Sometimes the greatest experiences in life were never even planned.

I got so many questions from you all when we went to Catalina Island I decided to just jot stuff down here;)

Nana and Papa were tireless caretakers of Hayden while I was working on the Lifetime movie. So, as a reprieve from the LA heat and lockdowns, we jetted off to Catalina, or more accurately - boated! For an incredibly last minute trip to a place none of us had ever been, the excursion will be filed in our memories under “perfect.” It’s a fabulous little getaway. Much like our trip to the snow earlier this year. I’ve lived in LA over 25 years and have never come down to this island. How this destination slipped though my fingers, I’ll never know. Plus, my dad has always wanted to visit Catalina- next time we’ll go fishing, dad! My earliest memories in life were trips to see my grandparents and extended family. Love that Hayden is making so many memories with his Nana and Papa. Grateful they make so many sacrifices to spend as much time with him as possible.

First things first:

COVID PROTOCOLS

The whole experience was safe from the boat ride on Catalina Express to the restaurants. You are required to wear masks the entire trip on the boat, in public places on the island, or around other people outside of your household. Many, many restaurants on Avalon open for outdoor seating, as well as outdoor activities. Shopping is available at limited capacity.

TRANSPORTATION:

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL: CATALINA EXPRESS worked very well for us. There is a submarine that I plan on taking next time. The VIP space is worth it… you board first and can sit with ample space, but also move about the boat and go outside. It’s about a 45-50 minute boat ride from Long Beach, where we boarded.

Once you arrive: if you cannot check into your hotel right away, or you are only there for the day and want a place to keep some items at different points throughout the day, the luggage check right at the boat dock is invaluable. We learned this a bit late, so don’t make our mistake. They will come drop off your luggage to your destination or pick it up for you upon check out; it’s totally affordable.

EXPLORE

FYI: jumper is sold out, but similar ones linked below. I really wish I had worn white tennis shoes instead of my black running shoes, but I wasn’t the best packer on this excursion.

Now, I’m not super familiar with this place, but our time wondering around was well spent. We walked to the Descanso Gardens passed the stunning Catalina Casino. If you keep walking, you’ll find a full adventure park (zip-lining, etc. I’m DOING THIS next time! It looked safe and fun). Keep going and you’ll find yourself hiking a bit up the mountain where we saw an entire family of deer.

I’ve been told next time I need to check out Wrigley’s Mansion (or the bed and breakfast pictured below here). Also, I will most definitely visit the museum to learn more about the history. Speaking of….

HISTORY

Italized Excerpt from PeterGreenberg.com

After the land changed hands from the Spain to the United States in the late 1800s, it was eventually bought by William Wrigley (of Wrigley chewing gum fame) in 1919, who immediately set out on investing in the island to make Catalina a tourist destination. The small town of Avalon was erected, along with the Casino Ballroom in 1929. The early 1900s was a golden age for Catalina—movie stars flocked to the island to relax and hide away from fans.

Charlie Chaplin fished off his boat, Humphrey Bogart and Errol Flynn would frequent the island, and even Winston Churchill came to fish, famously catching a marlin in 20 minutes. According to Catalina Island MuseumExecutive Director Michael De Marsche, John Wayne “would walk around, wave to the kids, walk into the local eatery or establishment, have a couple of drinks, come out with handful of quarters, and would throw them to the kids, who would dive in the water after them.”

In 1925, buffalo were brought over for the filming of Zane Grey’s THE VANISHING AMERICAN. The crew left the buffalo there and they are now a symbol of the island!

After Pearl Harbor was bombed, the island became a military base for quite some time. It eventually returned to a tourist and celebrity destination. Sadly, Natalie Wood’s drowing off a boat on the coast made international headlines.

EAT

We HIGHLY recommend the Bluewater Grill. It is right on the water and everything we ordered was perfect (and we can be picky!). I could eat their baked fish tacos everyday! We heard Avalon Grille is amazing, but it was not reopened yet.

“M” restaurant looked lovely and I heard amazing things about it as well.

But, you will not go hungry! Restaurants are plentiful and most overlook the Pacific. Maggie’s Mexican will be on the list next time;) Currently, you must eat outdoors (a mandate in Los Angeles), but that works perfectly in Catalina.

GOLF CARTS

Had we planned a bit better, we would have reserved a cart to explore the island. You can rent by the hour and request ones with seat belts (especially fo the little ones!). So, my to-do list for the next trip has started. And there will be a next trip, hopefully sooner than later. We didn’t think to reserve one and they got completely booked!!

Don’t wait as long as we did! If you’re in the area, carve out a day or two and go visit Southern California’s little escape! Yes, it’s touristy, but fun every once in a while. If you have any questions about it, ask away! Also, if you’ve been and have other ideas to add for my next time there, please let me know!

xoxo AAJ