Big Anniversaries, Big Savings: Catalina Island Celebrates in Style

There’s a lot to celebrate in 2026 — and Catalina Island is right at the heart of it. As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, Catalina is celebrating milestones of its own, making this winter the perfect time for a getaway just off the Southern California coast.

Next year marks 105 years since William Wrigley Jr. purchased the island and helped transform Avalon into the beloved resort destination it is today, along with 45 years of service from Catalina Express, the island’s premier ferry transportation company.

To celebrate, Catalina Express and its hotel partners are rolling out their annual “Best of Winter” packages, offering a $188 value in round-trip ferry transportation plus hotel savings of up to 50 percent, now through March 13, 2026.

Why Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Catalina

With fewer crowds, crisp coastal air, and more room to explore, winter reveals a quieter, more intimate side of Catalina. Even better, there’s plenty that’s new on the island:

• Horseback riding returns with Catalina Horseback Adventures after a 17-year hiatus
• Guided golf cart tours offer a local’s-eye view of Avalon’s history and lifestyle
• Catalina Brewhouse pours the island’s only craft beer, featuring small-batch brews made right on Catalina
• Avalon also serves as the setting for Nightshade, the latest #1 New York Times bestseller by Michael Connelly

Add in seasonal favorites like the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim, museum First Fridays, the Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup, and the Catalina Island Marathon, and winter is anything but sleepy.

Best of Winter Hotel Highlights

From historic luxury to boutique charm, there’s a winter package for every travel style — and every budget. Each package includes round-trip Catalina Express ferry transportation for two.

Mt Ada
Once the private residence of William Wrigley Jr., this Forbes 4-star hilltop retreat offers sweeping Avalon Bay views, butler’s pantry access, wine and cheese evenings, and luxury golf cart use.
Savings up to 16% | Rates from $334 per person, per night

Bellanca Hotel
A chic, oceanfront favorite ideal for romantic escapes and stylish island stays.
Savings up to 50% | Rates from $307 per night

Hotel Metropole
Right in the heart of Avalon, steps from the beach, with champagne for two included.
Savings up to 30% | Rates from $325 per night

Catalina Courtyard Suites
Comfortable, centrally located suites with continental breakfast and excellent value.
Savings up to 15% | Rates from $288.68 per night

Snug Harbor Inn
A six-room luxury inn with a cozy Cape Cod feel, perfect for a romantic winter retreat.
Savings up to 25% | Two-night packages from $679

Easy to Reach, Hard to Forget

Just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island is accessible year-round from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point via Catalina Express — with travel times as short as one hour. Once there, visitors enjoy crystal-clear waters, Mediterranean-style charm, outdoor adventures, unique wildlife, and a laid-back island pace that feels worlds away.

This winter, Catalina isn’t just a getaway — it’s a celebration!

For more travel inspiration and exclusive stories, stay tuned to Coast to Coast TV.