CATALINA ISLAND REOPENS WITH REDUCTIONS IN VISITOR CAPACITY

Catalina, largely closed to visitors through months of pandemic restrictions, is reawakening.

The Catalina Express, which had cut back its ferry service to the island, returned on Feb. 12 to its full range of trips. In addition to daily service on the 22-mile route from Long Beach to the island’s Avalon Harbor, ferries will resume sailing on weekends from Dana Point to Avalon; and from San Pedro to Avalon and Two Harbors. Ferries will operate at reduced capacity and require face masks to comply with COVID-19 precautions.

The Catalina Island Tourism Authority reports that two dozen restaurants are open in Avalon for outdoor dining or take-away meals, including Antonio’s Pizzeria & Cabaret; Bistro at Atwater; Buffalo Nickel, Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co.; Descanso Beach Club (reopening on weekends); Luau Larry’s; and Steve’s Steakhouse. However, more than a dozen restaurants and bars remain closed, and visitors are urged to check their websites and social media accounts before planning a meal.

Island hotels and vacation rentals are reopening and now accepting reservations, including the Atwater Hotel and historic Mt. Ada in Avalon and Banning House Lodge in Two Harbors. The Pavilion Hotel is to open March 5.

Many tours and activities, including the Zip Line Eco tour, mini golf and Hummer tours, have resumed.

Also, campgrounds have reopened, including Avalon’s Hermit Gulch and the rustic campground (tents and tent cabins) at Two Harbors.

GETTY IMAGES Ferry service has returned to Catalina Island, where hotels, two dozen restaurants, tours and activities are reopened.