3 Things You Have to Do In Catalina Island

3 Things You Have To Do In Catalina Island!

My husband just celebrated a birthday! So we asked my mom to watch the kids for a few nights so we could have a little fun! Errol immediately suggested we visit Catalina Island since it’s just an hour ferry boat ride away from paradise! So save my itinerary! Today’s blog is going to share 3 things you have to do in Catalina Island when you visit. This is a sponsored post, but as always, the ideas and opinions are my own.

Enjoy Descanso Beach Club

Errol and I watched dolphins dance across the ocean, enjoyed beautiful views and hot coffee on our hour and 15-minute ferry boat ride from Long Beach to Avalon. I’d recommend, checking Groupon for deals to save money on Ferry rides. There are other ports that leave from Dana Point, New Port Beach and San Pedro through Catalina Express.

Once the boat docked, a bellman took our luggage to the hotel and we were free to walk the waterfront and explore the island until our 4pm check-in. So we headed to Descanso Beach Club, Avalon’s only beachside restaurant and bar, for lunch.  Descanso Beach club offers signature appetizers, regional favorites, burgers, wraps, sandwiches and salads, and classic Catalina cocktails. You can also rent a cabana or chaise lounge and have your meal delivered to you on the beach.

We enjoyed freshly made chips and salsa, a burger with grilled onions and avocado as well as a fresh poke’ bowl and cocktails. Then we relaxed on the beach.

Stay Overnight

There’s so much to do on Catalina Island. Turn your daycation into a vacation. Extend your stay and enjoy the island’s offerings. The Hotel Atwater hosted us for a 2-night-stay. Hotel Atwater is newly renovated. The hotel’s fresh design and modern amenities offer an cozy experience. Just a block from the beach in the heart of Avalon, some suites offer views of the city while others offer mountain views. Standard rooms offer king or queen beds. All rooms are equipped with mini-refrigerators, smart TVs, digital concierge tablets, luxurious linens, high-end fixtures and quality finishes throughout. The hotel’s welcoming lobby features seating areas where guests can gather for friendly conversation or enjoy sips and snacks.

Errol and I felt welcomed by the complimentary sparkling wine in our room. We enjoyed hot grab-and-go breakfast at the cozy and stylish Bistro at the Atwater Cafe within the hotel. The shredded beef breakfast burrito was my favorite.

Book an Excursion..

Catalina Island is full of adventure. So make sure you book an excursion. On our visit, we were hosted to a “Bison Expedition” where we traveled through the winding roads and up the mountains of Catalina Island into the grazing grounds to spot Bison. I’m afraid of heights, but I’m so glad I answered the call of adventure and pressed my way because in addition to spotting bison, we took in sweeping views of rugged canyons and the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

When we visited Catalina Island a few years back, we ziplined. There are also opportunities to snorkel, go on submarine, camp and more. Click HERE for a list of SEA and Land Excursions. I hope my suggestions of 3 things you have to do in Catalina Island where helpful. Watch my reel from Instagram to see some of the fun in action! For another summer adventure please check out my blog Glamping in Santa Barbara.