Looking for a warm-weather escape with a Chicago connection? Catalina Island offers Cubs history, Wrigley landmarks, and a relaxing coastal getaway, all just a flight away. For Chicago Cubs fans, Catalina Island offers more than ocean views, it’s the historic home of Cubs spring training and the legacy of William Wrigley Jr. Long before spring training became synonymous with Arizona, the Cubs spent decades preparing for the season on this Southern California island, thanks to William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum magnate, Cubs owner, and Catalina Island visionary.
The Chicago Cubs and Catalina Island Connection
Have you ever wondered about the Chicago Cubs’ Catalina Island history or the history of the Chicago Cubs spring training? The story starts when William Wrigley Jr. Wrigley purchased controlling interest in the Santa Catalina Island Company in 1919 and brought the Chicago Cubs to Avalon for spring training beginning in 1921. The team trained on the island through 1951, with a pause during World War II.
Avalon even had its own Wrigley Field, where Cubs players practiced in a setting surrounded by hills, ocean air, and island scenery. For Chicago fans, Catalina is more than a beach destination; it’s a place where Cubs heritage, Wrigley family history, and a classic California getaway all overlap.
Today, Chicago travelers can visit Catalina Island to enjoy the same mix of history and escape that drew Wrigley and the Cubs west: waterfront views, mild weather, walkable streets, and a sense of distance from everyday city life.
Discover Catalina Island through its Chicago Cubs history
William Wrigley Jr. helped shape much of the island experience visitors know today. His influence can still be felt throughout Avalon, from historic landmarks to the island’s enduring connection with the Chicago Cubs. This can make this Southern California island escape extra special for Chicago travelers.
- Stay at Mt Ada, the Wrigley Mansion on Catalina
One of Catalina’s most iconic Wrigley landmarks is Mt Ada, the former Wrigley residence overlooking Avalon. Sometimes referred to colloquially as the Wrigley Mansion on Catalina, Mt Ada was built for William Wrigley Jr. and his wife Ada and remains one of the island’s most memorable places to stay. Its hilltop location offers sweeping views of Avalon Bay and a direct connection to the Wrigley family’s island legacy. The spot was picked because it got the first light in the morning and the last light in the afternoon. In fact, Mr. Wrigley would often watch spring training from this house thanks to its vantage point high in the hills. Guests are treated to breakfast. lunch, evening hors d'oeuvres, and a complimentary golf cart to use during their stay.
- Take a Wrigley-focused island tour
There are two great options that give you a deeper look at the island’s history. In Avalon, hop on the Discover Avalon Tour and venture into the hillsides of the charming town of Avalon, learning key facts about the island’s history along the way. Or head out on the Wrigley Island Tour. This signature motor tour shares stories tied to the Wrigley family and offers a look at parts of Catalina many visitors never see, including the family’s hidden ranch and historic island landmarks.
- Fly the W on Catalina Island
For a dining stop with true Chicago Cubs and Wrigley family connections, visit Pier 24, Avalon’s newest waterfront restaurant. The restaurant is an homage to the original Steamer Pier, once home to William Wrigley’s cross-channel vessels, including the S.S. Avalon and the S.S. Catalina, which was commissioned in 1924. Today, Pier 24 celebrates the golden era of island arrivals with harbor views, vintage photos, ocean-breeze patios, and a menu featuring seafood, specialty pizzas, burgers, cocktails, craft beer, wine, and desserts. Cubs fans will especially appreciate the W flag flying above the restaurant, a nod to the team’s beloved tradition of flying the W after a win at Wrigley Field, which started with those very steamships on Catalina Island.
- Enjoy the island escape Chicagoans are searching for
Catalina is an ideal change of pace from Chicago’s busy streets and cold-weather seasons. In Avalon, you can walk from the ferry to your hotel, relax at Descanso Beach Club, kayak along clear coves, snorkel near shore, or enjoy oceanfront dining with harbor views. Guests also enjoy a beautiful subtropical climate with highs of around 72°F in the summer and 63°F in the winter.
- Turn your Cubs history trip into a full Catalina getaway
Make it an overnight stay with historic charm at Mt Ada, beachside relaxation at Pavilion Hotel, or a convenient Avalon stay at Hotel Atwater. Add island dining at Avalon Grille, Pier 24, Descanso Beach Club, Bistro at the Atwater, or Flx Biergarten to round out the trip.
How to Get from Chicago to Catalina Island
Planning a Catalina Island trip from Chicago is straightforward. Fly from O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) to Los Angeles International (LAX), Long Beach (LGB) or John Wayne (SNA) airports in Southern California, then connect to a ferry bound for Avalon.
Once you arrive in Southern California, Catalina Express offers service to Avalon from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point, and the Catalina Flyer sails from Newport Beach. After the ferry ride, Avalon’s walkable harbor, Wrigley history, and island adventures are all close by.
Explore Catalina Island packages and special offers today to start planning your Southern California escape from Chicago.