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Tips to plan your magical musical getaway
By Melanie Maxwell
The enchantment of Catalina Island is only an hourlong boat ride across the Pacific Ocean from Long Beach or San Pedro, California (and a bit longer from Dana Point). Avalon, a 7.7-square-mile sliver of the 176-square-mile island and its only city, is a popular destination year-round, but it’s especially enticing in October when the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival lights up the iconic Catalina Casino Ballroom for two weekends, including Thursday night “Unplugged Under the Stars” concerts in the sand at Descanso Beach.
If you’ve ever considered a trip to Catalina for the festival, or any other time of year, here are some tips to plan your magical musical getaway.
The 2023 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival is scheduled for Oct. 12-15 and Oct. 19-22. For tickets and information, visit www.jazztrax.com, or call 866-872-9849.
Getting There
Catalina Express offers 30 daily departures from ports in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, California.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, special after-performance boat departures are available from Avalon back to Long Beach. www.CatalinaExpress.com • 800-995-4386
Staying There
Built in 1990, Omeo Suites Casa Mariquita Hotel is among the newest built of all Catalina Island hotels. Its modern luxury encapsulates quaint and compelling old-world Spanish styling. Although conveniently located right in the town of Avalon and less than a block from the beach, with restaurants, shopping and sightseeing all within a five-minute walk, this hotel is away from the busy main street. Rooms start at $199. Call 626-775-7788 to book now.
229 Metropole Ave., Avalon, California www.omeo.vip • 310-510-1192
Omeo Suites Hotel Catalina is located steps from the bay! Built in 1916, this historic blue and white Victorian landmark can be seen when entering the harbor. Quietly nestled a few doors from Avalon Bay, this Catalina Island lodging offers all the charm and hospitality of Catalina’s yesteryear, yet you will feel right at home with all the modern amenities and conveniences of today. This AAA-approved property features large verandas with harbor views, a garden courtyard, lounge area and gas barbecue, partial ocean views, deluxe mountain views, standard and terrace rooms, family cottages, flat-screen TVs, DVD, cable, internet and more. Rooms start at $158. Call 626-775-7788 to book now.
129 Whittley Ave., Avalon, California www.omeo.vip • 310-510-0027
