Catalina Island for the Holidays!

My Catalina Island adventure starts in a very different way. I was offered the experience to tour the famous Welk Resort in Escondido, Ca. and of course enticed to buy a timeshare.

As a Travel journalist, I wanted to see the Resort and get detailed information on it through the process. After a very kind tour by my salesman, I received a gift, like most people when offered a Resort tour. My gift I chose was a trip to Catalina Island, offered by Assured Travel. They work with companies (not just time-share) who use their vouchers as incentives to increase sales, and employees gifts, and through a Referral and Customer Loyalty programs. I had no hassles with my dates that I picked from Assured Travel. They were honest, professional and quick to respond to my phone calls. I upgraded my Catalina Flyer trip and chose to leave from Dana Point Harbor instead of Long Beach. They do offer upgrade incentives that of course cost a little money but are worth it! Included in my gift package was the Catalina Flyer round-trip for two and an overnight accommodation with the Catalina Island Inn. What a beautiful hotel this is! But first, let me go into some detail about Catalina Island, courtesy of the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce.”Catalina Island is a picture perfect paradise and a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the mainland just 22 miles away. The air is refreshing, the water is clear, the community is casual and friendly, and there’s not one traffic light on the whole island. From the city of Avalon to the rustic village of Two Harbors, experience the Island for yourself – explore the rugged back country where the bison roam, enjoy the most stylish in dining experiences, conquer the rush of thrilling adventures, and relax on the sand with the gentle rhythm of the ocean. When you’re on “Island Time”, you’re always having the time of your life”.

Things to DO:  Explore the many things to do on Catalina Island with activities and adventures for all ages!
For the adventurer, get your heart pumping with a visit to the Zip Line Eco Tour, try diving or island eco tour. For a slower pace, visitors to the island can enjoy a laid back time of shopping, soaking in the spectacular views and a trip to the spa. Some of the other Catalina Island things to do include include fishing, scuba diving, golf, hiking, biking, art & museums, and water activities on the island, jet ski rentals, parasailing, paddleboarding and more.Whatever your taste, Catalina Island has a fun adventure waiting for you! Float weightlessly above the sparkling Pacific one minute and splash into its otherworldly depths the next. Catalina Island is an amazing ecosystem of natural wonders just waiting to be explored. Scuba thru fantastic kelp forests, get a bird’s-eye view tethered to a parasail and tour the awe-inspiring interior in an open-air Hummer or Jeep tour. Camping at one of the island’s numerous campgrounds is a must-do for nature lovers and a great way to experience Catalina. Whether you’re trying your hand at stand-up paddle boarding, ziplining through the canyons or hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail, Catalina Island offers a variety of adventures for everyone. What are you in the mood for? Whether it’s seeking the next adrenaline rush, embarking on the next excursion, or indulging in a relaxing spa day, Avalon and Two harbors deliver on both land and sea. Everything is within reach via a short walk, taxi ride or shoreboat. The list of things to do is plentiful and easy to book ahead of time or as you arrive. For families visiting Catalina, there are many adventures to choose from whether you make your visit to the island a day trip or an overnight. Kids will enjoy our beautiful beaches, a visit to the ice cream or candy shop, a paddle on a kayak or a glass bottom boat tour. Visit the Kidalina page for family specific adventures, events and itineraries. For a relaxed pace, check out Avalon’s popular and eclectic shopping, relax on one our our beaches or plan a trip to the spa! Many of the Catalina Island’s tours offer a view of the island from the comfort of a jeep, boat or even a Segway!

The one hour boat ride from Dana Point Harbor to Catalina Island, in my opinion, was a really big plus in my package. Let me explain: You board the boat and pick your seat or a table with chairs, and then they have a full bar with snacks available, while you watch dolphins jumping out of the water next to the boat and flying fish as you near the Catalina Island harbor.

Arriving at the Island with my photographer, we wheeled our luggage through the lovely town over to our accommodations at the Catalina Island Inn, which was roughly 2 blocks from the boat. We greeted the Hotel Manager, Mark, who was very professional and welcoming. He gave me lots of information on the Island and directed me to a few good restaurants. Heading to one of the NEW LUXURY KING SUITES room, I took note that many renovations had been made in the recent past. Overall, it was a very charming hotel, impressively clean and very quiet. My room as you can see by my photograph, was very quaintly designed and arranged with lovely decor, including an electric awning on the patio! I need to mention here, that you can take advantage of their SPECIAL – WINTER PACKAGE – Sunday through Thursday  that discounts the room 50% and the Catalina Island Flyer 50% thru March 15 ! Please visit their website for more information on the Specials! PSD Travels highly recommends the Catalina Island Inn!!

After a little unpacking, I was saying to myself, “It’s time to eat”! I headed over to one of the first recommendations Mark gave me and that was ‘Steve’s Steakhouse.’ Arriving at the restaurant,  you’ll enjoy their courteous and friendly service, a beautiful bar and some of the best food you’ll ever taste, as well as a breathtaking panoramic view of Avalon Harbor. They’re a local favorite! They serve lunch and dinner and have a great selection of salads and  soups that are superb. They pride themselves on their extensive wine selection. Be sure to try some of their appetizers and desserts, as well! They have Group Menus for your Party or Group Function and off site Catering Menus for your events throughout Avalon. They’re known for their consistent quality and incredible service. Steve has been in the restaurant business for more than 40 years and has created Avalon’s top choice for your oceanfront wedding, corporate event or private party on Catalina Island.

For my appetizers, I chose the award winning, ‘Fried Coconut Shrimp’, hand dipped and served with a Caribbean sweet and spicy. Then, the ‘Blackened Ahi’,with wasabi and soy sauce, and ‘Calamari strips‘. Out of these 3 appetizers, don’t ask me to choose my favorite, because they were all fabulous!! Now on to the dinner selections, which were out of this world! I sampled the ‘lobster’, and swordfish, as well as ‘hibachi steak’, an award winner accompanied by a zesty, delectable teriyaki sauce. One my favorites were the ‘baby back ribs’, cooked slow and low served with their delicious BBQ sauce. My cocktail was the ‘Best Drink of Avalon- ‘Steve’s Arnold Palmer.’ About now, I’m really enjoying myself, as I gaze out the window on to the harbor, sipping my drink and listening to the soft overhead music being played. I started thinking to myself, I could stay for hours at my table, sampling the great menu and enjoying my view!! IPA Travels highly recommends this restaurant. Please visit their website for more information on dining and location. As a side note, Steve Bray, Owner, has won a Humanitarian Award and honor’s Army Vets and their wives. He’s quite a great guy.

After a nice evening stroll at Descanso Beach, watching the sunset, I headed back to my room and got a wonderful nights sleep. The following day, I had a schedule to keep as my boat was leaving to head home at 4:00p.m. I wanted to squeeze in some time to watch the zip-liners coming down the mountain, who land at Descanso Beach and I also spent some time touring the lovely golf resort.

I decided to tour another great restaurant, right below Steve’s Steakhouse and that would
be, “Maggie’s Blue Rose Mexican restaurant.” Proud Winner of 2014, “Taste Around of Avalon”. Margaret and Steve Bray are the proprietors of the newest restaurant in Avalon on Catalina Island. Maggie’s Blue Rose has a full bar and an extensive Margarita Selection to compliment a menu of Mexican entrées and appetizers not previously available on Catalina Island. Maggie’s provides a fine dining experience with a south of the border feel, with Lobster, Crab Legs, Premium Cut Steaks and selected specialties. My recommendation would be the avocado enchiladas and the mole braised duck taquitos.

After all is said and done, I really could have stayed another week and wined, dined and entertained myself with everything beautiful Catalina has to offer!! Heading back to the boat and taking my seat, the sun is setting on the Island, and I’ll always remember, ‘Catalina for the Holidays or whenever you get the chance’!