CATALINA ISLAND
RIDE FOR FREE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of escaping to Catalina Island for day’s adventure. Last year I managed two sojourns, one to Avalon and one to the more desolate side of Two Harbors. And there’s no better way to enjoy Catalina than on your birthday will you will ride for free on Catalina Express and indulge in a whole day’s worth of free birthday goodies. Due to overwhelming popularity, Catalina Express is continuing the Free Ride on Your Birthday offer through 2015. Register here.

Travel must begin on the passenger’s actual birthday, subject to availability, and return must be completed within 30 days. Interested passengers need to pre-register online, make a reservation and then present their printed Free Pass at time of check-in, with valid ID.

Greg Bombard, president of Catalina Express, notes, “Catalina Express is proud to have transported 25 million passengers since our inception more than 33 years ago, and this is just one way to thank the many who have supported us over the years. An average of 60,000 passengers annually travel on their birthday to the island; not only will passengers get to ride free on their birthday again this year, but we have expanded our birthday island offerings and savings.”

Birthday Island has sprung up around the Free Ride offer. Catalina restaurants, attractions and hotels have joined in to celebrate the birthday with discounts and freebies. Passengers can download Birthday Island from the Catalina Express website while registering and are given updated information at their ticket window.

A sampling of Birthday Island offers includes:

BIRTHDAY BOWLING - at Three Palms Avalon Arcade
Get one free game of bowling on your birthday at the new Three Palms Avalon Arcade; (310) 510-0967

BROWN’S BIKE
Bicycle rentals are the perfect way to explore Avalon. On guest’s birthday, rent a bike for two hours and get the rest of the day until 5pm + a bottle of water; (310) 510-0986

CATALINA ISLAND CONSERVANCY- FREE ISLAND TRAILS MAP
Visit the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Explore store at 125 Clarissa Avenue in Avalon for your free birthday gift—a complete Island map that includes all the great trails into Catalina’s wildlands; (310) 510-1445

DC-3 GIFTS & GRILL AT AIRPORT IN THE SKY - FREE GIFT
Get a free gift for the birthday person with a gift shop purchase of $10 or more. Must
present valid ID. Shuttle service to and from DC-3 Gifts & Grill and Avalon is available.
Located at 1 Airport Road; (310) 510-2196

BUFFALO NICKEL RESTAURANT– FREE MEAL ON YOUR BIRTHDAY
One of Avalon’s best Mexican restaurants is offering a very special birthday deal. Any meal on the Birthday menu (consisting of 20 items) is free on guest’s birthday. This deal is good on guest’s birthday only, limit one free meal per birthday, must show I.D. Free shuttle service to/from the restaurant; (310) 510-1323

CATALINA COFFEE & COOKIE CO. - FREE CUP OF COFFEE
Free cup of 12oz gourmet coffee for the birthday person. Must wear Catalina Express birthday ribbon and provide an email address. May be required to show I.D

LLOYD'S OF AVALON
On visitor’s birthday, come by Lloyd’s for a treat:
*Free Scoop of Ice Cream
*Buy one pound of Catalina Salt Water Taffy and get an extra 1/4 Pound FREE
*Buy any iced coffee drink or smoothie and get a second of equal or lesser value 1/2 off
Must show I.D. for proof of birthday; (310) 510-0345; www.catalinacandy.com

THE AVALON HOTEL
If a guest stays at the hotel on his/her birthday, receive a free bottle of wine or sparkling
cider. Must mention birthday in reservation & ID required at check in; (310) 510-7070;

HOTEL VISTA DEL MAR
Enjoy round-trip boat transportation on the Catalina Express, a complimentary bottle of
champagne or wine on your birthday, celebratory balloons, continental breakfast, milk & cookies each evening, 10% off at Avalon’s best retail stores and a free gift. Prices start at just $116 per person per night in conjunction with the Catalina Express’ “Free Ride on your Birthday” promotion. Proof of birth date required at check-in; 310-510-1452

HOTEL VILLA PORTOFINO
10% discount off your guest room + complimentary bottle of wine or champagne. Proof of birth date required at check in; (888) 510-0555

Located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is accessible by boat from three ports via Catalina Express: San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Catalina Express offers up to 30 daily departures and year-round service to Avalon and Two Harbors, transporting nearly one million passengers annually
 
Catalina Island is chock full of places to eat, drink, shop. Catalina has a wealth of natural and cultural resources, unique animals and plants found nowhere else on earth. Sightseeing opportunities are numerous and varied from escorted tours around town, adventure rides into the interior, jeep eco tours, hummer rides, to zip lines, rock climbing and undersea adventures. Independent activities are plentiful, camping, hiking, snub, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, spa treatments, beach lounging, golf, motor boating, parasailing, fishing, boat rides down the coastline and more.

Click here to register for the Catalina Express Birthday Promotion.