The Ultimate Get-Away: Catalina Island, Portofino Hotel

The Ultimate Catalina Island Get-Away: Catalina Portofino Hotel

Catalina island lies southwest of Los Angeles. It is a real gem! The island is very well known for it’s wildlife, dive sites, and picture-perfect paradise. From small boutiques to thrilling adventures to fine dining, clear waters, and rugged back country where the bison roam, Catalina island is not to miss when visiting California! 

Where to Stay:

The Catalina Portofino, only footsteps from the water, offers ocean view suites and luxury guest accomodations. The hotel has a spacious sundeck perfect for total rest and relaxation. They offer free-wifi and continental breakfast! During our stay, we were lucky to get the Positano suite and WOW! It was BEAUTIFUL! Our suite had views of Avalon Bay and featured a king memory foam bed, living room area with a fireplace, a double sofa bed couch pull out, and a private balcony. The bathroom was redone in marble and the jet tub was AMAZING! The hotel staff are very hospitable and kind and really went above and beyond during our stay. They were always ready to help, guide, or inform us of any events going on in the area! 

Activities:

Looking for a relaxing day, an adventure, or some country backwoods fun? Catalina island offers many different excursions ranging from zip-lining to jeep tours, wine-tasting, parasailing, jet skis, scuba-diving, electric bike rentals, kayaking, spa relaxation services, island expeditions, and many more. You can find more information at: Catalina Tours and Activities 

During our stay, we partnerd with Parasail Catalina! This was definitely an experience of a lifetime! The views were breathtaking and the staff was great! They offer multiple locations including Catalina Island, King’s Beach, Newport Beach, and Ensenada Mexico! Click here to book your next adventure: Parasail Catalina

When visiting the island, we also partnered with Descanso Beach Ocean Sports. We were sponsored to participate in the kayak tour to Frog Rock beach! The tour was incredible. Our guide was great! He informed us about the history and culture of the island, the marine life, and let us in on some island secrets! The tour was about two hours and it was well worth it! We kayaked to a private beach and once we came ashore, he gave us delicious chocolate chip cookies! I think that was one of our favorite parts of the tour! You definitely need to pay attention when kayaking into the shore so you don’t flip over like we did! Brrr…. that water was cold but it was refreshing! We went during early spring, so in the summer it is much warmer. The beach was called Frog Rock beach because there is a gigantic rock that resembles a frog in front of it. When the tides are good, the guide told us many visitors and locals enjoy cliff-jumping! This tour was a truly great experience and one not to miss when visiting the island! Book your tour: Kayak Catalina

Our Catalina Kayak Experience: 

Need Transportation? Rent a Golf Cart: 

This is one of the most popular things to do when visiting the island! Enjoy the fun and freedom of renting a 4 or 6 passenger golf cart to explore the amazing views of Avalon! Definitely bring your camera and explore the scenic points around the island!

Where to Eat:

Steve’s Steakhouse: This fine dining restaurant is five stars! It has beautiful views with open-aired windows, friendly customer service, and some of the best food you will taste! We enjoyed the filet and lobster and the coconut shrimp! We also enjoyed the tuna tar tar! The coconut shrimp was the best we personally have EVER tasted! The food was top notch and the owner Steve was as accomodating and kind as can be! Book your reservation here: Steve’s Steakhouse 

Maggie’s Blue Rose: The food here is outstanding! Something we learned about this place that we loved was the owner Maggie is the wife to Steve from Steve’s Steakhouse! No wonder the food was AMAZING! The service was great and the food was very tasty. The restaurant is  fine dining mexican inspired cuisine. Don’t forget to book your reservation here: Maggie’s Blue Rose and don’t forget to enjoy their tasty Blue Rose Margarita!