Catalina Island Visitors Guide

Catalina Island

VISITORS GUIDE

By Melanie Maxwell

The Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival has inspired many first-timers to visit Avalon. The 26-mile voyage from Long Beach, California, to the island offers festivalgoers their first round of excitement. Schools of dolphin often accompany the Catalina Express’ high-speed catamarans across the Pacific Ocean. And, fans can sometimes mingle with artists and band members along the hourlong boat ride. Once on the island, a plethora of shopping, dining, sightseeing, spa treatments and other activities await. In addition to the live musical performances, visitors can explore enticing adventures, from zip lining and jet skiing to parasailing and undersea excursions. Please use this guide, which continues on the next two pages, for tips on what to see, where to eat, shop and rejuvenate, adding to the enjoyment of your JazzTrax itinerary.

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ART AND HISTORY

Where island life meets creativity and vision. Located in the heart of Avalon, Catalina Museum for Art & History offers the best in art and history exhibitions, music and dance performances, lectures by guest speakers from all over the world and the finest in silent and documentary film. 217 Metropole Ave. • www.catalinamuseum.org • 310-510-2414

DINING

Antonio’s Pizzeria

& Cabaret has been an island tradition for 32 years. Antonio’s offers a casual, fun atmosphere serving breakfast (seasonal), lunch and dinner with indoor dining and patio seating on the bay. Traditional Italian dishes, steaks, seafood, grilled chicken breasts, hot and cold sub sandwiches, burgers made with premium certified Black Angus beef, soups, salads, calzones and a large selection of pizzas make Antonio’s a local favorite. Enjoy one of their house specialties that includes Mamma Mia’s day-old spaghetti, which is a local favorite. 230 Crescent Ave. • www.catalinahotspots.com • 310-510-0008

Located next to Original Jack’s, Avalon Bake Shop serves up hot breakfast sandwiches to go, donuts, Danish pastries, cinnamon rolls, muffins, brownies, cookies, croissants, bolillos, strudel, bagels and their specialty Hot French Beignets. Fresh Kona coffee, tea and assorted beverages are available. Opens at 6:30 a.m. daily. 122 Catalina Ave. • www.catalinahotspots.com • 310-510-1199

Mrs. T’s Chinese Kitchen offers fast food Mandarinstyle selections of all your favorites with daily rotating items. One- and two-item combos and bowl specials are available as well as soup, egg rolls, fried shrimp and wontons. To-go orders only; with limited outdoor seating available. Located next to Original Jack’s Country Kitchen. 122 Catalina Ave. • www.catalinahotspots.com • 310-510-1199

The best breakfast place on the island, according to Smooth Jazz News, is Original Jack’s Country Kitchen. This Catalina-themed diner offers extensive breakfast and lunch menus as well as desserts. Enjoy fresh fruit crepes, chicken and waffles, homemade soups and chili, burgers, sandwiches, salads, hot-plate meals and more. Their meals are made with the finest ingredients such as eggs from cage-free hens, Jidori free-range chicken, Niman Ranch beef and pork. Their baked goods are crafted daily at their adjoining bakery. Original Jack’s Country Kitchen is just a few doors up from the Green Pleasure Pier. 118 Catalina Ave. • www.catalinahotspots.com • 310-510-1308

SHOPPING

Looking for a cute outfit or accessories to spice up your wardrobe? The Stare Case is the unofficial jazz-ensemble headquarters. Shop owner Mona Casarini is an icon of the Catalina Island shopping experience. She offers a wide variety of clothing and jewelry, including elegant eveningwear, stylish after-five dresses, casual wear, bathing suits, thongs, Spanx Shapewear. A 10 percent discount is extended to JazzTrax attendees. 105 Metropole Ave. in the Metropole Market Place • 310-510-1940

PAMPERING

A Touch of Heaven Day Spa offers relaxing, therapeutic massage treatments and reflexology. The serene, full-service spa situated in the Metropole Market Place also provides foot scrubs, peppermint scalp treatments, mud wraps and an aromatherapy body polish. And, be sure to ask about the 10 percent JazzTrax discount. 205 Crescent Ave. in the Metropole Market Place • www.hotel-metropole.com/day-spa/massage-services • 310-510-1633