With a wealth of activities and near-perfect weather, Catalina Island is an ideal outdoor playground for spring. Spring is a wonderful time of year on Catalina Island, typically signaling spring break travel for families, couples and groups. We hope you consider visiting Catalina Island for a getaway to explore the outdoors this spring.
Restaurants
Indoor Dining & Beach Dining: Restaurants on the island have resumed indoor dining services. In addition to indoor dining, many restaurants continue to offer beach dining along the picturesque Crescent Ave, which is truly a unique and enjoyable experience. Nearly all of our restaurants are open, while two will reopen later this month. Bars will reopen in mid-June. View our listing of open restaurants, with links to menus and hours of operation.
Re-openings
Catalina Island Museum: Following a year-long closure due to the pandemic, the Catalina Island Museum has reopened for in-person visits every Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Visitors can explore current exhibitions, learn about Catalina Island’s rich history and enjoy the museum’s beautiful building architecture. The museum is operating at limited capacity with enhanced safety measures in place, visitors are strongly encouraged to pre-purchase admission tickets online.
Catalina Island Casino: The famed icon is once again open for tours. Two narrated walking tours—Discover the Casino and Behind the Scenes Casino, each gives a unique perspective of this Art Deco masterpiece, from the first theatre built specifically for “talkies” on the lower level, to the world’s largest circular ballroom on the top level, where thousands once danced the night away to the sounds of big band music.
Three Palms Arcade: Avalon's only arcade has reopened and welcomes all ages back for Island Style Bowling, arcade games, prizes, big screen TVs, great food, beer, wine, and cocktails; all with a relaxed island vibe. Open daily, located in the Metropole Marketplace.
Family Accommodations & Packages
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 through June 11, 2021. For more information, or to book your stay, please visit the Catalina Island Camps website.
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, or call (310) 427-7845.
Packages & Special Offers – Make the most out of your trip to Catalina Island with a hotel or lodging package. Many hotel and lodging packages include overnight accommodations and transportation to the island via high speed ferry or helicopter. Explore our packages and find the right package for your getaway to Catalina Island.
Seasonal Experiences
Falconry Experience: The thrilling Falconry Experience returned 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 Catalina Island Company's website.
Cyclone to Two Harbors: Take the Cyclone power boat between Avalon and Two Harbors and explore both ends of Catalina in the same day. You’ll depart from the Green Pier in Avalon for an exciting cruise along the stunning Catalina coast to the rustic village of Two Harbors, where you can do as much as you like, or as little as you want. It takes less than 40 minutes! Tickets are $15 each way.
New Locations
Catalina Blue – Catalina Blue is the island’s newest retail boutique offering island inspired designs, jewelry and accessories. The new store is located along Crescent Avenue, next to Catalina Pottery & Tile Company, 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 Coastal Tours & Fishing - The tour company, which offers Dolphin & Sea Lion Tours, Private Fishing Charters, Shoreboat Services, Jet Ski Rentals and more has opened a new retail location on Sumner Ave, just down from Lloyd's of Avalon. The new store offers handmade gifts, apparel, and housewares in addition to fishing tackle, fishing supplies, rod rentals and California State Fishing Licenses.
A full list of what is open on the island, along with current safety protocols in place, can be found on our What's Open page. Check back often as businesses open and update hours of operation for the spring and summer season.
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.
