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Omg I can't believe I slept on this place for so long. It's literally an island paradise just a ferry ride away, how is this real life? We came for a 3 day weekend and honestly, that felt perfect. Friday to Sunday would've been way too rushed. 3 nights, 4 days is the minimum for a Catalina trip I think, enough time to actually relax and explore without feeling like you're speed running vacation. We stayed in an Airbnb in Hamilton Cove for the balcony views. But the real MVP? The unit came with a golf cart. Absolute game changer. Renting one in town is like $60-70 per hour, which is insane. Having one all weekend made getting around easy, fun, and stress free. I genuinely can't imagine doing this trip without one. There's so much to do: beaches, food, drinks, views, and endless activities and somehow it still feels laid back and chill. Already planning a return trip because one visit just isn't enough. Catalina Island, I'm officially obsessed.
After all these years, I finally made it to Catalina Island. I'd give it a 5 star. Definitely a place to go and see at least once in your life. The ferry ride over from the Long Beach harbor takes about 1 hour. There are lots of different tours you can take. Lots of restaurants and bars. Lots of shopping with small boutiques and souvenir shops. Very touristy. The easiest way to see the island is to take a tour. I took the bison tour and it took you away from the Avalon harbor area and you really go to see the rest of the island. Make sure you book tours and get tickets for anything you want to do here in advance.
Our first stop during our 4 night cruise on the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas, Catalina Island (specifically Avalon) provides plenty of walkable places from the drop off point. It's the typical mix of restaurants and shops in a tourist area, with California level pricing. The water around the port isn't deep enough for a cruise ship so we had to take tenders. There were four boats (each being two decks and holding more than a hundred people) rotating between our ship and the docks, with the actual traveled distance taking less than 5 minutes (a lot longer to moor the boat and get people off). But unlike some ports where the tendering process makes you really think if its worth visiting the town, this method was pretty painless and you got to see some decent views. Our cruise ship arrived before 7 and left around 4 pm, so no opportunity for dinner. Golf carts (both the 2 person and 4 person types) are ubiquitous here, with many spots being occupied by them instead of cars. Which mean of course, pedestrians have to be leery of them when crossing the road. But because the roads are so hilly and narrow, they are a lot easier way to get around then cars. There are plenty of places to rent them, and it seemed like reservations were not required during weekdays (weekends, they definitely are when my wife and I have visited Catalina during the weekend).
Despite being So Cal girl all my life, I had never visited Catalina Island until recently. As part of my 4 day Mexican cruise, Catalina was one of the ports we had a stop at. I was very happy to finally visit Catalina Island. It's beautiful and peaceful. I enjoyed visited the little town of Avalon. It was a cute little town filled with local shops and restaurants. Fresh air, a sandy beach, beautiful blue water- it was truly a wonderful visit to this island!
Updating my review from a few years ago. I came back to celebrate my cousins birthday! Tips: bring motion sickness pills and take them in case anyone gets sick in your group. Chew gum and stay hydrated for the fairy ride. We took off from Newport. Ensure you make the reservation for the correct times to spend the day or plans correctly. Tip: don't drink before renting a golf cart they can't smell any alcohol on you before renting you a golf cart. We had a DD so we were good. Only send the drivers 2 or 1 to get the golf cart. 2nd tip: arrive early to envoy most activities on island. Most activities shut down at 5 pm. Dayclub at Descanso was on our bucket list for next time we got there too late. It's a hotel restaurant and beach club with DJ. Top restaurant: blue water grill; 5 stars fresh seafood and cocktails! We got 2 hours of golf cart and ur was perfect to view all the pretty views from the top of the town. Shop, karaoke at chi chis bar after 9 pm. Had a better experience this time around and noticed the town has a lot to do but arrive early.
In all my life living so close to the island I never been until recently during Labor Day My family went for the day and I was excited to check it out I knew it would be small but wow I had no idea how small Avalon (the only town in Catalina) would be! You get off the boat and within feet you're in town and within feet you are done walking the town lol If you really want to get the full effect and really explore then you need that kart but it's pricey and they don't rent it all day but I highly recommend so you can explore all areas and get the views I'd say this is a day trip if all you want to do is see what this is about but if you are in a relationship or want to have a boys or girls weekend this place is perfect because it's very chill and relaxed and the people are nice and there's many bars and places to eat and chill so it's perfect for that but don't expect to have a ton of things to do The beach isn't large and I'm not a camper but I'd assume camping would give you a different perspective which is why I'm not going lower than 4 but definitely not a 5 since there were things that lack or could be better but I'd say overall I'm glad I went and now I know and I'd go back again if I wanted to stay a weekend with someone or go with a bunch of friends to hang and drink
As the primary caregiver for my mother-in-law, I have been respectfully exploring opportunities for us to experience a refreshing change of environment. Despite the challenges posed by her dementia, I am dedicated to ensuring that our time together is as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible. We embarked on a delightful journey to Santa Catalina, where we were greeted by the island's captivating beauty. Upon our arrival, we eagerly purchased tickets for an exciting submarine ride, promising approximately 40 minutes of underwater exploration. The weather was simply perfect for an October day, with clear blue skies and a gentle breeze. As the evening approached, we anticipated the Jazz on the Beach event, a staple of the island's cultural scene since its early days. As we were walking from the casino, which was closed that day, we exited Via de Casino and witnessed an wedding on the beach right there. We stood and enjoyed the joyous event. We sent our congratulations as we walked away. We were hoping from store to store wondering what to get exactly. We found this cute but big sovereign shop. I walked out with 2 sweaters. There are golf carts available for rental it is always best to make reservations. There are multiple businesses to enjoy eating , shopping, boating. I enjoyed the fact that you can go and enjoy yourself for the day. We arrived on the island around 11 am my goal was to see what we wanted to do on our next trip and to stay there also.
I honestly thought Catalina Island would be super fun and exciting--but it wasn't quite what I expected. If you're not planning to do all the available tours, I'd say two days is more than enough to stay. I went on the semi-submarine to see the fish-- it was interesting, though it felt more like something kids would really enjoy. Still, it was a cool experience! We rented a golf cart and explored the island, including the Botanical Garden, which in my opinion was the best part of the whole trip. As for the food--overall, the quality on the island was pretty underwhelming.
I wanted to visit Catalina Island for years now. I'm so glad I was able to knock this one off of my very long bucket list, but I can honestly say that I don't ever see the need to revisit the island again. Yes, the views in and around the island are very stunning, but the beaches I visited were lacking. The sand is very rocky, so you cannot stroll barefoot on the beach and feel the sand between your toes unless you enjoy the feel of sharp rocks on your feet. If you do plan on visiting the beaches, make sure to bring some water shoes with you... trust me, your feet will thank you! There are lots of shops, stores, restaurants and more to visit here, but I thought everything was very much overpriced. I really tried to take into account the fact that it's an island and everything has to be brought here from the mainland by boat, but I just couldn't justify some of the costs. For example... my daughter was in urgent need to buy a certain product that can be purchased for $4.50 on the mainland. At Leo's Drug Store that same product cost her a little over $10.00. She really needed the product, so she had no choice but to pay the high price. As for the residents/workers of Catalina Island. I didn't really find many of them that I interacted with to be friendly or welcoming. No one smiled and most of them seemed complacent. I got the feeling that they are all just run-down and exhausted by the constant flood of summer tourists on their small quiet island. I live in Las Vegas, so I can totally relate. As far as things to do on the island, there isn't much outside of hiking, biking, trails, water sports, or watching a movie at the Casino (never an actual casino). If you just want to connect with nature, they have some great hiking trails. I also recommend skipping some rocks at Pebbly Beach, but don't expect to relax on the beach without a chair, unless you enjoy laying/sitting on pebbles. Overall, I enjoyed taking in the sheer beauty of Catalina Island, so I'm happy I had the opportunity to visit. Just make sure you plan out your activities before your arrival to the island so you can get the most out of your visit. Recommended for those who want to disconnect from the mainland!
Santa Catalina Island, California We reached Catalina Island by a ferry boat. This was my second time visiting the city of Avalon. It seemed like a world away when in reality we're still in California and only an hour away from Long Beach and still a part of L.A. County. We had brunch at M Restaurant's outdoor patio on Crescent Avenue overlooking the ocean and the Catalina Casino. Really it was hard to choose where to eat here in the island. There are so many dining options. We walked over to Island Rentals to rent a golf cart and do a 12-mile overview of the island. My hubby enjoyed this a lot. This was the highlight of our trip. We got to see breathtaking sceneries at our own pace. The island is beautiful. This was the best way to see parts of the island. We followed a map. After about 1-1/2 hours we returned the golf cart and decided to do some shopping... as we begun our stroll we got hungry again LoL! Forget shopping! We found NDMK Fish House on Clarissa Avenue. We enjoyed delicious fish & chips while watching the NBA playoffs on the big screen. We then got in the queue to get some ice cream at Scoops and we enjoyed our sweet treats at the bench overlooking the ocean . Had to have dessert! Before we knew it it was time to leave the island. The weather was a little overcast and a bit chilly. We didn't do any water activities or hiking. We had a wonderful day trip in Santa Catalina celebrating my hubby's birthday that day. Review #2961
Catalina island gives us Californians another reason why it's such a incredible state to live in, minus the politics, homelessness, crime, fuel costs and the cost of living here, lol! My mom took me to Catalina for the first time when I was a child. In those days, there were flying fish jumping out of the water next to the boat ride from Long Beach to Avalon which are not as prevalent these days. I've made multiple trips since. Catalina sits about 25 miles (approximately an hour) off the California coast. There's multiple ferry services to Avalon from 3 or 4 ports in Southern California. Avalon is the primary destination for most travelers. It has a Mediterranean vibe and feels completely removed from California. The water is crystal clear which makes it awesome for snorkeling and diving. It gets extremely packed with tourist on the weekends, especially in the summer time. It's also a stop for the cruise ships coming from San Pedro on the 3-4 day Mexico cruises so when they all roll off the ship, the town doubles in population. Avalon has a large selection of hotels ranging from divey to high end, a good selection of restaurants from fast food to gourmet and tons of bars. If you want a slower pace, you can go to 2 harbors which has 1 restaurant/bar and a couple of campgrounds. You can also backpack across the island on the Trans-Catalina trail which takes 3-5 days. Overall, Catalina is a California gem worth visiting. It's hard to believe that there's so many people that were born and raised in Southern California and have never taken the short trip. Get out and explore! read more
Why fly to a tropical island when a beautiful getaway is just an hour boat ride away? I recently took the Catalina Express out of Long Beach--though they also have ports in San Pedro--& the transition from the mainland to the island is seamless. The moment you arrive in Avalon, you'll notice how incredibly crisp, clear, & clean the water is. The harbor is filled with boats, & the hillsides are dotted with charming, colorful houses that feel reminiscent of the Bahamas. You can even spot the famous Wrigley Mansion overlooking the town from the cliffs. Getting around is part of the adventure. You have a few solid options: * Golf Carts: Rentable for around $60/hour for self-guided exploring. * Guided Tours: A more premium $140 hour-long tour that takes you up to the airport and provides a chance to see the island's famous bison up close. * On Foot: We chose to walk, which is perfect for exploring the restaurants, bars, and shops in the main tourist area. While the island is famous for its Bison Burgers, we trekked out to the restaurant near the helicopter landing point to try one. It was a cool experience watching the helicopters come and go, but the burger itself was just okay--honestly, you're better off sticking to the fresh seafood. If you're looking for more than just sightseeing, there is plenty to do~~~ Scuba diving and kayaking Zip lining & horseback riding Glass-bottom boat tours It is a perfect escape from the heat. While the Valley was roasting at 90°F, the island was a crisp and refreshing 70°F. Keep in mind that everything on the island is very overpriced, from the food to the hotels and Airbnbs. Whether you want to camp under the stars or splurge on a pricey hotel, it makes for a fantastic day trip or a weekend retreat. read more
3 months ago
This was one of the stops on our Carnival Cruise. It was my first time, so I was eager to explore as much as I could. We skipped the Golf Carts and walked up to the Trailhead to hike the Hermit Gulch Trail, which offers spectacular views. Afterwards, we walked back to the waterfront to explore the shops. The town is very charming and many of the homes have really unique architecture and landscaping with beautiful flowers. Closer to the Waterfront, there are many unique shops, places to eat, Coffee and Ice Cream shops...everything you need for a perfect day. There really is alot to do, it just depends on what activities like. I would love to come back some day and hike the Trans-Catalina Trail. read more
Omg I can't believe I slept on this place for so long. It's literally an island paradise just a ferry ride away, how is this real life? We came for a 3 day weekend and honestly, that felt perfect. Friday to Sunday would've been way too rushed. 3 nights, 4 days is the minimum for a Catalina trip I think, enough time to actually relax and explore without feeling like you're speed running vacation. We stayed in an Airbnb in Hamilton Cove for the balcony views. But the real MVP? The unit came with a golf cart. Absolute game changer. Renting one in town is like $60-70 per hour, which is insane. Having one all weekend made getting around easy, fun, and stress free. I genuinely can't imagine doing this trip without one. There's so much to do: beaches, food, drinks, views, and endless activities and somehow it still feels laid back and chill. Already planning a return trip because one visit just isn't enough. Catalina Island, I'm officially obsessed. read more
10 days ago
1 month ago
After all these years, I finally made it to Catalina Island. I'd give it a 5 star. Definitely a place to go and see at least once in your life. The ferry ride over from the Long Beach harbor takes about 1 hour. There are lots of different tours you can take. Lots of restaurants and bars. Lots of shopping with small boutiques and souvenir shops. Very touristy. The easiest way to see the island is to take a tour. I took the bison tour and it took you away from the Avalon harbor area and you really go to see the rest of the island. Make sure you book tours and get tickets for anything you want to do here in advance. read more
Our first stop during our 4 night cruise on the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas, Catalina Island (specifically Avalon) provides plenty of walkable places from the drop off point. It's the typical mix of restaurants and shops in a tourist area, with California level pricing. The water around the port isn't deep enough for a cruise ship so we had to take tenders. There were four boats (each being two decks and holding more than a hundred people) rotating between our ship and the docks, with the actual traveled distance taking less than 5 minutes (a lot longer to moor the boat and get people off). But unlike some ports where the tendering process makes you really think if its worth visiting the town, this method was pretty painless and you got to see some decent views. Our cruise ship arrived before 7 and left around 4 pm, so no opportunity for dinner. Golf carts (both the 2 person and 4 person types) are ubiquitous here, with many spots being occupied by them instead of cars. Which mean of course, pedestrians have to be leery of them when crossing the road. But because the roads are so hilly and narrow, they are a lot easier way to get around then cars. There are plenty of places to rent them, and it seemed like reservations were not required during weekdays (weekends, they definitely are when my wife and I have visited Catalina during the weekend). read more
Despite being So Cal girl all my life, I had never visited Catalina Island until recently. As part of my 4 day Mexican cruise, Catalina was one of the ports we had a stop at. I was very happy to finally visit Catalina Island. It's beautiful and peaceful. I enjoyed visited the little town of Avalon. It was a cute little town filled with local shops and restaurants. Fresh air, a sandy beach, beautiful blue water- it was truly a wonderful visit to this island! read more
Nice place to spend a few hours or a day, stop on our cruise, tender from the ship, small town with lots of shops and restaurants. Easy to walk about town or rent a golf cart or e bike. Art Deco casino is a must see. About $20 for the interior tour or just enjoy the outside for free. read more
Updating my review from a few years ago. I came back to celebrate my cousins birthday! Tips: bring motion sickness pills and take them in case anyone gets sick in your group. Chew gum and stay hydrated for the fairy ride. We took off from Newport. Ensure you make the reservation for the correct times to spend the day or plans correctly. Tip: don't drink before renting a golf cart they can't smell any alcohol on you before renting you a golf cart. We had a DD so we were good. Only send the drivers 2 or 1 to get the golf cart. 2nd tip: arrive early to envoy most activities on island. Most activities shut down at 5 pm. Dayclub at Descanso was on our bucket list for next time we got there too late. It's a hotel restaurant and beach club with DJ. Top restaurant: blue water grill; 5 stars fresh seafood and cocktails! We got 2 hours of golf cart and ur was perfect to view all the pretty views from the top of the town. Shop, karaoke at chi chis bar after 9 pm. Had a better experience this time around and noticed the town has a lot to do but arrive early. read more
In all my life living so close to the island I never been until recently during Labor Day My family went for the day and I was excited to check it out I knew it would be small but wow I had no idea how small Avalon (the only town in Catalina) would be! You get off the boat and within feet you're in town and within feet you are done walking the town lol If you really want to get the full effect and really explore then you need that kart but it's pricey and they don't rent it all day but I highly recommend so you can explore all areas and get the views I'd say this is a day trip if all you want to do is see what this is about but if you are in a relationship or want to have a boys or girls weekend this place is perfect because it's very chill and relaxed and the people are nice and there's many bars and places to eat and chill so it's perfect for that but don't expect to have a ton of things to do The beach isn't large and I'm not a camper but I'd assume camping would give you a different perspective which is why I'm not going lower than 4 but definitely not a 5 since there were things that lack or could be better but I'd say overall I'm glad I went and now I know and I'd go back again if I wanted to stay a weekend with someone or go with a bunch of friends to hang and drink read more
2 years ago
As the primary caregiver for my mother-in-law, I have been respectfully exploring opportunities for us to experience a refreshing change of environment. Despite the challenges posed by her dementia, I am dedicated to ensuring that our time together is as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible. We embarked on a delightful journey to Santa Catalina, where we were greeted by the island's captivating beauty. Upon our arrival, we eagerly purchased tickets for an exciting submarine ride, promising approximately 40 minutes of underwater exploration. The weather was simply perfect for an October day, with clear blue skies and a gentle breeze. As the evening approached, we anticipated the Jazz on the Beach event, a staple of the island's cultural scene since its early days. As we were walking from the casino, which was closed that day, we exited Via de Casino and witnessed an wedding on the beach right there. We stood and enjoyed the joyous event. We sent our congratulations as we walked away. We were hoping from store to store wondering what to get exactly. We found this cute but big sovereign shop. I walked out with 2 sweaters. There are golf carts available for rental it is always best to make reservations. There are multiple businesses to enjoy eating , shopping, boating. I enjoyed the fact that you can go and enjoy yourself for the day. We arrived on the island around 11 am my goal was to see what we wanted to do on our next trip and to stay there also. read more
2 months ago
1 year ago
11 months ago
I honestly thought Catalina Island would be super fun and exciting--but it wasn't quite what I expected. If you're not planning to do all the available tours, I'd say two days is more than enough to stay. I went on the semi-submarine to see the fish-- it was interesting, though it felt more like something kids would really enjoy. Still, it was a cool experience! We rented a golf cart and explored the island, including the Botanical Garden, which in my opinion was the best part of the whole trip. As for the food--overall, the quality on the island was pretty underwhelming. read more
I wanted to visit Catalina Island for years now. I'm so glad I was able to knock this one off of my very long bucket list, but I can honestly say that I don't ever see the need to revisit the island again. Yes, the views in and around the island are very stunning, but the beaches I visited were lacking. The sand is very rocky, so you cannot stroll barefoot on the beach and feel the sand between your toes unless you enjoy the feel of sharp rocks on your feet. If you do plan on visiting the beaches, make sure to bring some water shoes with you... trust me, your feet will thank you! There are lots of shops, stores, restaurants and more to visit here, but I thought everything was very much overpriced. I really tried to take into account the fact that it's an island and everything has to be brought here from the mainland by boat, but I just couldn't justify some of the costs. For example... my daughter was in urgent need to buy a certain product that can be purchased for $4.50 on the mainland. At Leo's Drug Store that same product cost her a little over $10.00. She really needed the product, so she had no choice but to pay the high price. As for the residents/workers of Catalina Island. I didn't really find many of them that I interacted with to be friendly or welcoming. No one smiled and most of them seemed complacent. I got the feeling that they are all just run-down and exhausted by the constant flood of summer tourists on their small quiet island. I live in Las Vegas, so I can totally relate. As far as things to do on the island, there isn't much outside of hiking, biking, trails, water sports, or watching a movie at the Casino (never an actual casino). If you just want to connect with nature, they have some great hiking trails. I also recommend skipping some rocks at Pebbly Beach, but don't expect to relax on the beach without a chair, unless you enjoy laying/sitting on pebbles. Overall, I enjoyed taking in the sheer beauty of Catalina Island, so I'm happy I had the opportunity to visit. Just make sure you plan out your activities before your arrival to the island so you can get the most out of your visit. Recommended for those who want to disconnect from the mainland! read more
Santa Catalina Island, California We reached Catalina Island by a ferry boat. This was my second time visiting the city of Avalon. It seemed like a world away when in reality we're still in California and only an hour away from Long Beach and still a part of L.A. County. We had brunch at M Restaurant's outdoor patio on Crescent Avenue overlooking the ocean and the Catalina Casino. Really it was hard to choose where to eat here in the island. There are so many dining options. We walked over to Island Rentals to rent a golf cart and do a 12-mile overview of the island. My hubby enjoyed this a lot. This was the highlight of our trip. We got to see breathtaking sceneries at our own pace. The island is beautiful. This was the best way to see parts of the island. We followed a map. After about 1-1/2 hours we returned the golf cart and decided to do some shopping... as we begun our stroll we got hungry again LoL! Forget shopping! We found NDMK Fish House on Clarissa Avenue. We enjoyed delicious fish & chips while watching the NBA playoffs on the big screen. We then got in the queue to get some ice cream at Scoops and we enjoyed our sweet treats at the bench overlooking the ocean . Had to have dessert! Before we knew it it was time to leave the island. The weather was a little overcast and a bit chilly. We didn't do any water activities or hiking. We had a wonderful day trip in Santa Catalina celebrating my hubby's birthday that day. Review #2961 read more
2 years ago
One of the most beautiful places in SoCal, I recommend to visit it for at least 2-3 days so you can feel the magic. It gives you Italian coastal town vibes. 10/10 I fall in love with this little island and it's polite and kind residents. Can't wait to go back this upcoming summer. read more
1 year ago
Beautiful place for a honeymoon! I'll definitely come back next time to explore even more. read more
2 years ago
Catalina was absolutely GORGEOUS! Especially when the sun came out and really showed the beautiful ocean colors. The view was breathtaking. It's worth the golf cart price! I'm ready to go back and do some of the fun activities offered. Just walking up and down looking at the shops and eating yummy food was great! read more
4 years ago
It's good for a one day trip. And I wouldn't go back as in a day I was able to see and do what I wanted to do. (Golf cart, semi submarine, walk around, lunch...) Took the 6am ferry which was really really early and I don't think it's necessary. Personally I think everyone should get more sleep and take the 8ish ferry. Do make the line to board earlier because if you're dead last, even though there's technically seats for everyone, a lot of people put their bags or garbage next to them or are extremely obese and will take 2-3 seats (true story) and I saw a couple stand outside the entire ride back to Long Beach. I felt so bad that humans can be so selfish as to take more than one seat for their trash. So getting your seat early is key. And it gets chilly if you're outdoors/upstairs so better bring a thick sweater. I prefer inside the ferry which was also cold but less drafty. Clean Island. Maybe a tad slow and boring at times. Food sucks so keep that in mind. Parking was $22 per 24hours. read more
Catalina island is such a beautiful place to visit and stay! Entire island has zero to minimum pollution, Catalina island conservancy takes care of the interior's wildlife. Tourists can take eco tours to visit the interiors for buffalo / bison (not native to Catalina island) sightings. There is a vineyard (not open to public) and an airport in interior that's worth visiting. Two harbors is on the other side of the island. It's smaller with limited things to do, but it's more quiet and good for camping trips. Soon there won't be any more deer. They are not indigenous to island, overpopulated, most are diseased and live short lives. Island got approval from California department of fish and wildlife to kill off all deer on island. Sad but I think it's necessary! Avalon bay is the place where most tourists visit. It's only about one and half hour away from mainland on Catalina express. Most restaurants, bars and shops are on the strip within walking distances from the dock. There are many outdoor activities to try. Also various of land and ocean tours to participate. The Descanso beach club is great to spend a few hours during warm days. Remember ALL beaches are PUBLIC in California! Beach club only rents out cabanas and chaise lounges to guests. Anyone can stay on the beach and get in the ocean in front of the beach club! It's always packed with tourists during summer times! The casino and museum are great to tour at least once. Movies are shown at casino on weekends. In my opinion that Avalon bay is good for a day trip. Stay 2 or 3 days if you want to experience the interiors. Many boutique hotels are cozy and comfy but the rates can be expensive during summer busy seasons. Catalina island is a great place for a mini vacation if you don't want to travel far. Avalon is actually in Los Angeles county but the scenery is completely different! We visit often because we have family here. Just come out to visit and you won't be disappointed! read more
2 years ago
The island was beautiful and service on the ferry was excellent. Our place had a golf cart so it was easy to get around. It was a wonderful place to go and get away for a few days. read more
4 years ago
You get off a boat and notice everyone with beautiful skin with various shades of porcelain; people dressed nicely in many different colors. You know, color is my color!! I'm not in California anymore...or am I? Giving very much island vibes--oh wait, we are on an island. Located just over 20 miles from the coast of Southern California it feels as though you have been transported far away giving Mediterranean and European ambiance. The island retains an aura of mystery and literally every turn a surprise. All just an hour away and a world apart. Best part, a passport is not needed. It is apart of the Channel Islands. Santa Catalina or better known as Catalina is one of the eight islands and the only one that allows for human inhabitants to live. Avalon is on the leeward side of the island and in the lee of San Clemente Island--meaning, no good waves for surfing. Nonetheless, a Resort town known for its dive sites and wildlife. There is something for everyone whether you enjoy high intensity activities such as ziplining or Fine dining. Descanso beach club is worth a visit if you're looking to relax--silence is luxurious. Never underestimate the power of the ocean--if you enjoy swimming of any kind, you will be amazed at what is under the sea. Frolic in the kelp forest if you like as it's a whole new world underneath the surface. Everyone is so friendly on the island and keep in mind strangers are just friends you have not met yet. Day trips are perfect and over night stays are also equally nice. Keep in mind hotels are older, but rooms tend to be renovated; camping is also an option. Sunrises and Sunsets are incredible here--I only wish I could stop the sunsets from fading. These are a few of the many reasons that I keep going back to this small island. Even though small it is bigger than it looks. Each time I visit it is never the same as it always provides a new experience. Whether you seek adventure or seek discomfort (perhaps by going solo)--this place has something for you. Are you still reading this...what are you waiting for? Have no one to go with? I dare you to go solo. Book a trip. #SeekDiscomfort Tips: You can fly in on a helicopter if you fancy that. You can a rent golf cart to get around on the island Yes, they have ice cream Bison tours 9 hole golf course "It's not how long you live but how you lived" Read that again. read more
2 years ago
Catalina island is so beautiful! The water is blue and crystal clear. Makes it feel like a mini getaway. The island is small so You can definitely make this trip in one day and fit in 2-3 activities. I read a bunch of reviews that the first thing you should do is rent a golf cart. There are only 2 renters and the line is extremely long. I would suggest walking around the island, eat, and grab a drink at Descanso beach club first. Theres plenty of restaurants, shops, bars and even a small arcade and mini golf to check out. I came back to the golf cart rental close to 1pm and there was a short line compared to the morning. The only downside is most activities like zip lining were booked the entire weekend so if it's something you want to do reserve online. I would skip the self guided tour at the casino. read more
We enjoyed a full day on the Island. We didn't fully know what to expect but enjoyed our experience despite feeling like typical tourists. We rented a golf cart immediately and took an hour-long tour of the island. That was helpful to get our bearings and see some beautiful scenery. We then enjoyed lunch and some shopping and there were plenty of places to choose from for both activities. We spent the remainder of the day at the beach by catching the local bus down there. You can buy an all day pass for $5 or pay $2 for each ride. The beach area was beautiful but the beach is not a sand beach like one may assume. Lots of rocks and pebbles and they aren't exactly comfortable or nice on bare feet. So if you have swim shoes, this would be the beach to bring them to. In all a very nice way to spend a day. Boat ride over from San Pedro was only about 75 minutes. read more
4 years ago
What a wonderful, amazing, once in a lifetime experience.... okay who am I kidding... we will be back! From the moment we stepped on the boat in Dana Point to the moment we stepped off the boat again in Dana Point... it was a "couldn't ask for a better vacation" experience. The weather, the people, the food, the drinks. It is a must visit island! So much to do from hiking to ziplining to relaxing on the beach to festivals to eating!!! Don't forget about a little dancing and live music pretty much everywhere. Definitely book your next vacation on the island! We are already planning our return trip with family this time. They now have 5g on the island and offer wifi for a charge per day or 2 day. Service is spotty depending on where you go with regular cell phone service. I did have some yelping/service issues... as we didn't learn about wifi until our last day on the island. There is SOO much history on the island. Ask around for Eric... he is a local who gives amazing stories and history about this island! Highly recommend! Otherwise everything is within walking distance and cars are rare here! You can rent a golf cart for about $60 for an hour. read more
4 years ago
I visited on a January-February Monday to Wednesday and found Catalina lovely, not crowded or overrun (however, I could see the place being a nuthouse during warmer times and weekends.) My perspective of Catalina may be slight different than other as I brought my mountain bike with me and explored many of the back roads - even pedaled out to the airport. What an amazing place, reminded me of some of the tropical islands I've visited in other parts of the world. Avalon is cute, clean and quaint. I was able to talk quiet walks in the early morning and after dark with plenty to see, photograph and enjoy. Of course, spend time at the Casino - it's pretty incredible (and the photos from inside look amazing!) I loved the murals at the entrance - check them out day or night! If you can, head up to the Catalina Chimes Tower (near the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel) or on the other side of the harbor up the Wrigley Road to the Buena Vista Point overlook and soak in the sweeping views of the harbor. I rode up the road to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden (didn't go in) but I saw some interesting things: Bird Park looked cool (old architecture), a campground, sports field, etc. Interestingly, I followed the road out of Avalon away from the Catalina Express pier and wound up at the electric generation facility, the dump, gas station, beverage company and other important places that keep the island running. The best part was riding the road back up over the hill into town - Wrigley Road. I was treated to a great view when I crested the hill before heading back down (don't miss the pet cemetery on the bend near Avalon). Avalon has lots of nice places to stay, restaurants and bars as well as a well-stocked Vons! As far as the rest of the island (I saw the space between Avalon and the airport), it's beautiful, quiet and natural. Great views from Airport Road, which seems to run along the higher elevation of the island. Next visit, I'll go to Two Harbors. Santa Catalina Island, a special place. 5 stars! read more
11 months ago
2 years ago
It's been awhile since we were here. So much to see and do. Rent carts, Go on a small cruise on a glass bottom boat, let them take you in a Humvee to look at Bisen,Foxes,Quial,etc and very nice views of the island.Good places to eat and drink,Ice cream, park yourself on the beach,Shop and so much more. read more
5 years ago
Catalina Island is included in several ports of call when on a Pacific coastal cruise. Cruise ships aren't able to dock at the pier. That calls for tenders. It was about a ten minute tender ride from our cruise ship to Avalon. Once on land, you can stroll the hub which reminds me of any wharf area - there are restaurants & shops & hotels. It was a perfect day. Cool & sunny. No wind. We rented a golf cart for an hour. Later we walked along the boardwalk to the Avalon Casino which took about 15 minutes from the hub. We weren't allowed inside the Casino which was hosting a jazz festival. There's an active area behind the Casino called Dive Park. Very popular. Many different diving groups the day we were in Avalon. There's a 9 hole golf course and a Botanical Garden and bisons on the Island. I'm not sure what else is on Catalina Island but it's a popular destination. read more
Beautiful place to visit. A ferry ride from the main land brings you to a small paradise with pristine water. Avalon has a variety of restaurants and shops. Lots of activities including, boating, snorkeling, fishing, dolphin tours, flying fish tours, and many more. Great place for family or couple time. Small beach area, teaming marine life, night life, so much to do and explore. If you visit Avalon going to Two Harbor is a must. A little less touristy and beautiful views of the water from hikes up the hill. Also outdoor bar area, beach, and a quaint little cove. Highly recommend this island for a visit. read more
Catalina Island is one of California's channel islands, lies southwest of LA, known for its wildlife and dive sites. The resort town of Two Harbors is in the north, and towards the south, the iconic establishment Catalina Casino is located in the center of Avalon, as the cultural center with a movie theater, ballroom and museum. There are private beaches around the island, and easy commute via daily express boats. read more
I was so looking forward to this destination and it is probably why it left me disappointed. It is so touristy and worse the clerks in the stores try to push you into buying things you don't want. For example, I brought my bike and wanted to know about any trails. The Nature Preservation Center clerk pushed several times for me to get the bike pass even though I told her I was only there for a day trip. I came mainly to dive, hence I chose Avalon, and in that sense it did not disappoint . However, I would have preferred a chartered dive and skip the island itself. I don't know if two Harbors would have been a better fit. FYI, half the restaurants were closed since it was off season. I took the early ferry and wish I hadn't because I was ready to leave early but there is only one daily ferry departure. read more
5 years ago
There is so much to do at Catalina so make sure to plan ahead. Went out there for a day trip and enjoyed the blue crystal clear water and the sun. There was a lot of people but there is enough room to keep distance unless your in an enclosed area of course. Many were wearing mask but there was also many that weren't they aren't being as strict as before. If there is one thing I can recommend is WATER SHOES! We didn't bring ours and those rocks are no joke. Honestly everyone on the island is so sweet and friendly I made a couple friends. Covid has us scared of human interaction and this was a reminder to change my way of thinking. Have fun! read more
This was a fun trip, had it been planned better could have done their 2 hour long zip line tour/ride. The boat took about an hour to reach the island and they left right on time and returned right on time. We rented a golf cart to go find some places to take pictures. It got dark rather quickly so we had enough time to get some food and drive around the island and return the cart. For me this was a one time deal unless attending a wedding then might be different read more
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Avalon, CA 90704
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Ask the Community - Catalina Island
How is it since the fire? Is it still pretty and will there be things to do and available
Almost ten years I think. You can do anything you want, everything is back in business and recovered.
Anyone know how the reception is here on the island?
The reception is good, no problems at all.
Review Highlights - Catalina Island
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Catalina Island - localflavor - Updated May 2026
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