OPPOSITE PAGE : COURTESY OF CATALINA ISLAND CO .; THIS PAGE , TOP TWO PHOTOS : COURTESY OF CATALINA MUSEUM FOR ART & HISTORY ; BOTTOM : COURTESY OF CATALINA EXPRESS |
The convenient Catalina Express ferry offers multiple departures from Dana Point , Long Beach and San Pedro to both Avalon and Two Harbors on the island . Consider upgrading to the Commodore ’ s Lounge for priority boarding and check-in as well as comfortable , leather-trimmed seats inside on the upper deck , with expansive windows to keep an eye on the water for dolphins , whales and seabirds that may make an appearance . The lounge also incudes snack service and an alcoholic beverage , if desired , to sip while cruising .
As you approach the island , Catalina looms larger , with Avalon ’ s boat-filled marina and the Casino soon coming into view . The large , round building is not a place for gambling , but rather it houses a ballroom upstairs and a movie theater downstairs , drawing from the Italian word for “ gathering place .” Guided tours of the art deco structure are available in addition to all kinds of other experiences on the island , from zip lining to riding in glass-bottom boats , kayaking , snorkeling , scuba diving , raptor experiences and more .
There are trips in an open-air Hummer to see the island ’ s wild backcountry and possibly spot some free-roaming bison . Stroll through the botanical garden or take in the exhibits at Catalina Museum for Art & History . Of course , there ’ s
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plenty of time to lounge on the beach , peruse the shops — Lloyd ’ s of Avalon is a must-visit destination for ice cream , salt water taffy and other nostalgic candies — and dine at the vast array of impressive restaurants , too .
HISTORIC HOSPITALITY When it comes to choosing a place to stay , Hotel Atwater provides a great home base in Avalon . Fully renovated in 2019 and originally opened in 1920 , it was the first hotel built under the direction of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr ., after he purchased the Catalina Island Co . more than a century ago . He named the establishment after Helen Atwater Wrigley , the wife of his son , Philip Knight Wrigley .
Guests receive luggage service from the ferry terminal so they may stroll along the waterfront unencumbered and have their bags delivered to the hotel , which is centrally located a block from the beach , across the street from the Tour Plaza and just steps from many shops and restaurants .
Fresh , contemporary decor features nods to the past and island life . The airy lobby offers fun tropical-print chairs amid the refined yet comfortable furniture , lush greenery and vases of fresh flowers , with two grand staircases leading to the upper levels . This welcoming space also includes an old Wrigley
Catalina Express
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Photos from the past at Catalina Museum for Art & History , including actor John Wayne ( top , at left ) and aquaplaning with the Casino in the background ( above )
Building vault filled with games from checkers to dominoes and Clue to play while relaxing . Glass cabinets in a back nook display Catalina memorabilia .
Upon arrival , guests receive two splits of sparkling wine in their well-appointed room as well as a $ 20 per room food and beverage credit to use at Bistro at the Atwater , which offers grab-and-go coffee , breakfast items and baked goods adjacent to the hotel , or at Avalon Grille , Antonio ’ s pizzeria or Descanso Beach Club . Overnight guests also receive a 15 % discount on Catalina Island Co . activities and tours plus complimentary beach towels .
FUN-FILLED DAYS When it comes to choosing activities , there ’ s too many to do them all in one visit . But among the highlights is the Undersea Sub Expedition . Step down into the Sea Wolf Semi-Submersible , which cruises 5 feet below the surface . In this climatecontrolled cabin , each passenger has their own seat and porthole to look through , but there ’ s plenty of space to get up and move around to try other vantage points . You ’ ll see an array of fish , such as spotted calico bass , opaleye , California sheephead and the state fish , the bright orange Garibaldi , in this vibrant marine environment . Keep your eyes peeled
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NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE 71 |