How To Do The Catalina Wine Mixer The Best Way

I’ve wanted to go to Catalina Island for years but never actually did until one of my friends spontaneously invited my sister and I to The Catalina Wine Mixer. I wasn’t expecting the whole vibe to be as amazing as it was but OMG you guys, it was one of the best boat days I’ve ever had. I still smile thinking about it. Santa Catalina Island is full of history, charm, and fun times. Keep scrolling for my top tips which will help you have the best experience at the Catalina Wine Mixer. Because this California gem is so underrated and you should definitely go.

Go with a good group of friends

Like any situation in life, you should surround yourself with the best people. The Catalina Wine Mixer is an event that you should definitely go to with a fun group of friends, who are also open to meeting new people. The overall vibe is very friendly, happy, excited to be there, and of course major Stepbrothers fans.

Prepare Ahead Of Time

Make sure to plan ahead of time by packing the things you’ll need while on the island and definitely make a playlist for the day. You can check out my recommended playlists here and my blog post on how to plan a vacation or trip here.

What To Pack

I suggest you bring the essentials like sunscreen, bikinis/bathing suits, a few outfits, wine, beer, Redbull, snacks, cash, sunglasses (like these ones on Smartbuy), cameras, chargers, etc.

Look Into Other Activities On The Island

If you’re going to stay a couple of nights on Catalina Island, which I highly recommend, then you should check out everything the island has to offer. You can go on a Bison expedition, zip-lining, rock climbing, hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or even tour the Catalina Casino which was built in 1929! There’s so many more activities but those are some of the top attractions on Catalina Island. You can check out more on their website here.

Get a cabana at Descanso Beach Club

Descanso Beach Club in Avalon is where the actual Catalina Wine Mixer takes place. I recommend renting a cabana at Descanso Beach Club so you have an area for you and your friends to relax.

Either take or rent a boat

My friends have one of the snazziest and fastest hot rod boats which made the trip unforgettable. (I love an adrenaline rush!) It’s really fun to dance and chill on the boat while anchored in front of Descanso Beach Club – where the actual event takes place. We went around the entire island (which is 22 miles) by boat where we saw a huge pod of dolphins and it was absolutely magical. I couldn’t believe it. All this beauty right here in Southern California.

If you take your own boat you can get to the island in under 30 minutes from the Huntington Beach Marina, whereas the ferry takes about an hour. You can also go by helicopter and get there in 15 minutes.

Here’s a Youtube video I made which shows the overall vibe. Warning: there’s lots of dancing, butts, wine, and fun:)

HAVE FUN!

Where to Stay & Eat

If you have a yacht, stay on the yacht, but if not then I recommend Hotel Metropole or Mt Ada. Definitely stay in Avalon and not Two Harbors if you like convenience because Two Harbors is very quiet. I didn’t look into Airbnbs in Avalon but they might have some chic houses on there too if you’re going with a big group and all want to stay at the same place. Hotels get booked quickly here so make sure to reserve ahead of time so you’re not stuck with no place to stay. The island is pretty small so there aren’t a ton of options and wiggle room for last minute bookings.

As far as places to eat, the Avalon Grille, Maggie’s Blue Rose, Descanso Beach Club, or lunch at the Inn at Mount Ada.

How To Do The Catalina Wine Mixer The Best Way

That’s it folks! That’s my Catalina Wine Mixer guide on how to have the best time on Catalina Island. I hope this was helpful and inspired you to plan your own trip to Catalina Island to make some everlasting memories!

The island is always having events and festivals now, so you can just check out their website and go with a group of friends to something that is more your vibe like the Film Festival, Jazz Festival, etc. Or just go to dance in the sun and swim with the dolphins. Either way I’d love to hear what your favorite things to do on Catalina Island are so comment below and share:)