina offers a number of planned events. From outdoor nature hikes and learning adventures to cultural art displays, Catalina offers numerous activities and events to enhance every visitor’s experience. The Catalina Museum also provides insight into Catalina Island’s rich history and is a great way to learn more about this fascinating island.

 

Additional Information On Catalina Island

Boating & Kayaking Opportunities
Catalina Island: Dining
Getting There
History
Horseback Riding
Catalina Island Nightlife
Water Sports & Activities