Romantic Escapes on Catalina Island: Why Avalon is Southern California's Best Kept Secret

As the ferries approach Avalon to tie up at the dock downtown, you can see a set of romantic symbols atop the hills in front of you. Up high, overlooking Avalon is Mt. Ada, a gorgeous Georgian Colonial mansion that was a gift from gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. to his wife Ada. The home granted Mrs. Wrigley some beautiful views of the bay. Just below Mt. Ada, there’s the Holly Hill House–a Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion with an iconic turret, gorgeous gables, and a dramatic unrequited love story. Completed in 1890 by engineer Peter Gano with the hopes that his fiancee would come to live there on Catalina with him, the Holly Hill House became Gano’s bachelor pad where he dwelled for decades all alone. His fiancee never came. 

In addition to these two romantic hillside homes, there are plenty of picturesque places and landmarks all around Catalina that help it to live up to its nickname as “the island of romance.” The Aurora Hotel aims to be one of your favorite romantic spots when you visit too. Read on to learn more about romantic escapes on Catalina Island, and discover why Avalon is Southern California’s best kept secret. 

I wanna be loved by you. The island was once a haven for Hollywood stars, and it can be one for you too. Before she became Marilyn Monroe, Norma Jeane Baker lived in Avalon during the 1940s. Famous leading men like Clark Gable, John Wayne, and Cary Grant were all known to have been visitors to the island. Leading ladies like Joan Crawford and Betty Grable visited too. The island remains a great getaway–with beautiful backdrops for couples’ photo shoots, lovely places to picnic or sightsee together, and romantic spots to stay like the Aurora Hotel. 

The perfect place to adventure together. From a big ballroom to a magnificent movie theater to secluded coves and magical kelp forests, there are so many places to make great memories as a couple around Catalina. 

• The Casino Ballroom: The spectacular art deco style Casino can be just the right date spot for couples. Whether you want to get in a few laps around the circular ballroom floor roller rink or take in a featured film at the beautifully decorated theater, the old big band era gathering place is just the right setting for your romantic escape to Catalina. 

• Paddle your way to a private cove: Rent a double kayak in Avalon, and make your way through the harbor to a nearby cove. Lover’s Cove is a favorite for snorkelers if you’d like to explore the underwater world together too. 

• Check out the wilder side of the island: There are many different interior tours where you can look for bison, Catalina fox, and other wildlife around the island. 

A room for two. Make the most of your time on Catalina, and stay in a beautiful boutique hotel. Throughout the year, the Aurora Hotel offers couples some truly romantic retreats for you and your partner in the form of thoughtfully curated packages. 

• A Dash of Romance: Set the mood, and start off your stay with a bottle of wine (or cider) and a bouquet of flowers. This package also includes round-trip boat transportation as well as a taxi to the hotel from the boat dock. During your stay, you’ll be treated to the ultimate romantic relaxation activity: a couples massage. 

• Anniversary Escape: What better setting for an anniversary celebration than the Isle of Romance? The Aurora Hotel will help make your anniversary a memorable one. The package includes round-trip boat transportation to the island, taxi rides to and from the hotel and boat docks, a welcome wine (or cider) bottle, flowers, and a private 2-hour tour of the interior of the island. If you need to relax after your island adventures, you can request to add on a couples massage too.

A romantic rooftop. In addition to clean and bright guest rooms, the Aurora Hotel has a special spot for guests to gather. The roof deck is a nice space away from the downtown crowds to take in quiet morning views of Avalon, to sit and read during sleepy afternoons, and to even enjoy a happy hour stop. 

Cozy mornings. The staff wants to make sure you’re taken care of at Aurora. Enjoy your complimentary morning coffee and continental breakfast before heading out together each day. 

Customize your couple’s getaway. Call the front desk at the Aurora Hotel to get just what you want out of your romantic escape on Catalina Island. Our staff is happy to work with you to customize your trip to be just right for you both. We’re happy to give restaurant and activity recommendations if you want to add a little more to your romantic itinerary. Give us a call at 310-510-0454 to book, or check out all of our room options and package offerings on our website.