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Catalina Island Yacht Club

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30 Casino Way

Avalon, CA 90704

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This is an all Time classic and I'd you should be so fortunate to hang here it's is the greatest.

Private members only club ( unless your an invited guest of a member). Very nice bar and lounge area . Club is over the water next to the Tuns Club , which may be more exclusive.

Fail to properly display The United States Flag at night. No Light. No flag etiquet

We are members of a Yacht club in San Diego and have used our reciprocal privileges all over the world. The person behind the buzzer at this yacht club was curt, snobby and discouteous. Disgraceful.

Such a nice place, at least I think it is! It's a shame that they cannot accept reciprocals "because of their size and location." Our club is half their size and has reciprocals with nearly every yacht club in the world including San Francisco's prestigious St. Francis yacht club. It's too bad that Avalon's members can't visit us and share our camaraderie!

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Catalina Island Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs on the West Coast. The historic club, located on the Avalon waterfront, was founded in 1924.

An initial island yacht club was founded on March 28, 1892 as the Catalina Yacht Club [CYC] by the Banning brothers who owed Catalina Island before the Wrigley Family:

• William Lacey, Jr., Commodore
• Hancock Banning, Vice-Commodore
• James J. Myler, Secretary

Executive Committee

• William Lacey, Jr.
• Hancock Banning
• John A. Schumacher
• J. J. Myles

Membership Committee

• T. B. Brown
• N. W. Latham
• William R. Staats
• R. T. Harvey
• Dr. A. G. MacGowan

The Catalina Yacht Club [CYC] never got off the ground and was disbanded on May 15, 1914. In the meantime, the Sophia Yacht Club [SYC], formed in 1903, transformed into the Catalina Motor Boat Club, had begun construction of a facility at the beach. Although the first pilings and floor were placed as early as 1903, no further construction occurred. Boat builder, J. E. “Pard” Mathewson built his boat shop at the location, but the Avalon fire of 1915 destroyed the facility.

In early 1924, James Jump and others decided to organize the new Catalina Island Yacht Club [CIYC]. The initial lease with the Santa Catalina Island Company was executed on February 1, 1924. Club Commodore was Jimmy Jump. Attorney was Ralph Bandini . Eighteen members of the Tuna Club provided the capital to build the yacht club facility utilizing the Catalina Motor Boat Club [Sophia Yacht Club] pier site. Classes of membership were set, with all property being vested in no more than 30 charter members, each of whom had to own or have a substantial interest in a boat. Each charter member provided a loan of $400 to the club. The Santa Catalina Island Company, under the direction of D. M. Renton, constructed a two-story frame club house on the existing pier foundation. Club Opening Day was August 23, 1924.

By 1931 membership reached 270 before declining with the Depression. During the War years, from 1942 to 1945, Catalina Island was largely closed to the public and Catalina Island Yacht Club facility was used by the Navy and Merchant Marine.

Catalina Island Yacht Club Club members have included many well-known Hollywood personalities including Jack Warner, Rudolph Valentino, Tom Mix, James Cagney, and Darryl Zanuck. The iconic clubhouse is among the most important and photographed landmarks on the Island of Catalina.

In the News~

June 3, 1925 [TI/Avalon]: “Catalina Island Yacht Club formal opening and banquet, season of 1925. By Charles H. Smith. Avalon Bay never looked quite so gay as on Saturday and Sunday, when pleasure craft in great variety, from the large stately power yacht to the graceful little Star sailing sloop, gathered on its placid waters, bringing many yachtsmen and their fair feminine friends from near and far to celebrate the formal opening of the Catalina Island Yacht Club for the season of 1925. Naturally, the beautiful clubhouse of this young organization of yachtsmen was the central attraction for the many visitors. The prince of secretaries, Ed Abbott, gave everybody a cordial greeting, and showed them through the beautiful building. Many were the worthy words of praise bestowed because of the lovely furnishings and general comfortable conveniences provided for the ease and pleasure of the members and their friends. The elegant wicker-work chairs and settees, the handsome rugs, the tasteful decorations, the beautiful paintings on the walls, the neat office of the secretary, the convenient rest rooms for both men and women, the attractive array of signal flags, the flashing light in the tall tower — in fact, the general motif of the clubhouse throughout, were enthusiastically and favorable commented upon. An exhibit of special interest was the glittering array of silver cups of elegant designs which are to be offered as prizes in the several Club tournaments this season. The first one will take place july 4th. There will be another on Labor Day, and possibly others. Full particulars concerning these events will be given later. The annual dinner was partaken of in the banquet hall of the Hotel St. Catherine, and the personnel of the company was an attractive one. Men of muscle, bronzed by the salt sea breezes; slim school lads, yearning to become full-fledged yachtsmen — and ladies, sweet and lissom, stately and attractive, lent their presence to the busy scene. As always at this caravansary, the dinner itself was superb, and its appetizing qualities were but added to by the pleasant social converse as the meal progressed. Following dinner there was a general return to the clubhouse, where the floor had been cleared for dancing.”

April 8, 2017 [The Log]: “Catalina Island Yacht Club has a new lease with the city of Avalon, as the two parties came to an accord during the City Council’s April 4 meeting. The Yacht Club will remain at its current location through 2023 and have an option to extend lease terms an additional 10 years. Current lease terms were set to expire in 2020. Avalon city officials offered the yacht club a three-year extension and 10-year option in July 2016. Club leadership, however, sought a longer extension term. Both parties, however, finally agreed to the July 2016 offer after a nine-month delay. Original story 7/20/2017: A planned discussion on lease extension talks to keep Catalina Island Yacht Club at its current waterfront location in Avalon was postponed to a later meeting, according to City Manager David Jinkens. The yacht club lease extension was to be discussed at Avalon City Council’s March 21 meeting. However a representative from Catalina Island YC (or CIYC) was not able to attend the meeting. Catalina Island YC hopes to continue its lease arrangement with the city of Avalon, but final terms of the extension have not yet been finalized. Yacht club staff sought a longer lease with the city, however both sides need more time to negotiate certain details, according to Avalon city staff. “While the CIYC management would like a longer term lease that conforms to previous city extensions they understand that more time is needed to discuss and negotiate terms and the bases and rationale for a longer-term lease,” city staff stated in a report to council members. “City management has suggested … the basis for a longer term lease could be agreement by the CIYC to provide financial support for construction of a new city-owned recreational facility in the harbor area.” Both sides will come to terms on a lease extension, city staff added; it’s just a matter of determining the length of the lease extension. City officials had most recently proposed an extension through 2023, with an option to extend another 10 years. Catalina Island YC’s headquarter was built in 1924. The club funded its construction. The yacht club could remain at its current location through 2033 should both parties reach amenable terms. Current lease terms, last extended in 1995, were originally set to expire in 2020. An agreement could be finalized later this year.”

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Catalina Island Yacht Club c.1924

Catalina island yacht club is one of the oldest clubs on the west coast. in 1893, a catalina yacht club was formed by the banning brothers, then owners of santa catalina island. in 1903, the boating residents of avalon placed pilings for a yacht club in the approximate location of the present catalina island yacht club. the club was quite active until the great fire of avalon in 1915, which burned the town of avalon and bayside facilities. fortunately, the pilings were spared.   in the early part of 1924, art sanger and james jump, while fishing, decided that catalina island needed an "official" yacht club for boating enthusiasts. mr. jump secured the facility from the catalina island company, and found thirty yachtsmen willing to pay the $100 initiation fee and dues, plus $400 on a promissory note, so the catalina island yacht club could build a club facility. eighteen of the original members of the catalina island yacht club were members of the tuna club, who desired an organized yachting and social club in addition to their fishing club. james jump served as the first commodore. early club members included a number of well known hollywood personalities including tom mix, jack warner, rudolph valentino, king vidor, james cagney, jascha heifetz, and darryl f. zanuck. during the war years, from 1942 to 1945, catalina was largely closed to the public and the club was used by the u.s. merchant marines. located at 30 casino way.    .

Catalina Island Yacht Club

Founded 1924.

On Catalina Island, Newport Beach yachters find…

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• Things to Do

Things To Do

On catalina island, newport beach yachters find a cove to call home.

The sun starts to disappear behind the hills of Catalina Island at White's Cove, leaving a white reflection off boats anchored near the Balboa Yacht Club's outpost. Yachters from Orange County have sought out the idyllic spot for more than half a century. They spend summers in the cove on their boats.

People relax by the water in the afternoon heat at White's Cove, a shallow inlet four miles from Avalon on the leeward coast of Catalina Island.

Balboa Yacht Club members arrive on shore for a community grill, family-style dinner at their outpost on Catalina Island.

Bill Powers, left, and wife Meg, center, return to the shore at White's Cove for a community dinner at the Balboa Yacht Club camp.

Bill Powers puts some potatoes on the charcoal grill for dinner. Powers spends so much time at White's Cove that people call him The Mayor.

Meg Powers, right, mingles with fellow Balboa Yacht Club members after dinner at White's Cove. Her husband Bill is in background.

Meg Powers finishes setting the table for dinner. Powers and her husband Bill are part of a hard-core contingent of Orange County boaters who devote a good chunk of the summer to living aboard their vessels near the island.

New members talk with veteran Balboa Yacht Club members after dinner at the club's outpost.

After dinner, Balboa Yacht Club members prepare to go back to their boats as a red moon illuminates the water at White's Cove on Catalina Island.

Having put four children through college, Bill and Meg Powell christened their boat “Fifth Tuition,” in honor of the money that didn't go to academia.

Bill Powers aligns himself to dock his dinghy in Avalon to grab groceries for his boat on anchored at White's Cove on Catalina Island.

Star, a golden retriever, looks out of the boat owned by Bill and Meg Powers, anchored in White's Cove.

People relax by the shore at White's Cove in the afternoon heat on Catalina Island.

A boat makes its way off the coast of Catalina Island toward White's Cove. Many Orange County boat owners spend weeks in the summer anchored off the cove.

Kids play on a raft at White's Cove on Catalina Island. The Balboa Yacht Club has leased a corner of the inlet since 1957.

A red moon rises over White's Cove on Catalina Island. The Balboa Yacht Club has an outpost in the cove and many of its members anchor their boats nearby.

White’s Cove, 4 miles from Avalon on the leeward coast of Catalina Island, is a shallow inlet of tall palms framed by scrub-covered hills that jut sharply from the sea.

Yachters from Newport Beach have sought out the idyllic spot for more than half a century. They tie up at moorings offshore, set out their deck chairs and fill tranquil afternoons with simple routines. At 5 p.m., they sound their boat horns in unison to signal the commencement of cocktail hour.

Shortly before dusk, couples like Bill and Meg Powers converge on the narrow beach in motorized dinghies, toting bags of chicken, steak, corn on the cob and wine. They drag the small craft right up on the sand, stepping out of the lapping waves and into a fenced oasis of thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. There’s a grass volleyball court, a bocce court and a shaded, open-air bar.

Barbecue grills adjoin rows of picnic tables, where informal dinner parties often swell to 30 or more people on summer evenings.

This is a beloved place for Bill Powers. He spends so much time here that he has come to be known as “The Mayor of White’s Cove,” a title bestowed on him by the Balboa Yacht Club, which has leased this corner of the inlet since 1957. He and Meg are part of a hard-core contingent of Orange County boaters who devote a good chunk of the summer to living aboard their vessels at the cove.

While many of their friends and neighbors are commuting in the heat on congested freeways, the Powers are reading, slathering on sunscreen or swimming in the cove’s cool waters, so clear you can see the bright orange garibaldi darting below. They expect to spend about 40 days at Catalina during the summer, an aquatic sojourn interrupted by regular forays back to the mainland to replenish water, food and supplies for their 48-foot boat.

“It’s a sad day when you run out of food and have to go home,” says Powers, 60, gazing at the gentle swells passing on a mild, sunlit morning. Usually, his family packs enough provisions to go 10 days before having to restock at home or in Avalon.

“You always have cans of tuna for when you run out and want to stay that extra day,” Powers says.

LIKE ITALY, MAYBE

The Powers, who live on Lido Island, are lifelong boaters.

Bill sailed in New Jersey, where he grew up, and Meg did the same on the lakes around her native Indiana. They met at the University of Dayton in Ohio and moved to Newport Beach 35 years ago so Bill could pursue a career in sales for a major textile manufacturer. He sold flame-retardant fabrics to makers of airplanes.

Bill’s first trip to Catalina was with friends in the summer of 1978.

“I absolutely loved it,” he recalls.

So much so that he began whisking Meg to the island for long weekends together. Nine years ago, they bought a 35-foot powerboat and, he says, “we started coming to Catalina regularly for weeks at a time.”

The latest boat – the 48-footer – is a new acquisition they found in Santa Barbara. It was built in 1989 and took five months to refurbish. It has inlaid teak floors, richly varnished trim and a flat-screen TV that pops up from inside a liquor cabinet with the push of a button. Having put four children through college, the Powers christened the boat Fifth Tuition, for the money that didn’t go to academia. It can house the entire family.

Beauty and tranquility draw her to the island, Meg says.

“I feel like I’m 1,000 miles away. It’s like I imagine the coast of Italy – although I’ve never been.”

Other yacht clubs have their own outposts on Catalina. The San Diego Yacht Club has a camp at the opposite end of White’s Cove. The Newport Harbor Yacht Club operates just beyond the southern point of White’s, at a cove called Moonstone. The Corsair Yacht Club, made up largely of boaters from Long Beach, though it has no mainland headquarters, has a camp at Emerald Bay near the island’s isthmus.

Ed Kliem, who is 74, peers from under a ball cap to watch his curly-haired, 3-year-old granddaughter, Anna. Kliem has been coming to Catalina since 1966. He and his wife, Karen, live in Huntington Beach but spend weeks during the summer at Catalina and make six or seven trips to the island throughout the year, often joining their two grown sons and their families.

Kliem’s mother, Bunny, called him by all sorts of humorous derogatory names during his boyhood – “Hooligan,” “Knucklehead,” “Raggamuffin,” “Chowderhead.” Hence, the names of the family boats: Chowderhead is Kleim’s latest, a 38-footer with GPS, autopilot, air-conditioning and a dinghy named Riff Raft. His son Cameron owns Knucklehead, and his son Kevin owns Hooligan.

Kevin fell in love during trips to White’s Cove and married Bob Strang’s daughter Meredith, bringing together two yachting families and producing two sons who now regularly cavort there as well.

Strang once spent much of his time in the air. The former Air Force pilot tells of bullets piercing his plane’s tail during missions over Vietnam. He later flew commercially, retired at 72 and now devotes himself to plying the seas in a 49-foot powered sailboat, Sky.

Throughout the summer, Strang crisscrosses the channel to and from Catalina, staying days at a time at White’s Cove, the isthmus and Avalon.

“I love being on the boat, sailing and cruising from one anchorage to another,” he says, even while pointing out the sheer amount of work involved.

Responsibilities are many: keeping the water tanks full, keeping batteries running, maintaining equipment, watching the weather.

Heavy surf can knock boats around, especially when Santa Ana winds whip up. Even on the most placid days, salt water is corrosive.

“Things break – everything breaks,” says Bill Frederickson, a 73-year-old former honorary mayor of White’s Cove who spends 40 or 50 days a summer there with his wife, Debbie. They have a 42-foot trawler named Tabasco.

“Mechanical things break, structural things break,” he says. “The anchor windlass that pulls up the anchor. Your electronics can hiccup on you so you don’t have navigation. Your fresh-water system can spring a leak. Your sewage system can go.

“If you take whatever can go wrong in your house, it’s probably 10 times worse” on a boat, Frederickson says.

Despite all that, the Fredericksons spend half their time living aboard between April and November. They roam up and down from San Francisco and parts of Mexico.

“We always come back to White’s, ” he says. “We just love the island.”

HIKE OF PASSAGE

During a lazy afternoon sitting near the beach, Bill Powers appears, announcing there’s been a nearby buffalo sighting, and several men go hiking along a rutted dirt road into the back country. Shirtless and sockless, Powers soon spots the huge animal grazing in a ditch.

“There he is, boys! Do I have an eye?”

The group edges closer for photographs.

“If he comes over that berm,” Powers jokes, “it’s every man for himself!”

The hike continues up the steep hillside, switching back past a water tank to a high ridge overlooking the cove. It’s become a rite of passage for young teens, a sweating Powers says, to hike the 3 miles up to the main road – and then, for the really fit, two additional miles to Airport in the Sky, at an elevation of 1,602 feet. It’s no small boast to say, “Hey, I made the airport,” Powers says. “You go to the airport, get a buffalo burger with your old man and walk home.”

There’s nothing better – unless it’s sleeping that night on the boat, the stars clear in the sky, the swells lolling you toward dreams.

“It’s wonderful,” Bill Powers says, and Meg jokes they should have a machine at home to simulate the ocean.

“The water just rocks you to sleep.”

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Perfect Catalina Island Weekend Trip Itinerary (One of Our FAVORITE Places!)

Looking for the perfect Southern California paradise? How about taking a Catalina Island weekend trip where you can enjoy an idyllic island escape just miles off the Southern California coastline at one of our favorite places in the US – Catalina Island!

It’s no secret we are fans of the island, we have done several day trips to Catalina Island as well as spent several overnights stays exploring all the best things to do in Catalina that make this a destination we love coming back to over and over again. And while doing a day trip to Catalina Island is possible and great for those who are short on time or looking for easy day trips from Los Angeles or Orange County, the best way to spend time exploring the best of the island is by spending a weekend in Catalina.

For the purposes of this guide, we are going to focus on Avalon, the charming 1 square mile town that feels like it’s stuck back in the golden age of Hollywood as this was a haven for some of the biggest stars and where they would come to spend their free time 22 miles off the coast of California.

What’s great about this Catalina Island weekend trip itinerary is that it’s easy to customize and move things around to fit the schedule you want to enjoy during your getaway. Just keep in mind that many of these activities will require advance reservations, especially in the popular summer months so be sure to plan ahead!

Disclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Love Catalina Island, as always all opinions are our own.

Brief History and Facts about Catalina Island

Before diving into our Catalina Island weekend trip itinerary and guide, it’s fun to learn a little about some of the interesting facts that make this destination so unique and special (and for the history buffs, this is one of the many reasons you should visit the Catalina Island Museum to learn more about the famous people and happenings that took place here during your weekend in Catalina). 

Marilyn Monroe was discovered by a photographer when she was working as a taffy puller at the candy shop downtown Avalon known as Lloyd’s of Avalon Confectionary when she was still Norma Jeane at the age of 16.

The Wrigley Family, the American chewing gum industrialists and owners of the Chicago Cubs baseball team bought Catalina Island in 1919. They brought the Chicago Cubs here for spring training, which also brought Ronald Reagan here as he was an announcer for the Cubs. The Wrigley family still helps preserve the island and has put in place protections to prevent over development.

Winston Churchill caught a record-breaking marlin on his visit to Catalina Island in 1929.

Catalina Island is also the location in the center of the mysterious death of actress Natalie Wood who died while aboard her husband Robert Wagner’s yacht. The only other people on board the yacht during her death were actor Christopher Walken and the captain of the boat in 1981.

The casino on the island, which was never actually a gambling hall and never will be, means ‘gathering place’ in Italian and that’s exactly what it was on the island with a movie theater featuring the first motion picture with sound known as a ‘talkie’.

How to Get to Catalina Island

To enjoy our weekend getaway to Catalina we used the Catalina Express ferry service which operates out of Dana Point, Long Beach, and San Pedro to Avalon, where we will be basing our entire itinerary to a weekend in Catalina around.

The ferry terminals have several departures daily to Avalon as well as return trips to Dana Point , Long Island, and San Pedro daily. The times and schedule depend on the season so it’s best to check their website for the desired time of your visit to plan your ferry tickets.

Keep in mind you will want to purchase your ferry tickets in advance, especially around the summer season as this is the most popular time and high season to visit the island. 

The ferry journey to Catalina Island take around 60-90 minutes depending on what your departure location is. 

For a great weekend trip to Catalina Island, we recommend buying tickets for the earliest ferry and taking the last ferry back. You also need to arrive to the ferry at least 30 minutes before departure going both ways.

No cars are allowed on Catalina Island, there are paid parking lots at the mainland ferry terminals for you to leave your car.

How to Spend a Weekend in Catalina

So now that we’ve covered how to get you to and from the mainland to Avalon on your Catalina Island weekend trip we need to cover all the fun activities you can fill your time with! Also, if you need some inspiration, check out some of our favorite photos of Catalina to get inspiration before your weekend trip.

Day 1: Weekend in Catalina

On your first day during your weekend trip to Catalina Island you will most likely be arriving late morning or around lunchtime from your ferry over to the mainland.

Be sure to come hungry as there are several amazing places to eat on the island which is what we suggest you start your trip with after dropping off your luggage at your hotel. Chances are, your hotel room might not be ready yet. So from the ferry, take your luggage to the front desk and get ready to start exploring starting with lunch and filling your first afternoon with some fun activities.

Descanso Beach Club

A Catalina Island weekend getaway isn’t complete without visiting Descanso Beach Club. This is where you can find the best beach in Avalon serviced by the Descanso Beach Club where you can enjoy a delicious, fresh lunch and refreshing cocktails along the waterfront on the far end of Avalon past the Casino.

On our way, enjoy breathtaking views of the island and the Pacific Ocean passing the Casino, Tuna Club, and Catalina Island Yacht Club. After you pass the Casino, you’ll walk along the waterfront on a beautiful palm tree-lined path to Descanso Beach Club.

Enjoy lunch on the patio overlooking the beach watching the gentle waves roll onto the shores. During the summer season, you can also rent cabanas or chaise lounges with umbrellas for shade to enjoy your drinks and lunch at. If you want to do this, you’ll want to secure a reservation in advance.

On a gorgeous day, like the one we had, it’s easy to spend a few hours here just relaxing, sipping on drinks, and enjoying the view until your room is ready, heck, you might even want to come back again during your weekend in Catalina because it’s that beautiful and relaxing over here.

Zipline Eco Tour

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure with incredible views on your Catalina Island weekend trip, then you will want to book the sky-high soaring adventure at the Zipline Eco Tour in the Descanso Canyon located right by Descanso Beach Club.

Soar through the sky with jaw-dropping views of the ocean on this 2-hour ziplining course starting at Descanso Beach Club where a shuttle takes you 600 feet up to the top of your course before zipping by at 35 miles per hour towards the ocean!

You’ll need to wear closed-toe shoes and wear full clothing (not bathing suits) to enjoy this activity during your weekend in Catalina. Also, if you’re hitting up Descanso Beach Club before for lunch, skip the alcohol until after your zipline tour. You end right at Descanso Beach Club so you can enjoy a post-zipline adult beverage then!

Rent A Golf Cart

Another fun option for your Catalina Island weekend trip is to rent a golf cart for an hour or two to explore the island. Catalina Golf Cart Rentals (625 Crescent Ave) offers 4 passenger and 6 passenger golf cart rentals for 1 and 2 hours at a time. 

Golf carts are the cars of the island, seriously you won’t see many actual cars on the island but everyone drives golf carts!

This is an excellent option for getting some incredible views of the island and taking the scenic route past places like Mt. Ada, the Wrigley Memorial Botanical Garden, Chimes Tower, and Descanso Beach to name a few plus a map of the island of where you are and not allowed to drive.

It’s strongly advised to book your golf cart rental in advance as during peak summer season, this book up quickly! Also, if this is a great way to get to Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden since they are a bit inland (which is walkable but it will take longer). If you plan on seeing the Botanical Garden via golf cart, which is an excellent option, be sure to book a 2-hour rental, the entire scenic loop will almost take up the full 1-hour rental with minimal stops for photos.

Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens

While cruising on your golf cart during your Catalina Island weekend trip, be sure to stop at the gorgeous Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden located 1.5 miles up Avalon Canyon Road inland. 

The inland Catalina Island Conservancy and botanical garden and memorial to William Wrigley Jr and is absolutely beautiful full of endemic plants and rare endangered flora and fauna as well as beautiful Spanish tile and architecture, not to mention a beautiful view from the top of the memorial with views of the ocean.

Admission to the botanical gardens is between $8-12.

Keep in mind that the Botanical Garden is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If your time is running short on the first day of your weekend in Catalina you can always swap this activity out for something else on another day. As mentioned, you can totally walk here too but you will need to plan comfortable walking shoes as the walk will be 3 miles round trip.

If you do plan on walking in the summer, make sure to have sunscreen and a hat or something to shade you, this walk can get hot! We know from experience!

Dinner at Maggie’s Blue Rose

As you wind down from your first, very eventful day on your Catalina weekend getaway you will probably have built up an appetite. There are SO many incredible dining options and since we’ve been on the island at least a dozen times we feel confident with our food recommendations.

One place we never skip eating at when visiting Catalina Island is Maggie’s Blue Rose Mexican eatery. Everything we’ve tried here has been insanely delicious including their famous margaritas. 

If you love sharable plates, our favorite thing to order is the carnitas nachos which are huge and big enough for two to split as an entire meal served with freshly made tortilla chips and layered with toppings paired with their homemade salsa.

Evening Activities

Even for a small island getaway, you can find some fun nightlife and evening activities for all ages during your Catalina Island weekend trip.

For families and adults who are kids at heart, head to Three Palms Avalon Arcade at the Metropole Marketplace which has a bar and an arcade full of fun video games where you can win tickets to cash in for fun prizes along with a mini-bowling alley. The arcade is open daily until 8:00 pm.

If you’re looking for more fun, check out the Catalina Island Ghost Tours which take place on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in the evenings to learn a bit more about the paranormal activity (and even alien activity) on the island!

Last but not least, for the adults, there are a few bars on the island and restaurants with full bars to enjoy a nightcap at. Some of the best bars to hit up in the evening include the Marlin Club, Luau Larry’s, and J L’s Locker Room .

Day 2: Weekend in Catalina

This will be your full day of fun and activities during your Catalina Island weekend getaway! Keep in mind that some activities, especially in the summer months will require advance reservations. You may have to slightly alter or tweak some of the suggested activities to fit your reservations which is really easy to do because things are not far away from one another, It’s very easy to adjust all of our recommendations to fit your weekend in Catalina.

Morning Coffee & Breakfast

Fuel all the fun during your full-day during your weekend in Catalina at the Catalina Island Coffee & Cookie Co. located in the Metropole Market Place which opens at the wee hours of the morning. We both love a good cup of coffee and they deliver quality cups of coffee – especially if you like iced chai tea lattes!

You can find small bites and baked goods as well as a few breakfast options. 

If you’re not a coffee drinker you’re also in luck as they have delicious flavored iced teas you can try too!

Hike to Buena Vista Point Scenic Overlook

After you’ve enjoyed your early breakfast, if you’re looking for a nice morning workout with a rewarding view of Avalon, Catalina Harbor, and the Casino from above, then check out Buena Vista Point Scenic Overlook.

Take Wrigley Road for a 25-minute uphill climb to this scenic vista. This is best done in the morning, especially in the summer because of the heat. There are a few places to take a rest along the way including the shaded local pet cemetery before continuing your incline.

One of our favorite views of Catalina can be found here and is a great photo stop. 

If you’re not wanting to hike up here, you can rent e-bikes from Brown’s Bikes or stop on your golf cart rental the day before!

Catalina Museum for Art & History

If you’re like us and fascinated with the island’s history then you’ll want to include the Catalina Island Museum for Art & History to your Catalina Island weekend trip itinerary!

Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, you can explore this beautiful space takes you through the history of the island including historic photos, ephemera, and stories from when the island was purchased by the Wrigley family, when the Chicago Cubs did their training on the island, its role in WWII, to the history of transportation to the island, and of course, the island being a playground for Hollywood’s Golden Age including the discovery of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars of all time, Marilyn Monroe.

And as the name suggests, you can find art exhibits here as well including a permanent Chihuly glass installation on their outdoor terrace next to the amphitheater.

Lunch at The Naughty Fox

We recommend planning your lunch around doing an inland tour of the island on this day during your weekend in Catalina. This might mean you have an early lunch or plan to have a late lunch, regardless of what works for your schedule, we recommend having a delicious, fresh lunch from The Naughty Fox restaurant at the Bellanca Hotel.

Their outdoor seating section offers a waterfront view on the opposite side of the roundabout where you’ll see the adorable golf carts zip by and enjoy views of the Casino and ocean as your backdrop.

This restaurant serves up coastal cuisine with a wine list and island-inspired cocktails. We especially loved their salads topped with fresh tuna and the ahi poke nachos. 

Interior Island Tour

One of the best things to do on the island is to take a scenic tour to the interior of the island or the backside of the island where you can find all the undeveloped beauty that the Wrigley family promised to protect when purchasing the island.

Depending on what tour or experience you want to do you have the opportunity to see untouched, pristine beaches on the back end of the island, smaller hiking adventures along the Trans Catalina Trail (which is a multi-day trek across the entire island), wildlife spottings like the small native fox and the herd of bison that roams the island, to day trips to Two Harbors.

The Catalina Island Conservancy offers Eco Tours daily which you can book in advance online. We really enjoyed our customized tours with Catalina Backcountry which offers personalized, private tours depending on what it is you want to do or see. We did a few hours on a personalized tour of the interior of the island witnessing incredible views of the ocean, beaches, and even saw the tiny Catalina Island fox!

They also offer personalized tours that include taking guests to a beach on the back end of the island to hang out for the day, special trips for a private, intimate wedding proposal, customized hiking trips, and for those who want to do the multi-day Trans Catalina Trail in style they offer a service where they take your luggage and set up camp for you each night so you can do the multi-day trek with just your day bag and not have to worry about lugging all of your things around or where you’re going to sleep and what you’re going to eat.

Catalina Island Mini Golf

One of our favorite activities to do on any visit to Catalina whether we are spending a weekend in Catalina or just a day trip is to enjoy a round of mini-golf at the Catalina Island Mini Golf course!

Open daily from 9:00 to 5:00, you can enjoy all the fun on this 18-hole course in a gorgeous lush garden in the heart of downtown Avalon. The course is pretty fun and also has plenty of holes that have trick shot opportunities.

Pay attention to the little signs at each course as they are full of island facts as well as hints for how to get a hole in one at each hole!

Dinner at Lobster Trap

We’ve asked many locals on our visits to the island and time after time everyone always says their favorite spot for dinner is the Lobster Trap which is why we recommend spending at least one of your dinners during your Catalina Island weekend trip enjoying a seafood feast here!

Hop inside this nautical-themed restaurant where people rave about the seafood pasta dishes and there are fresh catches of the day available as an entree. We both got great local catches as our meal and loved how lively and fun the entire setting was here!

We recommend hitting up the evening activities mentioned on our first night at Catalina Island during your weekend stay. If you’re not completely exhausted from all the fun in the sun and island activities there’s also the Chi Chi Club (oh hey, another Chi Chi!) which is the only nightlife club on the island.

Another additional option is the Catalina Room Escape , a pirate-themed escape room in downtown Avalon.

Day 3: Weekend in Catalina

If you’re spending a traditional weekend in Catalina, chances are this is your last day on the island and you have a ferry departing Avalon later in the afternoon. We always try to get the later afternoon ferry so we have more time to enjoy the island activities and another lunch before departing back to the mainland.

Breakfast at Pancake Cottage

If you love a large homestyle-cooked breakfast this is the spot for you! Sit back and enjoy a feast for breakfast in this popular morning spot on the island.

We actually ordered a breakfast burrito to-go and split it (the portions here are pretty large and it’s very easy to split a meal) while sitting on a bench near the Pleasure Pier to enjoy the morning waterfront view.

Whether you want a stack of pancakes or a hearty breakfast, they’ve got it!

Catalina Casino Tour

During your Catalina weekend getaway learn a bit more about the island’s most iconic landmark, the Casino. You can join one of the daily behind-the-scenes Casino tours with a historian where you’ll have a chance to witness this Art Deco masterpiece of a building that houses a gorgeous 1920s movie theater where the first ‘talkies’ where shown, the world’s largest circular ballroom on the second floor, and the rare pipe organ inside the casino to name a few highlights you’ll uncover on this educational tour.

Or you’re free to pay admission and wander the Catalina Casino freely on your weekend in Catalina.

Whether you’re visiting off-season or in the summer, there are fun snorkeling adventures to be had off the coast of Catalina Island. We recommend booking a snorkeling excursion with Catalina Diver’s Supply which takes you on a fun 2-hour snorkeling adventure with everything you need – a boat to get to the best spots, a wetsuit for the colder months, fins, and your snorkel gear!

You’ll get to witness the beauty below the surface of the turquoise waters including getting up close to the bright orange Garibaldi fish which are found everywhere along the island.

In the summer months, they offer a 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm option for snorkeling adventures, off-season they only offer one time. You will want to book this in advance and may need to adjust your Catalina Island weekend trip itinerary if the only time available is the later afternoon time since it would be getting back very close to your ferry departure. 

If you’re trying to follow this weekend in Catalina itinerary exactly, we recommend getting the 12:00 pm tour that lasts 2 hours so you have time to relax and get to the late afternoon ferry on time.

Final Lunch

Depending on which activities on our suggested Catalina Island weekend trip itinerary you followed, you have probably worked up an appetite and are going to need a great meal before heading back to the ferry journey to the mainland.

As we mentioned, all the food on the island is great. But if you want a few personal recommendations we have two that we have yet to mention in this guide.

Bluewater Avalon is the perfect spot if you want to enjoy a seafood lunch on their gorgeous outdoor deck and patio right on the water. 

If you’re a pizza fan like us, don’t miss Antonio’s Pizza . There are two locations, there’s Antonio’s Pizzeria & Cabaret located on the waterfront next to Bluewater Avalon or their 1950s style pizza joint at 114 Sumner Avenue which is pretty special as you can’t help but admire the nostalgic dining room setting complete with the checkered table cloths and fun decor covering the walls.

Where to Stay on Your Catalina Island Weekend Trip

For this trip, we stayed at the beautiful Bellanca Hotel located in the heart of downtown Avalon on Crescent Avenue overlooking Catalina Harbor.

This location is great as you are just a brief walk from the ferry terminal and close to everything there is to do and see in downtown Avalon.

Onsite amenities include The Naughty Fox restaurant which has a gorgeous outdoor dining space open to guests and the public as well as an outdoor sundeck with seats and umbrellas with unobstructed ocean views to relax at for guests.

The rooms are spacious with artistic accents and some offer their own private balconies. Book here.

For more hotel options check out our full guide to where to stay on Catalina Island including different accommodation options for every type of traveler.

Other Catalina Travel Tips

Here are a few essential tips for your Catalina Island weekend trip and itinerary including what to pack and a few useful resources for booking your on-island activities.

If you’re prone to motion sickness you’ll want to come prepared for the ferry ride to and from Catalina Island. The ferry service is very smooth, but on days with the high wind the ride is a little rocky and those who are prone to motion sickness may feel it the worst. Come prepared with things that settle the stomach like ginger ale or purchase ginger chews , Dramamine for motion sickness , or try a motion sickness patch .

Come prepared with sunscreen too! We recommend, especially if you’re planning on getting in the water, to purchase reef-safe and eco-friendly sunscreen as many brands contain harmful chemicals to the ocean that people don’t realize. Unfortunately, the ‘reef friendly’ sunscreen label isn’t regulated so you often get brands who are ‘greenwashing’ or pretending to be safe for the environment even though they are not – which makes things confusing for the consumer. 

My personal favorite brand is Thinksport as their formula applies evenly and doesn’t leave a weird white minerally residue.

There are plenty of small, charming boutiques on the island for any last-minute things you may have forgotten and even a full-on Vons grocery store too.

For booking on island activities, if you didn’t purchase in advance (which is highly advised for the summer season) there is still a chance you can book all kinds of island excursions from boat rides, submarine rides, snorkeling, island tours, Casino tours and more. If you want to try your chances of booking last minute you can at several spots around the island including the blue Pleasure Pier, the information and ticketing spot at the Catalina Island mini-golf, and directly at some attractions like the Casino.

If you’re visiting off-season like we did in March or April, chances are you’ll be able to book last-minute activities but keep in mind they don’t operate at their full schedule off-season, so it’s still recommended to book in advance.

September offers a prime time to visit Catalina Island. The weather is still warm, crowds thin out after summer, and various activities can be enjoyed without the peak-season rush. The winter months are also an underrated time to visit Catalina Island as there are fewer crowds, better hotel deals, and the weather is still comfortable.

A 2 to 3-day visit to Catalina Island is ideal, allowing you to explore its attractions, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience its unique ambiance without feeling rushed.

The cost of a trip to Catalina Island varies. A day trip might be around $75-$100 for transportation and basic activities. A multi-day stay with accommodation can range from $200 to $500+ per person, excluding extras.

Yes, you can spend a day on Catalina Island but since there are so many things to do and see here it’s best to spend a night or two to see more of the island and it’s beauty, attractions, and historic sites.

There you have it! All of our favorite options for how to spend Catalina weekend getaway! If you found this guide helpful, consider bookmarking for later or sharing the love below on Pinterest!

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Paradise found on ‘The People’s Island’

Catalina Island, soon to mark 130th anniversary of the Santa Catalina Island Company, was the perfect setting for a family to celebrate their own mother’s legacy

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My mom was turning 80, obviously a major milestone and a party worth throwing for the woman who gave me life. As the epitome of sacrifice, she was raised in Ghana as the daughter of missionaries, deprived of riches so she could invest in the poor. Her love for others never faded — she dedicated over 10 years building schools, clinics and housing alongside my South African father in the country of Lesotho.

Later in life, they left their roots to be close to their two daughters in San Diego, launching a landscaping company to fund their philanthropic projects in Africa. Defying logic, my parents still return regularly, traveling over 10,500 miles to bring hope to the next generation.

As my mother approached her 80th year, my sister and I joined forces to give her the one thing her heart desired most: family.

Between six adults and three teenagers, finding a weekend that worked with a web of schedules wasn’t easy; but my mother asked for little, so we were determined to make it happen. Hawaii — or flying anywhere, for that matter — was out of the question. Still, we wanted an island getaway close enough to home yet mentally worlds away.

At my mom’s birthday dinner, we brought out a piñata, blindfolded her and handed her a bat. Head to the sky, she swung at the air, stopping only to slap her knee in hysterics. With help from her grandkids, she eventually triggered a shower of candy from the papier-mâché carcass. Along with the treats fell out a card that read: “Mom, we’re going to Catalina. All of us.”

Of course, she cried. “You mean it? You really mean it?!”

We did. Just 22 miles off California’s coast, the rocky island is accessible by ferry from Dana Point, Long Beach and San Pedro harbors. Tickets from nearby Dana Point were sold out, so we departed from Long Beach.

To maximize our stay, we took the 9:50 Catalina Express ferry to Avalon, costing roughly $80 per person for the round-trip fare. Parking ran another $22 a day. Based on our budget, we planned to stay three days on the island.

Like kids on a roller coaster, we sat on the top deck at the front of the ship, cheering when a pod of dolphins sprang from the sea. Suddenly, my mom motioned the rows of strangers to “all rise,” encouraging them to join in viewing her porpoise parade. One by one, we shimmied over to make room for the masses, now sitting cheek to cheek with randoms.

During the one-hour journey, my mom handed out granola bars and Gatorade, then pointed to the island like a pirate, before dancing to the beat of source-less music. That was my mom, culminating all the habits that embarrassed me in my youth; I now saw her as the woman I wanted to become.

Once on land, she insisted we walk — luggage, coolers and all — through the main street of Avalon. In this 2-square-mile stretch are a cluster of shops, restaurants, bars and 30-plus hotels dotting the cheerful town. It’s here, the southeastern side of the island, that some 5,000 residents call home and where visitors seek utopia.

We certainly found it: From the white-sandy shores of Descanso Beach, we strolled the boardwalk while kayaks and paddleboards glided through our living postcard. Towering palms and water as juicy as blueberries made it easy to lose ourselves on the map. Like a Mediterranean dream, sailboats bobbed offshore, framed by sugary sands and sprawling greens dotted with white cabanas begging for summer brides.

The fact that this trip was nearing the 130-year anniversary of the Santa Catalina Island Company — founded in 1894 by the pioneering Banning brothers — made it a season of celebrations. The brothers began developing the island into a resort destination, but a fire in 1915 burned nearly half of the buildings in Avalon.

The party really took off in 1919, however, when chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley Jr. paid the Banning brothers $3 million for the fire-ravaged island. Wrigley invested millions more to transform the rugged island into one with water, utilities, telecommunications, streets, schools, homes, hotels and steamships. His vision wooed everyone from Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan to Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin.

But Wrigley didn’t build his island empire for Hollywood’s elite; he built it for the gum-chewers of the world. Catalina was his token of gratitude to — in his words — “the tired shop girl, the artisan, the clerk, and the Boy Scout.”

In my family, we checked every category, other than “the clerk.” And so, I took my Boy Scout nephews, my artisan niece and my shop-girl self to the Catalina Aerial Adventure . My mom insisted the grandkids experience this adrenaline-filled activity, working their way across zip lines and rope courses with spirit and courage.

Between golfing, paddleboarding, diving, parasailing, fishing, falconry, biking, hiking and tours, we had plenty of activities at our fingertips.

But for now, we would eat. After a casual lunch at Antonio’s Pizza , we walked to our hotel for check-in, and just like that, we had the lay of the land. Although the island is 76 square miles, most restaurants, attractions and hotels are along Avalon Harbor.

This included our property of choice, Bellanca Hotel . Opened in 2020, this boutique hotel was the cool kid in town, just steps from the beach with a rooftop deck, modern rooms, harbor views and the trendy Naughty Fox restaurant. The staff welcomed us with Champagne and macarons, and introduced such perks as complimentary bikes, beach accessories and luggage transportation upon departure.

By booking side-by-side rooms, our party of nine dominated the second floor, propping doors open with flip-flops so we could trade coffee pods. For a family raised on Motel 6, the fireplaces, soaking tubs and adjoining balconies left us wide-eyed.

It was our time, a blink in life when we lived in harmony for the one who formed us, shaping us into the people we are today, and for the generation we’ll empower tomorrow. We did it for Mom: the hotel board games, the sunset bike rides, the midnight ice cream and the rooftop gatherings. Over boxed wine and charcuterie from a cooler, we toasted to “family” and the miracle of making it happen.

But the miracle didn’t stop there. The following morning, my 84-year-old father insisted we all hike Hermit Gulch . The 4-mile strenuous loop was out of the question, but my parents were determined to give it a shot. Again, defying logic, they climbed steep trails to soak in views of Avalon Canyon across the San Pedro Channel.

After celebratory tacos and margaritas at The Sandtrap , we rented golf carts to explore the wild side of the island. Bumps, turns and curves had my parents hanging on for dear life, while my husband hollered, “We have exactly one hour, or they’ll deduct from our deposit!”

Tires screeched as we hugged the cliffside, doing our best to read paper maps flapping in the wind. Acting as our self-appointed guide, my sister pointed out Wrigley Memorial , an iconic landmark paying tribute to the founder’s vision to protect the island. The monument was appropriately wrapped by the 36-acre Botanic Garden , created in 1935 by Wrigley’s wife, Ada.

We zipped by the baseball field where Wrigley set up spring training for the Chicago Cubs in 1921. As part owner, he coached their progress from the terrace of his elegant estate, Mt. Ada , now operating as Catalina’s only four-star hotel.

Weaving downhill, we leaned in toward the Spanish-style Chimes Tower that rang out as we passed. “We have 15 minutes left,” my husband shouted.

Beyond the junglelike terrain of Descanso Canyon, we flew past the historic Casino, the Yacht Club , and then our hotel, where my parents jumped curbside.

“Man down!” I shouted. “Everyone OK?”

My parents gave us a thumbs-up, and away the “youngsters” went, stopping midway for saltwater taffy and fudge at Lloyd’s candy shop . After our rapid-fire tour, we reunited at The Lobster Trap for fresh seafood, followed by movie night at the Casino .

Built in 1929, this dance pavilion was the impetus for the big band era, drawing 3,000 people at any given time. Encompassing the ground floor is a 1,184-seat theater, where motion pictures were — and still are — played. As a playground to the stars, the Casino united Hollywood legends with the working class, in Wrigley’s ongoing efforts to make people happy.

He certainly succeeded.

Our nine-person tribe was happy, especially the following morning during the Bison Expedition . This two-hour tour explores the grazing grounds of Catalina’s bison, descendants of a small herd left on the island by a movie crew in the 1920s.

The two-hour safari traversed Catalina’s rugged interior, where 88 percent of the island is designated as protected land. Snaking through the grasslands was the 38-mile Trans-Catalina Trail , attracting hikers, campers, and, of course, the bison.

The once-thriving herd of 550 has dwindled to around 70 after an infertility program was introduced to restore native flora. Aboard the open-air Hummer, our guide told us bison are seldom seen these days.

But we were in luck.

Straddling an overgrown trail stood a magnificent beast, looking tired, dirty and alone — as if fully aware he was among the last of the buffalo to roam in paradise. These Hollywood legacies were literally a dying breed, and one we cherished for sharing their moment in the spotlight.

That afternoon, my mom and I walked arm in arm to the Catalina Museum for Art & History , discovering the rich history of the island, which has served as the location for more than 500 motion pictures. In the 1940s, the Navy conducted clandestine operations by using the island for maritime espionage training. In 1943, Norma Jean Baker lived in Avalon before her glamorous life as Marilyn Monroe. In 2007, the island survived a wildfire burning over 4,750 acres.

Through it all, Catalina remained “The People’s Island.” Thanks to Wrigley’s vision, he created a destination that brought Hollywood stars and blue-collar workers together; that ignored social classes and taught people to dance like no one was watching; to walk instead of drive, to toast on rooftops, and to encourage strangers to “all rise” at the sight of nature.

In our case, Mom may have brought us together, but it was Catalina that kept us in place.

Regardless of age — whether it be 80 years for my mom, or 130 years for Catalina — both were living their best lives and maybe even defying logic, just a bit.

Kast-Myers is a freelance travel writer based in Valley Center and the owner of Brick n Barn; marlisekast.com .

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Sign up for our free newsletter, catalina island historic landmarks, catalina historic landmarks.

Catalina Island’s rich history can be seen in many of the buildings and landmarks that dot the town of Avalon and Two Harbors.

Catalina's Airport in the Sky   - Catalina Island's Airport in the Sky was commissioned by P.K. Wrigley, son of William Wrigley, Jr. Construction of the 3,200 foot runway began in 1940.

Catalina Casino Building  – The Catalina Casino is without a doubt Catalina Island’s most recognizable landmark.  Built in 1929, the Casino – which is actually not a gambling hall but “place of entertainment.”

Catalina Chimes Tower  – Built in 1925, the Catalina Chimes Tower was presented as a gift to the town of Avalon by Mrs. Ada Wrigley.  Located up and across from the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel, the chimes have been tolling on the quarter of the hour between 8:00am and 8:00pm since 1925.

Catalina Country Club & Golf Course  – For 30 years, with only a brief break during the war years, William Wrigley Jr. brought his baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, to Catalina Island for spring training.  A clubhouse was also built to house the team’s lockers and provide a social setting for the players.

Catalina Yacht Club  - Dating back to 1924, the yacht club is full of Catalina Island history and rich lore.

Civil War Barracks - Now serving as the headquarters for the Isthmus Yacht, the barracks date back to the American Civil War.

Electric Incline Railway  - Constructed in 1908, the railway took passengers from the end of Crescent Ave, up and over Buena Vista Point, down to Lovers Cove.

Green Pleasure Pier  – The Green Pleasure Pier is still a hub of activity.  It is home to the Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority’s Visitor Center , where you can get information seven days a week.  You can also find tours, water activities, dive centers, and some great places to eat on the 407-foot pier.

Mt. Ada  – Mt. Ada is a six-room bed and breakfast inn and the former home of William Wrigley Jr. and wife Ada.  Located on top of Mt. Ada, the inn boasts breathtaking views of Avalon Bay and the town of Avalon and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Old Ben Park  - Built as a memorial to a famous sea lion, this statue and park welcome visitors to Avalon daily.

Overlook Hall  –  Originally built in 1929, Overlook Hall was designed in the manner of an Italian chapel and served for many years as the community’s Christian Science church. Eventually closed, the building underwent a complete restoration in 2010 and today is without a doubt the loveliest hillside venue in all of Avalon. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Tuna Club  - Founded in 1898, the Tuna Club is the oldest fishing club in the United States.  The club’s main goals were to elevate the sport of fishing to its highest possible standard, and for the protection of the game fish of Southern California.

Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden  – Built between 1933-34, the Wrigley Memorial honors the memory of William Wrigley, Jr. and is the centerpiece of the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Botanic Garden.

Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel  – In 1926, author Zane Grey built a home the hillside overlooking Avalon Bay.  He spent most of his later life in Avalon writing and fishing.  His home was converted to a  hotel after his death.

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Avalon's bird park, catalina chimes tower, catalina island casino, catalina island country club, catalina island yacht club, green pleasure pier, incline electric railway, mt ada - wrigley mansion, old ben park, overlook hall, the tuna club, union barracks, wrigley memorial, explore the island.

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Restaurant-Yacht Chaika

Ratings and reviews, location and contact.

Pleasantly surprised, service is good so is the food. Great selection of Fusion food, a mixture of Italian, Japanese, European, Asian etc. A pleasantly nice dining experience, highly recommended, a must try!

Thank you for your feedback and invite you to have lunch or dinner again aboard the ship in an atmosphere of high standards of yacht hospitality.

everything was perfect - the food, the service, the desserts were the best, nice atmosphere and the location - magical

Best food, best view in Moscow. absolutely faultless from arrival to finish. Best risotto i had for many years absolutely perfectly cooked. The view on Ukrainian hotel and the white house by night is amazing

Had to wait for the food for 1.5 hours and then another 20 minutes for the check. Finally called for the manager and he offered... a 10% discount as a compensation. Simply pathetic! The food is mediocre at best. Not bad per se, but one... would expect something better considering the prices. There are many places to eat in area that are much better. Avoid this one at all costs. More

Hello, Alexander Your comment is extremely important for us, thank you a lot for it. We are terribly sorry for your time that you`ve spent waiting your order and we have already taken actions to improve quality of our service and it would be realy... More

Food is very expensive,very pretentious, doesn't worth that money. Portions are very small. We ordered ravioli and there were 4! Four raviolis! For almost 15 euros. Then we asked to bring us dessert menu but nothing, they didn't even bothered, so we payed and left... without dessert. Very poor service for that price. More

This is a very good restaurant. The food is really good, maybe the best in Moscow. The service is also good. The view from the restaurant is great. The prices are very high.

I often visit this restaurant and must say it’s one of the best in Moscow in terms of quality and service. Staff really try hard to make sure that you are happy and satisfied. Customer service is a huge problem in Moscow but Chaika sets... a great example for others in the industry! Food is delicious and the menu has lots of options for everyone! Atmosphere is great and view is beautiful on the embankment. Special thanks to German & Oleg! More

Thank you for your feedback! Again aboard the yacht restaurant "Chaika" in accordance with the high standards of yacht hospitality.

Highly recommended, great location in the city center of Moscow with a superb atmosphere. Too many menu choices, though all delicious!

Thx a lot for your review! We are looking forward to see you in our restaurants.

Visited this lovely restaurant with a friend of mine. It was relaxingly warm August evening - so the place on the river seemed like a good idea. We came quite early and the restaurant was not full. The hostesses kindly offered several places to sit... and we chose to sit on the sofas. We had some wine, which was good. We struggled a bit when deciding about the food as few options (scallops) were not available. Fish on ice on display did not look very fresh. To be honest it was an unusually hot August and it is probably understandable that some see food options were not available. However, we did manage to order something and sat waiting and looking onto the river. My long-legged friend struggled sitting at the low sofa and the manager noticed that, offering as a very good, proper table beside the open window. It was nice touch and I was very pleased by their polite observations and immediate reaction to solve the problem. Food was quite good and presentation was perfect. Perhaps I can something about the food, but 1 visit is not enough to criticize or make a definitive opinion. Overall, quality place, which of course, does not come cheap. I would recommend this restaurant without hesitation. More

Good afternoon! Thank you for your detailed feedback! We are looking forward to seeing you again, we are sure that you will be delighted with our dishes!

I've been here several times during two business trip in Moscow. The overall quality for both service and food is absolutely top-notch, plus the location is very unique.

Hello! Thank you for your feedback! We are looking forward to visiting again!

Located on a boat at Krasnopresenskaya River Bank this 5 Star Restaurant transforms into a party location due to multiple groups hosting events. Impressive wine selection, Asian and European kitchen...

Thx a lot! We are waiting for you!

It is a nice place to gather specially at the lounge The service and staff very good I like the river view The food is almost like all restaurants in Russia they serve different cuisine. Staring Russian appetizer till Asian dishes Presentation and taste amazing... I consider it overpriced little bit More

Good location. Nice views. Good choice of food and drinks. European and Asian menu. Nice service. Pricey enough.

Had a large group dinner here. Food was above average and service quite good. The real attraction is the view of Moscow from the river on a nice night. Great place for a larger group dinner. More

Hello, John We are really pleased by reading that you and your friends were satisfied by our service, client`s experience is the highest value for us. We will be happy to see you again, come and enjoy some new dishes from our chef and nice... More

The luxurious atmosphere of this place, the view and the location make it quite outstanding. We had dinner here with friends and the dishes were amazing, accompanied by a chilled bottle of Chablis, it really made me feel as if it was a part of... the classic Russian movie. More

RESTAURANT-YACHT CHAIKA, Moscow - Presnensky - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

• Service: 4.5
• Atmosphere: 4.5

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2024 commodore’s transatlantic pre cruise miami to barcelona.

Guest List iCal

Wednesday April 3, 2024

Board meeting bcyc 1700 hrs, sunday april 14, 2024, 100th anniversary commodore’s cruise barcelona to rome hosts: commodore john & janet wells, p/c larry & sheri gottlieb, friday may 3, 2024, work weekend - deck lunch hosts: ciyc staff, saturday may 4, 2024, board & auxiliary meeting ciyc clubhouse 0800 hrs, weary workers’ lunch hosts: p/c larry & sheri gottlieb, weary workers’ dinner hosts: v/c mary & kenny haller, friday may 24, 2024, opening weekend deck lunch - hosts: ciyc staff, saturday may 25, 2024, ciyc 100th opening day ceremony coordinator: sherri brash 1000 hrs., centennial champagne reception hosts: dan & wendy whitener, 2024 100th opening day roaring 20’s dinner hosts: dave & eddie austin, dick & donna webben, sunday may 26, 2024, board & auxiliary meetings ciyc clubhouse 1000 hrs., 100th year celebration dinghy parade hosts: todd gleason & cathy zeka 1500 hrs. meet at club dock, denim & diamonds dinner co-hosts: noreen wallace & s/c jim wachtler, gene & marcia krause, rhonda tolar, friday may 31, 2024, deck lunch - hosts: ciyc staff, saturday june 1, 2024, saturday soiree hosts: louie & marcela bozanich, friday june 7, 2024, saturday june 8, 2024, a swine time- ciyc pig roast hosts: honorary members james hmielak & gail foranasiere, friday june 14, 2024, deck lunch hosts: ciyc staff, saturday june 15, 2024, flag officer’s flap jacks 0830 hrs. – 1000 hrs., fathers’ day bbq hosts: sam & ashley chapple, steve & stacy irwin, doug & jaxy luther, friday june 21, 2024, saturday june 22, 2024, taste of louisiana hosts: matt crochet & gracia covarrubias, friday june 28, 2024, saturday june 29, 2024, cookin’ crack tri-tip dinner hosts: diane schneider & dave grundies, wednesday july 3, 2024, freedom french dip lunch hosts: p/c larry & sheri gottlieb, v/c mary & kenny haller, thursday july 4, 2024, creighton-o’brien 4th of july breakfast hosts: darilyn & tim o'brien, the creighton family, city of avalon 4th of july parade- ciyc independence day float- kirk macinnis 1300 hrs., ciyc dinghy parade hosts: todd gleason & cathy zeka 1530 hrs. (meet at clubhouse float), 4th of july bbq hosts: debbie miede & jay rambert 1800 hrs. - 2000 hrs., friday july 5, 2024, rockin’ baja tacos hosts: keith & kini jorgensen, kevin & jamie mullaney, saturday july 6, 2024, board & auxiliary meeting ciyc clubhouse 1000 hrs, flag officers’ traditional steak fry hosts: flag officers and spouses, friday july 12, 2024, saturday july 13, 2024, murder mystery dinner hosts: jr. s/c gary & mary tolar, friday july 19, 2024, saturday july 20, 2024, flag officers’ flap jacks 0830 hrs. – 1000 hrs., louie’s luscious lobsters hosts: jack & lisa taylor, p/c larry & sheri gottlieb, friday july 26, 2024, saturday july 27, 2024, ciyc olympic games and dinner hosts: sasha ayloush, ramsey & briar ayloush, stefanie sitzer & ryan miller, friday august 2, 2024, saturday august 3, 2024, board & auxiliary meetings ciyc clubhouse 0900 hrs., 21st annual chili cook-off chili hosts: jim collings & anita seiveley 1200 hrs. tasting, hot dogs, specialty drinks & music 1500 hrs. judging & awards, friday august 9, 2024, saturday august 10, 2024, airport in the sky hosts: bob & susie baggott dinner time tbd, friday august 16, 2024, michael’s margarita party hosts: s/c michael & lynn levitt 1500 hrs. - 1700 hrs. mooring #155, saturday august 17, 2024, staff commodores’ fish fry hosts: jr. s/c gary & mary tolar, friday august 23, 2024, saturday august 24, 2024, 100th anniversary dinner & foundation fundraiser gala at the casino hosts: p/c larry & sheri gottlieb, tom & kathy thacker, sunday august 25, 2024, game day harbor cocktail & poker run hosts: georges & karly thiret 1500 hrs. (meet at clubhouse), lucky ducks bingo dinner hosts: commodore john & janet wells, p/c larry & sheri gottlieb 1900 dinner & bingo, monday august 26, 2024, avalon road rally hosts: nick & stephanie bozick 1000 hrs. (meet at clubhouse), tuesday august 27, 2024, ciyc big golf tournament hosts: steve birch, michele lewis 0830 hrs. (meet at clubhouse), a night at the movies hosts: s/c roland & sally rapp 1900 hrs. dinner & movie, wednesday august 28, 2024, over the water day hosts: tom & pam nix usc hyperbaric chamber tour & lunch - time tbd, thursday august 29, 2024, tom murphy memorial mini masters golf host: toni murphy & andy murphy 0830 hrs. (meet at mini golf course), shrimp feed hosts: kathy & noel hamilton, friday august 30, 2024, board & auxiliary meeting ciyc club house 1000 hrs., ciyc lip sync battle hosts: taylor & renee hunter 1830 cocktails 1900 tgif dinner (must sign up for dinner) 2000 lip sync performances, saturday august 31, 2024, ciyc closing ceremonies host: sherri brash 1100 hrs., auxiliary dinner & show with hollywood hypnotist- kevin stone, sunday september 1, 2024, flag officers’ breakfast & lid lifters’ bar hosts: flag officers 0900 hrs. - 1100 hrs., ciyc 100th year closing dinner hosts: abbott & cindy ayloush, thursday september 5, 2024, billfish tournament hosts: bob & sally kurz, saturday september 14, 2024, ramsey race host: tom collins, todd & cathy’s kitchen host: todd gleason & cathy zeka, saturday september 21, 2024, it’s a wrap last day of summer deck bbq hosts: graham & june wilson entertainment by our very own graham wilson, wednesday october 2, 2024, board meeting bcyc 1700 hrs., sunday november 3, 2024, 2024 annual and auxiliary meeting @ bcyc elections & installations coordinator: evie compton 1400 hrs. followed by hosted cocktails & hors d’oeurvres.