Just off the coast of Southern California lies the captivating destination of our eighth Live Free Tour stop: Catalina Island! This trip, we channeled the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and bonding with amazing new friends. Catalina is known for it's stunning landscapes (reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast) that range from pristine beaches to rugged hillsides; and our itinerary sets out to see it all. ⛱️⛰️
This time around, we’re joined by four of the loveliest California-based creators as we adventured through the charming channel island decked out in charms from the Harper Charm Bar, the Pura Vida Tropics Collection, and the Catalina Cowrie Stack, a special bundle custom created for this trip. The guests include: Kyleen (@kyleenlikas), Laura (@qnami), Hanna (@wholehanna), and Sara (@sarakathryns). Keep reading as we take you through the trip in full; be sure to check out our guests' channels and @puravida to see all the stunning content that was captured throughout the week.
Our trip begins with a scenic ride on the Catalina Express Ferry out of San Pedro that transported us to the picturesque town of Avalon, filled with crystal-clear waters and soft sands. ⛴️ Once there, we checked into our accommodations with Catalina Dream Vacations before embarking on our first big adventure.
We can’t imagine a better way to settle into Catalina Island than to see it from above! We met up with Island Water Charters in the early afternoon to take to the skies for parasailing 800 feet above the clear blue waters off Avalon. 🪂 The gorgeous weather made for the most perfect and crisp bird's-eye view of the island and everything that awaited us on the rest of the trip.
Following our excursions, we headed back to the villa for some patio hangs where we had the chance to get to know each other a little better, dance to our favorite music, and unwind from the early excitement of our arrival. We then got ready for the first of many delicious dining experiences at Blue Water Grill, a seafood restaurant located on the historic site of the SS Catalina Ferry dock with *stunning* waterfront views of the beach and the harbor. We then wrapped up our first day exploring downtown on a golf cart before stopping at Hamilton Cove for gorgeous golden sunset views. 🌅
Day one adventures brought us to skies above the beach, day two adventures brought us through the rugged canyons of East Peak. 🏞️ After fueling up with breakfast and coffee, we embarked on the Eco Ridgetop Adventure Tour where we had the chance to off road through the wilderness and enjoy both ocean and canyon views from both sides of the island. The ride was such a rush and gave us an unforgettable perspective of the duality of Catalina and the wildlife friends that inhabit it.
We recapped our experience over delicious eats at Descanso Beach Club for lunch before heading back to the Airbnb to rent kayaks and relax before heading back out for dinner. We ate at another incredible waterside spot called The Naughty Fox before enjoying our last sunset together and ending the day with sweet ice cream treats.
The following morning, we recounted this trip of a lifetime over a delicious brunch before heading back toward home on the ferry. This stop was such an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, exploration, and memories we'll always cherish. From Catalina Island’s natural beauty to its charming downtown and endless opportunities for adventure, this island paradise was the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable getaway with our newest friends. You can shop pieces worn on the trip from the Harper Charm Bar, our Tropics Collection and the Catalina Cowrie Stack. We can’t wait for you to see where the Live Free Tour takes us next! 🗺️
