By Melanie Maxwell For thousands of smooth jazz fans, the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival is the reason they take their rst trip to Catalina Island. It certainly was for me in the 1990s. And, like many others, I’ve returned nearly every year since. With the 39th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival taking place Oct. 8-11 and Oct. 15-18, now is the perfect time to reserve your transportation and accommodations. Stepping aboard one of Catalina Express’ high-speed catamarans from one of its three mainland terminals is where the enchanted journey begins. As the boat heads out of the harbor, you’ll see ducks paddling around, along with cormorants and herons standing or swimming nearby. Ocean scenery unfolds a er leaving the harbor. You might spot a ock of seagulls gliding in formation low across the water, a pelican plunging below the surface in search of lunch, or cargo ships anchored o shore awaiting their turn to enter Southern California ports. As you get farther out to sea, keep watching the water for ying sh—and if you’re especially lucky, a pod of dolphins racing alongside the boat. But perhaps the most exciting sighting is inside the cabin. ere may be a smooth jazz star or members of their band traveling on the same boat or even seated beside you. A er an hour sailing on open ocean, the island’s iconic Catalina Casino comes into focus. Soon, Avalon—the island’s only incorporated city—comes into view. As the boat eases into Avalon Harbor, bright orange garibaldi— California’s o cial state marine sh—swim beneath the dock to welcome visitors. However, don’t expect to nd a rental car terminal; there isn’t one. Most visitors explore Avalon on foot, strolling around this 2-squaremile slice of the 75-square-mile island. However, taxis are available, along with the Avalon trolley, which travels on a xed route with several stops throughout town. Whether you leave the dock on foot or by taxi, you’ll quickly notice the aromas dri ing from restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood and steaks to Mexican, Italian and Chinese cuisine. Many restaurants, boutiques, candy shops and ice cream parlors are situated along the palm tree-lined Crescent Avenue overlooking the harbor. e Catalina Casino, where the main-stage concerts are held, is about a half-mile from the center of town. Continue a little farther and you’ll arrive at Descanso Beach, home of the ursday night Unplugged Concerts on the sand and the Saturday night a er-parties. 14 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS paddling around, along with cormorants and herons standing or standing or swimming nearby. Ocean scenery unfolds scenery unfolds a er leaving the leaving the harbor. You might spot spot a ock of seagulls of seagulls gliding in formation low across low across the water, a pelican plunging below the below the surface in search of lunch, of lunch, or cargo ships anchored o shore awaiting their awaiting their turn their turn to enter Southern California ports. As you get farther get farther out farther out to sea, keep watching the watching the water for water for ying sh—and if you’re if you’re especially lucky, a pod of dolphins of dolphins racing alongside the boat. But perhaps But perhaps the most exciting sighting exciting sighting is sighting is inside the cabin. ere may be a smooth a smooth jazz star or members or members of their their band traveling on traveling on the same boat or boat or even seated beside you. throughout town. Whether you leave the dock on foot or foot or by taxi, by taxi, you’ll quickly notice the aromas dri ing from dri ing from restaurants serving everything serving everything from everything from fresh seafood Many restaurants, boutiques, candy shops candy shops and ice cream parlors are situated along the along the palm tree-lined Crescent Avenue overlooking the harbor. e Catalina Casino, where the main-stage concerts are held, is about a about a half-mile a half-mile from the center of town. of town. Continue a little farther and farther and you’ll arrive at Descanso Beach, home of the ursday night Unplugged Concerts on the sand and the night a er-parties. Planning your 2026 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival adventure Photo: Pat Benter
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