WHAT’S NEW ON CATALINA - SUMMER 2021
Tourism Authority announces new food and beverage offerings, LGBTQ Pride Month march, beachside movies and more
With an array of re-openings across the island and a variety of activities for all ages, those looking to escape for the day or spend a weekend away can enjoy the summer months on Catalina Island. Love Catalina, the official Catalina Island Tourism Authority, is thrilled to announce updates on behalf of local businesses that will have visitors flocking to the island all summer.
Travel Updates:
Catalina Express
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this summer, Catalina Express will expand its schedule on June 21 to nearly 30 ferry departures daily. Visitors can plan their stay on the island with a variety of boat and hotel packages featuring roundtrip transportation on the Catalina Express. For more information or to book your trip, visit the website here.
Cyclone Power Boat to Two Harbors
Transportation between Avalon and Two Harbors via the Cyclone, a seasonal high-speed power boat has resumed daily services. The 40-minute long boat ride is the fastest way to travel between the two locations, providing visitors an opportunity to explore both ends of Catalina in the same day. The boat departs from the Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon for an exciting cruise along the stunning Catalina coast. Tickets are $15 each way and can be purchased online here.
Openings/Re-Openings:
CHILL at Descanso Beach Club
CHILL at Descanso Beach Club is now serving up alcoholic and non-alcoholic frozen beverages to guests soaking up the sun and enjoying the day at the private beach. Open every day at 11 a.m., beachgoers can delight in an assortment of flavors including the famous Catalina buffalo milk, along with mango margarita, piña colada, Jack & Coke, strawberry daiquiri and more.
Avalon Grille
Visitors can once again enjoy Avalon Grille's signature coastal cuisine as the restaurant reopens its doors. With an updated menu featuring locally sourced fish, choice meats and farm-to-table produce, the restaurant offers spectacular views of the harbor and is ideal for those looking to dine al fresco. Avalon Grille is located on the corner of Crescent and Catalina Avenues, across from the beach and Green Pleasure Pier in the heart of Avalon.
Events:
LGTBQ Pride Month
The City of Avalon will once again proclaim June as LGTBQ Pride Month on the island. Locals and visitors are invited to celebrate the historic month with a march on Saturday, June 12 at 1 p.m. Beginning in the center of Avalon at Wrigley Stage, the march will continue along the boardwalk to Casino Point. In addition, the iconic Catalina Casino will be lit in rainbow colors from June 11 - 14 in recognition of Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community.
Outdoor Movies
- City of Avalon Movies on the Beach - The City of Avalon will host Movies on the Beach on South Beach every other Wednesday from June 23 to August 11. Films begin at 7 p.m. and snacks and refreshments are available for purchase. Visitors are asked to bring their own chairs or blankets. The full movie lineup can be found here.
- Dinner and a Movie at Descanso Beach - Beginning in July, visitors can enjoy a movie under the stars every Sunday at Descanso Beach. Dinner is available from 5 – 8 p.m. and features prime New York steak, slow braised pork spareribs, al pastor chicken and shrimp skewers and more. Chips and salsa are also available for purchase during the movie which begins each Sunday at sunset. More information and a full movie lineup can be found here.
- First Friday Films at the Catalina Island Museum - The Catalina Island Museum will kick off First Friday Films on July 2 with a showing of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” at the outdoor Ackerman Family Amphitheater. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the movie starting at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are priced at $12 per person and beer, wine and snacks will be available for purchase at an additional cost. Purchase tickets and get information on the additional film lineup and museum events here.
Concerts at Metropole Market Place
Enjoy live music at the Metropole Market Place every Friday and Saturday in June from 6 to 9 p.m., and daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m during the month of July. Local bands like Catalina Eddy, Islenos and Hot Off the Range bring the island vibes for visitors to enjoy while strolling along the charming Market Place to shop, dine and relax. Travelers can also now grab lunch with an ocean view at M Restaurant, located in Metropole Market Place, which is offering Afternoons at the M.
Fourth of July
Catalina Island will celebrate the Fourth of July from morning to night with a festive golf cart parade, firework show, live music, home and business decorating contest and more. Visitors can enjoy the parade beginning at 1 p.m. on Casino Way before dancing the day away with live music on the Wrigley Stage and end the celebrations with a firework show at 9 p.m. at Avalon Bay and at Two Harbors on 3rd St. More information on the festivities can be found here.
Catalina Wine Mixer
The first major event to return to the island, the sixth annual Catalina Wine Mixer at Descanso Beach will once again bring the most unique wine and entertainment event to Southern California September 10 - 11. Wine-lovers will delight in unlimited tastings from local and imported brands, live music, an array of food offerings and more. This beloved event also features an official screening of “Step Brothers” at historic Avalon Theatre. Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets early as the event sells out quickly. Tickets can be purchased here.
New & Seasonal Offerings:
People’s Park Dog Park
Adding to Catalina’s many dog-friendly offerings, the City of Avalon has recently opened a dog park at People’s Park on Avalon Canyon Rd. Hours of operation can be found here and dog park rules are available here. Travelers looking for pet-friendly getaways can bring fido on the Catalina Express, which allows one pet per person for no additional cost (full pet policies here) and enjoy a pet-friendly stay at a number of hotels including Hermosa Hotel, Holiday Inn Resort Catalina Island, Seacrest Inn or Catalina Island Vacation Rentals.
Flying Fish Voyage
This popular seasonal tour from Catalina Island Company is back for the summer, giving visitors an up close and personal nighttime experience aboard the Cyclone as guests cruise along the coast in search of Catalina's world-famous marine aviators. The boat is equipped with a powerful searchlight that entices the fish to take flight and soar across the surface of the sea. To book tickets, visit the website here.
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 Island:
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.
