4 minute read
Catalina Island Visitors Guide
By Melanie Maxwell
Each October, genre enthusiasts sail 26 miles across the Southern California coastline to Avalon for the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival. They travel for world-class music, but they’re in store for so much more.
This island is a dream for those tracking steps on their fitbit, as nearly everything is within walking distance. As passengers disembark from a Catalina Express high-speed ferry, they are greeted by bright orange Garibaldi shimmying through the kelp gardens in the waters between the boat and rock-wrapped jetty. Then, scenic views and scents of island cuisine (including fresh-caught fish sizzling on grills or crisping in fryers) enhance the stroll from the Cabrillo Mole to the town’s variety of accommodations. Before, after and between the shows, festivalgoers have a plethora of dining experiences, shopping, spa treatments or
Photo: Pat Benter
continued from page 15
sightseeing options to explore. With so many enticing choices (zip lining, golf, hiking, biking, fishing, jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, tours, glass bottom boat excursions, kayaking, whale watching or sailing), I highly recommend adding an extra day or two to your trip. Visit www.catalinachamber.com for more information. There are no rental cars in Avalon, a 2-square-mile slice of the island and its only city. So, if you are interested in a less physically active experience, you can hail a cab, take the Garibaldi Public Bus or rent a golf cart (2- or 3-hour maximum) for transportation. Here are some suggestions to include in your itinerary during JazzTrax––or anytime you visit the island.
DINING
ANTONIO’S PIZZERIA & CABARET has been an island tradition for more than 27 years. Antonio’s offers a casual, fun atmosphere serving 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.
Since 1967, EL GALLEON RESTAURANT & KARAOKE LOUNGE has been the top choice for good food and fun times. Located in the center of town, El Galleon is the place to go for aged steaks, prime rib, fresh fish, New Zealand lamb chops, king crab legs and applewood-smoked BBQ ribs and chicken. El Galleon serves the finest Montana Ranch Brand™ certified Piedmontese beef and Omaha natural Angus beef. Join them in October for Lobsterfest, serving fresh local Catalina lobsters, and Oktoberfest, with specials on Paulaner Beers from Munich. Full bar, karaoke and patio seating.
LUAU LARRY’S is an institution on Catalina Island. Located just steps from the beach, Luau’s offers breathtaking views of the harbor in a lively, fun and tropical setting. Our staff is second to none; eager to assure that your visit is memorable. For more than 25 years, we have been offering world famous drinks, live entertainment and delicious food! Please join us for some of the local favorite concoctions including Buffalo
Milks and Wiki Wackers. Listen to some of the Island’s best entertainment, and relax knowing that you have enjoyed one of life’s greatest pleasures, Luau Larry’s!
MI CASITA is Avalon’s authentic Mexican restaurant serving the best Mexican breakfasts, lunches and dinners on Catalina Island. In addition to all the fantastic traditional Mexican dishes, also featured are steaks, seafood, homemade soups, salads and a large selection of tantalizing appetizers. Specialties of the house include fire-roasted achiote citrus chicken and Mojarra Frita. Two full bars specialize in large 18-oz. margaritas and bowls of the original Catalina cazuela. Breakfast is served from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily.
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. Pies, bolillos, croissants and muffins are baked daily at its adjoining bakery. Original Jack’s Country Kitchen is just a few doors up from the Green Pleasure Pier.
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 (a lot of bling-bling!), including elegant evening wear, stylish after-five dresses, casual wear, bathing suits, thongs, Spanx Shapewear, and a 10 percent discount for JazzTrax attendees.
PAMPERING
A TOUCH OF HEAVEN DAY SPA offers relaxing, therapeutic massage treatments and reflexology. The serene, full-service spa situated in the Metropole Marketplace also provides foot scrubs, peppermint scalp treatments, mud wraps and an aromatherapy body polish.
Advertorial
