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What’s New on Catalina Island – Spring 2021

Business re-openings, hotel renovations, seasonal family campsites and more

AVALON, CALIF. (March 19, 2021) – With a wealth of activities and near-perfect weather, Catalina Island is an ideal outdoor playground for spring. Love Catalina, the official Catalina Island Tourism Authority, has announced updates on behalf of businesses on the island, including a number of re-openings following Los Angeles County’s recent move to the less restrictive red tier.   

“Spring is a wonderful time of year on Catalina Island, typically signaling spring break travel for families, couples and groups,” said Love Catalina President & CEO Jim Luttjohann. “While the past year has been anything but typical, we are encouraged by the immense strides businesses on the island have made to safely reopen. As people begin to feel more and more comfortable traveling, we hope they will consider visiting us on Catalina Island for a getaway to explore the outdoors this spring.”

As of March 15, 2021, the Los Angeles County Health Order has been updated to reflect changes allowed within the red tier of the state’s phased reopening process. Modifications allow for the reopening of indoor activities at restaurants, museums, gyms, movie theatres and more at limited capacities, with additional safety measures in place.

Re-openings:

  • Indoor Dining: A number of restaurants on the island have resumed indoor dining services at 25 percent capacity. Additional protocols in place include at least eight feet distancing between tables; one household per table with a limit of six people; and continued use of masking by all employees. A list of open restaurants can be found online here.
  • Catalina Island Museum: Following a year-long closure due to the pandemic, the Catalina Island Museum is reopened for in-person visits every Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Visitors can explore current exhibitions, learn about Catalina’s rich history and enjoy the museum’s beautiful building architecture. The museum is operating at 25 percent capacity with enhanced safety measures in place. Due to limited capacity, visitors are strongly encouraged to pre-purchase admission tickets online here.

Renovations & Accommodations:

  • Catalina Island Inn Renovations: Located steps from Avalon’s restaurants, shops, tours and the beach, the Catalina Island Inn is currently undergoing renovations of 26 guestrooms. Set to be completed by mid-May, the refreshed guest rooms will incorporate a new coastal palate of cool hues, feature modern textiles and bedding, wood furniture and fixtures, and island-inspired artwork. In addition to the renovated guest rooms, all hallways and walkways throughout the Inn feature new carpeting and painting. To learn more or book your stay at the Catalina Island Inn, visit the website here.
  • Howlands Family & Friends Retreats – Normally a popular site for kid’s overnight summer camps, Catalina Island Camps on Howlands Landing has transformed the site to host families and small groups on the 12-acre property. The all-inclusive experience includes lodging in one of the open-air rustic cabins with either beach or canyon views; all meals prepared by the camp’s talented chef; access to a host of activities from snorkeling and kayaking to hiking and campfires; and amenities, including separate showers, restrooms and designated areas in the open-air dining hall for each group to ensure social distancing. Family camps will be available for a limited time from March 15 – June 11, 2021; families can take advantage of the Spring Break Special from March 14 – April 14 including a free Sunday night stay when you book five nights. For more information, or to book your stay, please visit the Catalina Island Camps website here.
  • Guest Stays at White's Landing via Mountain and Sea Adventures: Mountain and Sea Adventures, a nonprofit specializing in marine biology and environmental science youth camps, is offering small group and single bookings for visitors at White’s Landing this spring. An hour scenic drive through Catalina's beautiful interior, or a 15-minute boat ride from Avalon, White’s Landing is home to the longest stretch of sandy beach on Catalina Island, making it a great location for beachfront tent camping, ocean activities, beach bonfires and more. The location also offers a canyon with incredible hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to private group and single bookings at the campsites, Mountain and Sea Adventures is also offering a limited number of Family Camps, with the first one kicking off on Memorial Day weekend (May 29 – May 31). A unique way to experience the outdoors and explore Catalina, Family Camps include guided tours, hiking, kayaking and snorkeling along with evening activities such as star gazing and astronomy. To learn more, visit the website here, or call (310) 427-7845. 
  • Third Night Free – A number of hotels on the island are continuing this popular offer featuring a complimentary third night stay for midweek visits through March 31, 2021. Participating properties include the Hotel Atwater, Avalon Hotel, and the historic Mt Ada and  Banning House Lodge. For more information, or to book your stay, please visit the website here.

Seasonal Experiences:

  • Falconry Experience: The thrilling Falconry Experience returns on March 21. Situated in the picturesque Descanso Canyon, this is one of the few places in Southern California where visitors can get up close with falcons. During this 75-minute session, guests will learn the history and basic techniques of falconry from experts, get to know falcons, hawks and owls, and actually hold a raptor, casting it from your glove and calling it back again. Tickets are $89 for adults and $79 for children (ages 7-11) and seniors 55+. To book your experience, visit the website here.

New Locations & Construction:

  • Catalina Blue – Opening in late March, Catalina Blue is the island’s newest retail boutique offering island inspired designs, jewelry and accessories. The new store will be located along Crescent Avenue in the heart of downtown Avalon.
  • Catalina Divers Supply – Founded in 1960, Catalina Divers Supply – the oldest dive shop on Catalina Island – has moved to a new location in the iconic Catalina Casino. The new location is situated near the Casino Point Dive Park, one of the most popular dive destinations in North America. The location will include classroom space for additional dive classes and feature expanded retail space for both dive gear and island souvenirs. In addition to the new location, Catalina Divers Supply will continue to operate on Avalon’s Green Pleasure Pier
  • Catalina Island Conservancy Road Work Project: Through a unique partnership with the military, the Catalina Island Conservancy has embarked on a project to improve roadways along the island’s interior. The project has an environmental focus on improving the ecosystem to support better drainage and run-off control, while also creating a better visitor experience with smoother roadways. The project began in March and is expected to be completed by early May.

A full list of what is open on the island, along with current safety protocols in place, can be found online at www.lovecatalina.com/covid-19/whats-open/. For more information about Catalina Island, please visit www.lovecatalina.com. Follow along on Facebook @LoveCatalinaIsland, Instagram @LoveCatalinaIsland and Twitter @LoveCatalina_. Travelers are encouraged to share their memories and experiences via social media using the hashtag #LoveCatalina.

About Love Catalina:

Love Catalina serves as the official Catalina Island Tourism Authority. Originally founded in 1949, the nonprofit comprises over 200 member businesses, working to attract visitors and support the local economy. Love Catalina is governed by an elected board of directors and is funded in part through the collection of Transient Occupancy Taxes. For more information, please visit www.lovecatalina.com.

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