9 Birthday Island Freebies on Your Birthday at Catalina Island #catalinaexpress #catalinaisland

I think we were the last ones on Spring Break last week. We couldn't arrange play dates with friends, but on the positive side, it was less crowded on our vacation and we were headed to an island adventure. Lucky for us, Darren's birthday was during Spring Break this year which meant he rode for free to Catalina Island thanks to Catalina Express and we explored some of the island's birthday offerings. With an hour and half boat-ride away from Orange County, paradise awaited us! Here are nine birthday island freebies you may or may not have known about in Avalon, California...

1. Ride free on your birthday! 

Catalina Express have several ports to get to the island including Dana Point, Long Beach, and San Pedro. Riding free on your birthday, makes it easier to celebrate island freebies and discounts! This offer is currently available through December 31, 2016. Online reservations are required and you'll have to show proof of birthday to receive a birthday ribbon for other island freebies. It's valid for round-trip travel and you can return anytime within 30 days after your departure date but you must depart on your birthday. Others in your party can take advantage of the new rate reduction due to lower cost of fuel. (It's about a 4% average reduction just below 2012 fares, and they have a new expanded departure schedule).

2. Free cup of coffee. 

If you love pastries and good coffee, Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. offers a wide range of treats from baked goods and frozen yogurt to breakfast sandwiches which is now available all day. I tried their "Best Brownie Ever" and it is one of the best brownies I have ever had. If it's your birthday, you get a free cup of 12 oz. gourmet coffee. They'll want to see your Catalina Express Birthday ribbon and a valid ID. They're located in the Metropole Marketplace. (310) 510-2447

3. Free ice cream scoop. 

Who doesn't love a sweet surprise? Stop in at Lloyd's of Avalon on your birthday for a free scoop of  ice cream. Other sweet deals include: Buy one pound of Catalina Salt Water Taffy, Get an extra 1/4 lb free OR Buy any iced coffee drink or smoothie, Get a second of equal or lesser value 1/2 off.
Show ID to prove it's your birthday. (310) 510-7266

4. Free mini-golf.

Golf Gardens Miniature Golf is fun for the whole family! My boys love it, and it's their tradition to play every time we are on the island. Owned by the Santa Catalina Island Company, the course is challenging, has 18 holes, and is beautifully landscaped with plants native to the island. (If you have extra time, you can learn all about the plants at the botanical garden.) Get a free round of mini-golf if it's your birthday. Adults $12, Child (2-11) $10, Seniors (55+) $10. You'll find it between Catalina and Sumner off Beacon. (310) 510-1200 

5. Free bowling game! 

Fully-equipped arcade room with something for everyone, this well-maintained arcade has four mini-bowling lanes and you don't need bowling shoes. Get one free game of bowling on your birthday at Three Palms Avalon Arcade. Find it inside the Metropole Marketplace. (310) 510-0967

6. Free admission to Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden.

Wrigley Memorial built in honor of the chewing gum magnate and Catalina Island patron, William Wrigley Jr, is the focal point of the Botanical Garden. With direction from William's wife, Ada, the Garden features extremely rare Catalina Island native plants unique to the island as well as other desert plants from around the world. Opens 8 am to 5 pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adults - $7, Children (5-12) - $3, Seniors and Veterans - $5, Children under 5 and active military and family - Free. Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden is managed and protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy. (310) 510-1445

7. Free Casino Tour

Get a free 40-minute walking tour of the historic Avalon Casino! You'll see famous Art Deco murals, a classic 1929 pipe organ inside the Avalon Theatre, and the world famous Casino Ballroom. Based on avalibility, must book in person with valid ID at Casino ticket window. Santa Catalina Island Company. (310) 510-0179 www.visitcatalinaisland.com

8. Free Meal at Buffalo Nickel Restaurant.

Show ID on your birthday, and get any meal on the menu free at Buffalo Nickel Restaurant. Limit one free meal per birthday. 57 Pebbly Beach Rd, Avalon, CA. Call for shuttle service. (310) 510-1323

9. Complimentary bottle of champagne or wine at select hotels. 

What a nice surprise! When we stayed at the Hotel Villa Portofino, a complimentary bottle of champagne was waiting for us in our room. If it's your birthday, you will also receive a 10% discount off your room. Other hotels do various things so it's worth asking when you book (eg. museum tickets, chocolates, massage discounts, etc.) Please note that proof of birth date is required. Hotel Villa Portofino is located at 111 Crescent Avenue in Avalon, CA. It's a 15-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Amenities include free WiFi, complimentary continental breakfast, a rooftop sundeck, and beach chairs and towels for hotel guests. There is also a luggage room if you want to store your luggage at check-in or check-out. (888) 510-0555  

We had a wonderful time on Catalina Island celebrating our birthdays with daily waterfront dining and scenic walks along the bay. The air is clean, the oceanviews are magnificient, and Avalon is a really cute town. Everything is within short walking distance so you'll want to pack comfortable shoes and dress in layers. If you're only coming in for the day, bring a backpack. Staying overnight and not sure what to pack? Pack it all and if you forget, there is a neighborhood Von's Grocery Store. Keep in mind too many of the birthday perks are available on your birthday only and requires proof of ID. I'll share more of my findings in the next coming weeks so watch out for my Travel Tuesday featuring more of Catalina Island! Meanwhile, you can also download a list of birthday island offerings here: www.catalinaexpress.com/birthday-island.html.

Happy Birthday, 

Mary