Horseback riding may have returned to Avalon, but Rancho Catalina is also becoming the ultimate spot for yacht clubs, weddings, corporate retreats and private celebrations.
Most visitors arrive at Catalina Island expecting to spend their time along the waterfront.
They stroll Crescent Avenue, dine overlooking Avalon Harbor, browse shops, or settle onto a mooring before heading out to fish or explore the island’s coves. Just minutes away, however, another side of Catalina is quietly welcoming visitors — one rooted in the island’s western heritage.
Rancho Catalina, home to Catalina Island Horseback Adventures, is expanding beyond guided trail rides to become one of Avalon’s newest destinations for private events, yacht club gatherings, corporate retreats and special celebrations.
Situated on more than two acres in the foothills above Avalon Canyon, the open-air ranch offers panoramic views of Avalon Harbor, the Pacific Ocean and Catalina’s rugged interior. The property combines a relaxed ranch atmosphere with convenient access to downtown Avalon, giving visitors a venue that feels secluded while remaining only minutes from the ferry terminal, hotels and harbor.
While the return of horseback riding to Avalon after nearly two decades has drawn considerable attention, owner Jeff Skelton said the ranch’s event space has become an equally important part of its future.
Already, mainland yacht clubs have begun making Rancho Catalina part of their Catalina itineraries, crossing the channel to host private lunches, dinners and social gatherings in a setting unlike anything else on the island. With expansive outdoor space and flexible layouts, the ranch is designed to accommodate everything from casual get-togethers to catered receptions and organized group events.
Unlike traditional banquet facilities, Rancho Catalina offers an authentic western setting where guests can gather beneath open skies surrounded by horses, rolling hills and sweeping island views. According to the ranch, the property is designed for visitors looking to ride, gather and celebrate while experiencing a different side of Catalina.
For Southern California boaters, the venue provides an opportunity to step away from the harbor and experience Catalina’s backcountry without venturing far from Avalon. Whether arriving aboard a private yacht or ferry, groups can incorporate horseback riding, catered meals or western-themed activities into their island visit.
According to Catalina Island Horseback Adventures, Rancho Catalina is available for corporate retreats, team-building events, client receptions, private parties, family gatherings, weddings, receptions and western-themed celebrations. The venue also welcomes cruise groups and organized excursions seeking a unique off-the-water experience during their stay on Catalina.
Businesses looking to replace the traditional conference room with an outdoor setting can combine presentations, networking and catered meals with horseback rides, ranch games and other team-building activities. Flexible event layouts, barbecue and catering options, private access and scenic surroundings allow groups to customize their experience while remaining close to downtown Avalon.
The ranch is also becoming a destination for weddings and milestone celebrations. Couples can exchange vows surrounded by Catalina’s hillsides or take advantage of the ranch’s Proposal Ride Package, which overlooks Avalon Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. The setting offers a distinctly different backdrop from Catalina’s waterfront venues, combining island scenery with the charm of a working ranch.
Creative professionals have also discovered the property. Rancho Catalina is available for film productions, commercial advertising, fashion photography, music videos, influencer content, family portraits and engagement sessions. With horses, rustic fencing, open pastures and panoramic coastal views, the ranch describes the property as offering “a cinematic atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.”
Although the ranch has expanded into events, horseback riding remains at the heart of the operation.
Catalina Island Horseback Adventures is a family-owned business that brought horseback riding back to Avalon for the first time since 2008, reconnecting visitors with one of the island’s oldest traditions. According to the company, the business was founded not only to offer trail rides but also to preserve Catalina’s rich equestrian heritage for future generations.
The ranch also recognizes the support of members of Los Caballeros, a historic riding group whose traditions have helped shape Catalina’s ranching culture for decades.
Guided rides take visitors through Catalina’s scenic backcountry, offering sweeping views of Avalon Canyon, Avalon Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. Led by friendly local wranglers, the small-group excursions are designed for riders of all experience levels, allowing guests to experience Catalina’s interior in a personalized setting.
As Catalina continues to attract boaters, families and vacationers from across Southern California, Rancho Catalina is carving out a niche that extends well beyond horseback riding. Whether hosting a yacht club luncheon, a corporate retreat, a wedding celebration, a family reunion or a western-themed gathering, the ranch offers visitors an opportunity to experience a side of Catalina that many never discover.
More than a horseback ride, Rancho Catalina is becoming a place where guests can ride, gather and celebrate while reconnecting with the island’s western heritage.
For more information, visit catalinahorseback.com.
