Creating a Gay Island Paradise on the West Coast
Ever imagined a P-Town or Fire Island experience in SoCal? An easy weekend (or even day trip) from LA, OC, and SD...
Catalina is the perfect island escape for us to take over. Just an hour from LA, we curate the ultimate gay Catalina experience, transforming this typically straight island destination into something fresh.
We're all about having fun and building community. Come join the crew and experience a new kind of island experience on the West Coast!
What to Expect
Beach Club Takeover at the only full-service beach club in California
Luxe cabana + lounge chair experience
Express Ferry + helicopter access
Nightlife & exploring the town of Avalon
Invasion Schedule
Day Trip:
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Saturday, Sept. 20th (includes Beach Club Takeover)
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Great for first time Invaders - an easy way to experience the island, join the beach club party, and meet fun gays from all over the coast
Weekend:
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We've also put together activities Friday and Saturday night for those who want to enjoy more of the island
Check out the line-up below
Friday
Weekend Trip Arrivals
Book your departure at catalinaexpress.com
Opening Mixer
8pm
El Galleon
Saturday
Day Trip Arrivals
9:50am
Depart Long Beach
11am-5pm
Descanso Beach Club
Beach Club Takeover
Keke @ Flx Biergarten
5-7pm
Pub Crawl
Day Trip Return Ferry
7:45pm
Depart Avalon
Dancing @ The Chi
9pm-1am
The Chi Chi Club
Sunday
Return to the Mainland
Book your return at catalinaexpress.com
Want to stay overnight?
There are lots of hotel and vacation rentals on the island to choose from! Some of us are booking VRBO's, others have hotel rooms lined up.
We recommend:
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Hotel Atwater – Modern and centrally located, just a short walk from check-in and nightlife
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Hotel Metropole – A comfortable, historic hotel with oceanfront views and premium amenities
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Catalina Island Inn – A more affordable option, though most rooms only have 1 bed
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Vacation Rentals – A wide range of Airbnbs, villas, and boutique inns—perfect for groups or a more private stay
No need to limit yourself to these options, but these are hotels we've personally vetted and would recommend.
Good to know:
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Book early – September weekends fill up fast
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Most hotels have a 2-night minimum
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Everything’s walkable – No car needed, though you can rent a golf cart to explore the island
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Just visiting for the day? Get an all-inclusive package with departure and return on Saturday. Catalina is a big but very fun day trip if you can't make it for the full weekend!
Getting to Catalina
Roundtrip Catalina Express Tickets are included in All-inclusive Packages. You can select your ferry itinerary at checkout. All Catalina Invasion itineraries on our site depart from Long Beach.
If you want more flexibility, you can book your transportation separately (see other ticket options here). Check out your options:
Ferry
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Catalina Express - most economic with most ferry and port options
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1-hr ride from most ports
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Roundtrip main cabin tix for ~$95
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Sells out 3+ days in advance, so plan ahead
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Catalina Flyer - departs from Newport
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Roundtrip tix for ~$90
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Helicopter
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Maverick Helicopters - email team@saltyboyevents.com to arrange
