A Winter Island Getaway – by Genie Davis
We’ve stayed on Catalina Island many times, often exploring the museum, the casino, or inland hiking. Off-season is one of the best times to go – fewer crowds, often perfect weather, and excellent ways to save on costs, too. This year, Catalina Express and close to 20 hotel partners, including for Banning House Lodge in Two Harbors for the first time, are sharing its popular “Best of Winter” ferry and hotel packages, now through March 14th.
The Casino is stunning, as are its tours; the museum always has special exhibitions and a terrific, historic permanent collection. There are new restaurants to experience such as the first biergarten in Avalon, Fix Biergarten, and the revamped Lobster Trap, as well as the brand new waterfront Pier 24, which pays tribute to the island’s original Steamer Pier from 1924. There’s also a new Pearl Discovery Experience, an interactive pearl jewelry experience, many eco tours into Catalina’s interior, and of course outdoor fun from hiking to parasailing, kayaking, and diving.
Speaking of diving, perhaps you’ll want to participate in the Underwater Cleanup in its 43rd annual iteration on February 22nd, or the Catalina Island Maraton 10k or 5k on March 8th.
The package offers round trip boat transport for two, and a variety of hotel packages:
At Banning House Lodge, guests can experience the beauty of Two Harbors, and wide views of both the Isthmus and Catalina Harbor, along with a selection of evening wine and cheese, and continental breakfast. Note that this venue is not open in January; check dates with the hotel, but due to weather, the property is typically open starting March 1st.
Ready for your visit right now, the Catalina Canyon Inn offers views, a pool, shuttle service from its spot just above town into Avalon Center, and an on-site restaurant.
The Aurora provides an ocean-centric theme and ambiance in a boutique hotel vibe, with Continental breakfast; Hotel Mac Rae is beach front in the center of town, a Continental breakfast served in its open-air courtyard, and after check-out shower facilities if you plan to get in a kayak session, dive, or swim before departing. At the Bellanca, guest will enjoy a bottle of sparkling wine, as well as a taxi ride to and from the boat landing.
Stay tuned to see what we will experience on the island, which is accessible via Catalina Express form San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point in as little as one hour. From nature to cultural experiences, from history to hiking, snorkeling to fishing to spa experiences, Catalina has a little bit of everything an island getaway can offer – close to home and mellower and more magical off-season. For more info, check out the Winter Packages here.
- Genie Davis; island photos by Genie Davis; Catalina Express image provided by Catalina Express.