Going Back to the Island: My First Full Season on Catalina

As much as I loved the powder days and the mountain family I built in Steamboat Springs, the ocean was calling me back. I had gotten a tiny taste of Catalina Island the previous fall, but this time, I was committing to a full summer season from April through October.

This time around, things were different. I wasn't just a wide-eyed newbie figuring out where the grocery store was. I came back ready to work hard, save a lot of money, and completely immerse myself in island life.

The Beach Club & The Island Hustle

If there is one thing you should know about me, it's that I am a bit of a workaholic—especially when the pay is worth it and the environment is fun.

During my second season, I started working at the Descanso Beach Club. Because I could balance a crazy schedule and they needed the help, I ended up splitting my time between the Beach Club, bartending back at the Avalon Grille, and working special banquet events. They used me wherever they needed me, and I was entirely down for it.

Working at the Beach Club was an absolute blast. It’s a high-volume, incredibly busy environment, but the vibes are unmatched. The beach itself is actually man-made because the natural Catalina shoreline is quite rocky, but that doesn't stop massive crowds from renting out the cabanas and packing the beachfront restaurant. During the week, it was all reggae and beach music, and on Saturdays, they brought in DJs. Serving drinks outside in the sun with that kind of energy was the best kind of chaos.

Pirates, Wine, and Island Events

Because I became one of their regular event bartenders, I got to work some of the craziest, most fun events on the island.

I got to work the famous Catalina Wine Mixer again, plus countless concerts, gorgeous island weddings, and quinceañeras. But one of the absolute highlights was getting to explore the north side of the island at Two Harbors for Buccaneer's Days. It’s a massive, multi-day pirate-themed festival, and experiencing that wild side of the island was unforgettable.

Building a Home (and Partying Like a 23-Year-Old)

With a full season under my belt, I finally had the time to truly explore the island and build a real community.

When I wasn't slinging drinks at a wedding or running food at the Beach Club, I was out in the water. My days off were spent paddleboarding around the harbor, snorkeling through the kelp forests in Lover's Cove, and exploring the famous Dive Park. I hiked the massive hills backing the town and spent quiet afternoons wandering through the beautiful Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.

I worked a lot, and I saved a lot, but I also partied exactly like a 23-year-old living on a gorgeous island should. I made incredible friends, got out of my comfort zone, and built a life there.

Catalina wasn't just a temporary seasonal stop anymore. It had officially become home.