New restaurants, adventure tours, all-inclusive campsites and travel updates

AVALON, CALIF. (SEPT. 10, 2020) – Love Catalina Island, the official Tourism Authority for Catalina, is pleased to announce a number of updates on behalf of businesses and restaurants for visitors to enjoy this fall. Located in Los Angeles County, just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina is a nearby island escape that doesn’t require a flight. Known for a variety of outdoor activities like camping, zip-lining and adventurous expeditions to see the island’s famous bison, Catalina’s beautiful blue waters and mountainous landscapes make it an ideal destination for those looking to safely travel this fall. 

“Hotels, restaurants and other businesses on the island have done a tremendous job of implementing the appropriate safety protocols over the past few months,” said Love Catalina Island President and CEO Jim Luttjohann. “As people begin looking for ways to travel again, we hope they will consider visiting the island. From beachfront dining to exploring the off the beaten path backcountry, Catalina is a great option for travelers who want a safe escape with plenty of space to roam.”

A roundup what’s new on the island includes: 

Al Fresco Dining on the Beach – While restrictions on indoor dining throughout Los Angeles County remain in place, the City of Avalon has teamed up with Love Catalina Island to create guidelines that have made it possible for many restaurants to stay open. New protocols for outdoor dining allow restaurants to set up tables directly on the beach from 5-11 p.m. and booths for fast pick-up to operate between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. View a list of all open restaurants on Catalina Island.

New Restaurants and Shops:
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  • The Naughty Fox at Bellanca: The signature restaurant at the all-new Bellanca Hotel, Naughty Fox is a modern beach bar serving coastal cuisine and island inspired cocktails. Menu standouts include a Lobster BLT with tarragon aioli, bacon, lettuce and tomato, and Lamb Meatballs with tzatziki sauce, feta and tomato. The extensive cocktail list includes Naughty Fox originals, such as Foxy Lady with Aperol, sparkling wine soda, orange twist, along with experiential libations like the Fox Kit for mimosa lovers, complete with a bottle of bubbly and a choice of two-ounce fruit purees and a Foxy Flight of three half pour tasters. Explore the full menu here.
     
  • Seaside Sweets at Metropole Marketplace: Catalina’s first paleteria  – or Mexican ice cream shop – Seaside Sweets opened in July and specializes in La Michoacana premium paletas. Available in a variety of flavors, including creamy and non-dairy fruit options like coconut, strawberry and watermelon. Seaside Sweets is also a select location serving the popular and refreshing Aguas Locas, a Los-Angeles based company founded by a Catalina local, which bottles premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic aguas frescas drinks. Find Seaside Sweets on Instagram at @seasidesweets_catalina.
     
  • M Restaurant: Now operating under new management, M Restaurant has reopened to the public for dinner service after a season specializing in events and catering only. Guests can enjoy outdoor patio dining with views of the Avalon harbor and iconic Catalina Casino, and an Italian menu using seasonal ingredients and locally sourced swordfish. Visit www.mrestaurantandevents.com for more information.
     

Rumble & Trek - This exciting new two and a half hour expedition allows adventurous visitors to see Catalina’s backcountry like never before. Led by a trained naturalist, travelers will rumble their way into the hills of Catalina aboard a biofuel Hummer, and experience rugged trails and natural scenic vistas throughout the journey. One of many highlights of the trip includes a hike to the Airport in the Sky, Catalina’s only airport, which sits at one of the highest points of on the island, 1,600 feet above sea level. There will be reduced capacity on activities and tours to ensure appropriate social distancing, including a maximum capacity of eight guests on the biofuel Hummer adventure. View tour rates and schedule online.
 

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, with only four groups hosted on the 12-acre property at one time to ensure ample space and social distancing. The new 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. Family camps will be available until November 1, 2020. For more information, or to book your stay, please visit the Catalina Island Camps website.

Third Night Free – Many hotels on the island are currently offering a complimentary third night stay for midweek visits, offering a perfect ‘workcation’ opportunity, including the new Hotel Atwater and the historic Banning House Lodge. In addition, visitors can find “3 for 2” activities from participating businesses, including one free hour added to any rental from Descanso Beach Ocean Sports, and third hour free from the iconic Catalina Island Golf Cart rentals. View a list of participating hotels and experiences.

A full list of what is open on the island, along with current safety protocols in place, can be found online at www.lovecatalina.com/covid-19/whats-open/. For more information about Love Catalina Island, please visit www.lovecatalina.com.

About Love Catalina Island:

Love Catalina serves as the official Tourism Authority for Catalina Island. Originally founded in 1949, the nonprofit is comprised of approximately 230 member organizations, working closely with city officials, local businesses and the community at large to attract visitors and support the local economy. Love Catalina Island is governed by an elected board of directors and is funded in part through the collection of Transient Occupancy Taxes. For more information, please visit www.lovecatalina.com. Travelers can also join the conversation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/lovecatalinaisland) Instagram (@LoveCatalinaIsland) and Twitter (@LoveCatalina_).

 

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