What’s landed on, flown over Catalina
When you visited Avalon in the early 1900s, rows of tents greeted you. The town on Santa Catalina Island has come a longway since then. You still can find tent camping, but Catalina’s tourist vibe improves every year. If you’re looking for luxury rooms with a chic seaside look, Avalon’s the place; if youwant to take a tour that’s out of this world, try the new UFO Tour; if you’re looking for bourbon-spiked ice creamor Italian coffee, stop by the new beach front Descanso Fresh cafe. Here’s a look at some of the island’s other new summer offerings.
Hotels
The new kid in town is actually a 1921Catalina icon. The Inn at Mt. Ada, on a hillside overlooking Avalon, was closed for a bit while it changed hands, but it has now reopened and is better than ever. Once the summer home of William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum ty coon who developed Catalina into a tourist destination, the inn has a fantastic panoramic view of Avalon and the bay. On a clear day, you can see the mainland.
The six-guest-room-bed-and breakfast has been painted, redecorated and is in the middle of a multimillion-dollar renovation, said Randall Herrel Sr., president and chief executive of the Santa Catalina Island Co., which is operating the inn. Doubles from$390 a night include two meals and use of a golf cart.
Info: (800) 608-7669, www.visit
catalinaisland.com
Catalina Canyon Resort& Spa, in the hills behind the city, refurbished all 75 guest rooms and public areas earlier this year and has a heated pool, a rare commodity on the island. Aplus for dog owners: It allows your canine to stay too. (Two other dog-friendly spots— Hermosa Hotel and Catalina Boat House— also accommodate dogs.) Doubles from$237 per night.
Info: (310) 510-0325, www.catalinacanyonresort.com
Hotel MacRae, which fronts the bay, dates to the 1920s and also has been renovated. It now sports a fresh look and a courtyard patio. Doubles from$179 a night.
Info: (800) 698-2266, www. hotelmacrae.com
Activities
Among new ways to pass the time this summer: Island Spa, Catalina’s first destination day spa. The new facility includes a pool, overlooks the harbor and has nine treatment rooms, a cafe, two lounges and an ocean-view deck. Try the hot-sand therapy for achy muscles. Or stop by Thursday, whenthe spa is having an open house with complimentary treatments aswell as snacks and beverages fromthe cafe.
Info: (310) 510-7300, www. islandspacatalina.com Get a buzz on with the Happy
Hour Tour of Avalon, a late-afternoon walking tour that hits island watering holes for a taste of Catalina’s specialty drinks. The 90minute tour costs $69 per person and usually can be booked on Fridays and Saturdays. Alcohol and snacks are included.
Info: (424) 226-9443, www. catalinafoodtours.com
Island visitors can learnmore about the ancient tradition of falconry on the new Falconry Activity Tour slated to begin in late July. Trained falcons are used on the island to discourage sea gulls from pilfering food from tourists. Now Santa Catalina Island Co. will offer a chance for visitors to observe and interact with the birds.
Info: www.visitcatalinaisland.com
Is Catalina a UFO hot spot? Find out on Catalina UFO Tours, which offers a one-hour evening walking tour. Catalina has had hundreds of UFO sightings, said tour leader Lili Dana. Cost: $20.
Info: (310) 510-9635, www.catalinaufotours.com
Arts and crafts fans can get their hands dirty while they learn about Catalina’s famed art tile tradition. Silver Canyon Pottery offers interactive tours that give participants a chance to create their own hand made tiles for $45 a person.
Info: (310) 499-8799, www. silvercanyonpottery.com
Restaurants
Looking for ice cream with a kick? The rocking beach scene at Avalon’s Descanso Beach Club has a new gourmet espresso bar and cafe, Descanso Fresh, which also offers spiked ice creams. The restaurant features homemade breakfast pastries, specialty coffees and teas, fresh pressed juices, crepes, smoothies, grab-and-go sandwiches and other breakfast and lunch items.
Info: www.lat.ms/1L3PYE0
You also will be able to pick up fresh morning pastries at Ben’s Bakery, opening this summer in the At water Arcade, 119 Sumner Ave., Avalon.
Ben’s will have fresh food and beverages, including specialty coffees and teas, grab-and-go items and custom bakery goods for special occasions.
Info: www.visitcatalinaisland.com