Finding Romance on Catalina Island

Who doesn’t love a little island romance? The sound of waves lapping against the shore, cool island breezes, and magical sunsets are enough to get anyone in the mood for love. Southern California is lucky enough to have its own romantic island getaway - Catalina Island. The island’s proximity to the mainland makes it the perfect spot for a weekend escape.

Arriving in Avalon
The romance of Catalina is first sparked the moment visitors spot the charming hamlet of Avalon from the deck of the Catalina Express ferry as it crosses the San Pedro Channel. The island may only be 26 miles across the sea, but it might as well be a world away. Avalon exudes the charm of a Mediterranean escape, with vacation cottages climbing the hillsides that surround the tiny Avalon Bay. The island’s architectural landmark is the Catalina Casino, a stunning Art Deco 12-story circular building perched by the sea that is used as a grand ballroom and movie theatre.

Seaside Dining
The best place to relax and enjoy views of the casino and the palm trees lining the Pacific is from the comfort of a cabana at Descanso Beach Club. Gentle breezes rustle through palm fronds while couples gaze out at the azure water with Buffalo Milk, the island’s creamy banana-flavored signature cocktail, in hand. Lunch items can be ordered from the comfort of your cabana, with a menu featuring items such as Catalina Ceviche, Island Tuna Melts, and their trademark half-pound Descanso Burger. On weekends during the summer months, Descanso Beach Club hosts a BBQ Under the Stars event. The club provides spices, sauces, condiments, and 10 different hot and cold sides or salads while guests barbeque their own main course. Meats can be purchased at the beach club or brought in.

Zipping through Paradise
Descanso Beach also serves as the staging area for the island’s zip line tour and Sea Trek Undersea Adventure. The zip line takes riders high in the hills above Avalon where views seem to stretch on forever. Tour guides provide both a safe and educational experience. Information about the history of Catalina, as well as tidbits about the local flora and fauna, is provided between five different zips. Gliding across an open ravine with sweeping views of the ocean is an experience participants won’t soon forget.  

Undersea Adventure
For those who want to experience Catalina’s aquatic wonders, the Catalina Island Company has developed the Sea Trek Undersea Adventure. Trekkers wear specially-designed underwater helmets that allow anyone, including those with no scuba or snorkel experience, to walk along the sea floor. Catalina’s waters are known for their clarity and vibrant kelp forests filled with fish.

Sunset Cruise
After a day of adventuring, an evening sunset cruise is the perfect way to enjoy the romance of the island. Passengers are taken from Avalon to the tiny village of Two Harbors, where they can explore the isthmus on their own or with a guide. Dinner is included at the Harbor Reef restaurant before the boat heads back in the darkness. Entertainment is provided by flying fish that are attracted to the boat’s twin 40-million candlepower spotlights.

A Cozy Ending
Lodging options in Catalina range from privately owned vacation homes to the newly renovated Pavilion Hotel, located just 14 steps from the beach. Hotel guests are given a complimentary continental breakfast as well as an afternoon wine and cheese reception, which can be enjoyed on the open air patio with lovely views of the harbor. In the evening couples can snuggle up next to the firepit in the Pavilion’s central courtyard, a cozy was to end a romantic day on Catalina.

Photos by Sharlene Earnshaw

What is your favorite island for a romantic getaway? Tell us in the comments below!