WHAT’S NEW ON CATALINA ISLAND THIS SPRING
March, 2024 - May, 2024
Love Catalina Island welcomes the warmer months with special activities, offerings, hotel packages and events
AVALON, Calif. – March 8, 2024 –As travelers head into spring looking for an idyllic retreat to slow down or adventure away in paradise, Love Catalina Island, the official Tourism Authority of Catalina Island, is pleased to announce a multitude of lively events, activities and deals for the spring season. From thrilling outdoor adventures to immersive movie experiences, hotel packages and cultural museum events, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
Explore a variety of offers and activities for the perfect Spring Break trip with loved ones, including:
Bison Expedition Tour’s 5-year Anniversary
Available now
- This guest favorite is celebrating its anniversary this year as a unique experience you’ll only find on Catalina Island! The 2-hour, 4-wheeling adventure offers an excellent opportunity to search for American bison in the wild as you journey through the favorite grazing grounds of these majestic animals and through the island interior. Visit the website for tickets and more info.
Maverick Helicopters New Catalina Explorer Tour
Available now
- As one of the largest aviation-based tourism companies in the world, Maverick Helicopters is now offering passengers flights over the untouched charm of Catalina Island. With the Catalina Explorer flight, fliers will depart on a 20-minute aerial tour over the 22-mile-long island sanctuary, starting and ending in Avalon with views of roaming buffalo, soaring eagles, and majestic dolphins over the beautiful beaches. The Catalina Explorer flight starts at $199 per passenger, book here. Images available here.
Catalina Casino General Admission tickets
Available now
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Step back in time as you meander through one of Catalina’s most well-known landmarks on your terms. General Admission guests may wander the iconic Casino, marveling at the soaring hand-painted murals, the world-famous ballroom and the Romance Promenade offering some of the most spectacular views of Avalon. Visit the website for more info and tickets. Images here.
Available Year-Round
- With its perfect weather, safe environment and convenient location, Catalina Island–nicknamed “Kidalina”–is the ideal destination for families with children of all ages. Countless activities and fun things to do with kids are available, and families can enjoy kid-friendly dining, too! Visit the website for a list of suggested activities, such as land and bison tours, underwater experiences, playgrounds and more.
Explore El Rancho Escondido Tour Launch
Tours open for general bookings starting March 2, 2024.
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Prepare for an unforgettable adventure to explore the breathtaking, recently renovated El Rancho Escondido! This exclusive excursion takes guests on a journey through Catalina's picturesque interior, offering a rare opportunity to witness one of the island's most magnificent landmarks. Learn more here, image here.
Catalina Island Marathon, 10K, 5K
March 9, 2024
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This “bucket list” trail marathon is celebrating its 47-year anniversary as California’s oldest trail marathon and the only one that runs across an island in the Pacific Ocean. The marathon starts in Two Harbors and runs back to the City of Avalon where, along the way, you will experience views of the Pacific Ocean, wildlife, wildflowers and incredible scenery at the peaks of the island. Visit the website for more info and registration.
Catalina Arts & Crafts Festival
March 29, 2024 - March 31, 2024
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Presented by the Catalina Art Association during Easter weekend, this event is one of California's longest-running and most acclaimed art festivals. Admission is free, and visitors will enjoy waterfront views of the art market featuring booths selling arts and crafts by local artists, music, family activities and more! Visit the website for more info.
Bistro at the Atwater’s 5-year Anniversary
Available now
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For five years, Bistro at the Atwater has been serving visitors and locals their morning cup of coffee or tea, cool and refreshing juices and other specialty drinks. Perfect to build a beach picnic, pick up a refreshing boost of energy or grab something smooth and sweet, guests are invited to celebrate half a decade of delicious drinks! Visit the website for more info.
IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders 6-Month Special
Valid through March
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Akuario is celebrating the six-month anniversary of showcasing "Ocean Wonders”—a unique 30-minute immersive underwater movie filmed entirely in 360 degrees and projected onto the inside of a custom dome theater in stunning 8K resolution. Akuario has proudly welcomed more than 2,000 visitors who experienced Catalina’s lush kelp forests, soaring manta rays, inquisitive bull sharks, playful sea lions and more, all from the comfort of plush seating and beanbags. To celebrate, Akuario offers every visitor free popcorn with a 10% discount by using code “IMMERSED6MO” when booking online. Image here.
Catalina Museum's Happy Hour and Ann Weber's Sculpture Opening Night Reception
March 1, 2024, and March 23, 2024
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Join the Catalina Museum for Art & History this March for two exciting events! On March 1 at 5:00 p.m., experience First Fridays at the Museum: Culture between Cocktails, a happy hour featuring light bites, specialty drinks and access to the galleries, digital theater and museum plazas. On March 23 at 6:00 p.m., attend the Opening Reception of "26 Miles" by artist Ann Weber to explore monumental sculptures made from repurposed cardboard, serving as metaphors for memory, nature, and the human spirit. Weber will demonstrate her sculpting techniques using basic hands-on tools, and the exhibition runs until August 9. Visit the website for more info. Images here.
April 13, 2024
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The city of Avalon invites visitors to fly a kite at Joe Machado Field and enjoy a day of fun, sun, kite flying and delicious food from Virgie's Snack Bar. Whether participating or just watching, this annual event is perfect for the whole family. Kites will be available for purchase in the Community Services Department starting March 15th. Visit the website for more info.
Valid through April 30, 2024
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Celebrate the season with a spring fling on the Island of Romance! Enjoy two nights at the Aurora Hotel, where you will be greeted with a bouquet of spring flowers and a bottle of sparkling wine. The package also includes round-trip transportation for two aboard Catalina Express. $599 weeknights and $826 weekends plus tax. The offer is based on availability and not valid on holidays. Visit the website for more info.
28th Annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball
April 20, 2024
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Each year, the annual Catalina Island Conservancy Ball raises vital funds for key conservation, education and recreation programs. This black-tie fundraising event is held at the historic Casino Ballroom and will include dinner, dancing, live music and silent/live auctions. Booking early is recommended as attendance is limited and will sell out. Visit the website for tickets and more info.
April 27, 2024
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Presented by the Catalina Museum for Art & History, this new event will feature homemade tamales from a variety of vendors including demonstrations. Visitors will enjoy live music, dancers, a tasting to select the Best Tamale, and more! Specific event details to come. Visit the website for more info.
37th Annual Silent Film Showcase at the Catalina Museum
May 17, 2024 - May 18, 2024
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This Opening Night screening of Alfred Hitchcock's final silent film, "Blackmail,” marks one of the world's longest-running celebrations of silent cinema. Hosted by the Catalina Museum for Art & History, the film screening will take place under the stars in the museum’s Ackerman Family Amphitheater and feature live musical accompaniment by composer Michael Mortilla and presentation by silent film expert Randy Haberkamp. Light appetizers are included, and specialty refreshments will be available for purchase. Tickets are $20 for museum members and $25 for non-yet-members. Visit the website for tickets and more info.
May 18, 2024
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This magical night features an evening of dancing to music from the 1920s and 30s performed by Dean Mora & the Avalon Ball Dance Orchestra. Guests will immerse themselves in glorious Deco opulence, gliding across the 10,000-square-foot dance floor surrounded by ocean views. Now in its 21st year, the Avalon Ball features a completely restored space with a ballroom that retains its original romantic style with Tiffany chandeliers, an elevated stage and a vintage, full-service bar. Visit the website for more info.
18th Annual Taste Around of Avalon
May 30, 2024
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As the official kick-off to Avalon Restaurant Week, the Taste Around has become a popular annual event for visitors to enjoy the most scrumptious tastes of delectable food and beverages at some of Avalon’s finest dining establishments. Participants will vote for their favorite “Tastes” of food, drink and dessert. Visit the website for more info.
May 31, 2024 - June 1, 2024
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The 9th Annual Catalina Wine Mixer is a weekend of live entertainment, wine tastings, live music, special VIP programming and an exclusive wine pairing lunch! Located at the beautiful Descanso Beach Club, this event is one of SoCal’s most unique and entertaining wine and music events. Join for an unforgettable weekend and save with lodging packages. Visit the website for tickets and more info.
11th Annual Avalon Restaurant Week
May 31, 2024 - June 6, 2024
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Now in its 11th year, some of Avalon’s most popular restaurants are ready to dish up mouth-watering food during Avalon Restaurant Week. Join for a multi-day foodie celebration and indulge in a variety of specially created dishes and menus. Visit the website for more info.
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of spring on Catalina among the island's blossoming beauty and coastal backdrops. Perfect for a relaxing escape or thrilling adventures, this island paradise has something for everyone.
About Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority:
With 230 members, the non-profit organization Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority is the champion of the island’s business community. The organization fosters a successful economy through the promotion of the island as an attractive destination for travel with a focus on sustainability. For more information, please visit www.lovecatalina.com. Travelers can also join the conversation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/lovecatalinaisland) Instagram (@LoveCatalinaIsland) and Twitter (@LoveCatalina_).
About Catalina Island:
A picture-perfect island paradise just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina is a beautiful, dynamic, eclectic destination with a rich history, wide open spaces, and fresh ocean breezes. Catalina offers 25 lodging properties and 300 vacation rentals, including bed and breakfast inns, seaside condominiums, charming bungalows and hotels. The Island boasts 33 palate-pleasing restaurants, lively seaside bars, and an abundance of on- and off-water activities and amenities. Also, home to eight marine sanctuaries and the Catalina Island Conservancy (with 48,000 acres of pristine protected wilderness), these island treasures offer endless year-round outdoor recreation possibilities. Catalina is the perfect getaway all visitors will love. For more information, please visit www.LoveCatalina.com.
CONTACT:
62ABOVE on behalf of Catalina Island
Alex Herron at AlexH@62above.com | catalina@62above.com
