My son had the opportunity to go to Catalina Island on a scout camp. He had the best time ever, but when I saw pictures it sorta looked like a barren wasteland. We planned a girl's cruise to celebrate my Mom's 60th birthday and when I found out that one of the ports was Catalina Island I wasn't too thrilled. Until I started doing some research and the city of Avalon where the ship docks (a different location from the camps) is pretty much the cutest little town ever. We had the best time exploring the island and here are some suggestions if ever you find yourself lucky enough to spend a day here!
Things to do
Explore Crescent Avenue
Crescent Avenue is filled with charming shops lining Avalon Bay. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, buy some souvenirs and grab some ice cream at Lloyd's to eat at the beach!
Rent a Golf Cart
This is such a fun way to explore the island and enjoy the views and fresh air. There are a few different companies, we went with Catalina Golf Cart Rentals because it had the best reviews. It's $45/hr and the 12 mile loop takes about an hour to complete, but they will pro-rate the amount if you decide to take it out a little longer.
Water activities
There are plenty of options if you want to spend a few hours or the day out on the water. A kayak tour is a great way to explore otherwise inaccessible coastline of Catalina. We would recommend THIS tour, enjoy the outdoors, get a workout, see some wildlife and learn a lot from the knowledgeable tour guides!
Other water activity recommendations:
Parsailing- Get a thrill and a bird's eye view of the island!
Lover's Cove- The best spot for snorkeling, there are several snorkel rental shops in the vicinity
Glass Bottom Boat Tour- see the beauty of the ocean while staying dry!
Scuba Diving Tour- kid friendly for 8 and up!
Jet Skis- $140/hr for a double seater, can't think of a more fun way to play in the ocean!
Dolphin and Sea Life Excursion- an exhilarating boat ride and wild life, the perfect combination!
Many of the tours leave from the main pier, make a reservation if there's a certain one you want to try, or just wander around the pier and see what is available.
Other Tours and Excursions
If you prefer your feet on the ground and not on the water, don't worry there are plenty of options for you too! Here are a few recommendations to get you started:
Eco Jeep Tour- recommended as one of the best tours on the island! See rugged terrain and wildlife, learn about the area and have a blast doing it!
Catalina Casino- Not an actual casino (Casino is Italian for "Gathering Place"), but an art deco masterpiece. Take a tour, learn the history of this unique historical building or watch a movie at the Avalon theater or enjoy a performance.
Zip-line tour- for the thrill seekers, check out this tour with 5 separate lines!
Guided Electric Bike Tour or a Segway Tour- both are a fun and unique way to explore the island.
Hiking- there are many trails to be discovered, keep in mind that a (free) permit is required for hiking outside of Avalon. Click the link for all the information you need.
Ghost Tour- if you happen to be there at night, a ghost tour is creepy, funny, entertaining and historically informative. Who knew this cute town was a place of supernatural sightings!
Where to Eat
Whatever your taste, you're likely to find it here! These are a few recommendations:
Blue Water Grill- the freshest seafood around!
Descano's Beach Club Dining- an open air restaurant on the beach with the perfect ambiance and view
Maggie's Blue Rose- The best Mexican food on the island, you had me at handmade tortillas!
Original Jack's Country Kitchen- the best spot for breakfast (only open for breakfast and lunch), with local farm sourced ingredients.
Antonio's Original Pizza- delicious pizza, reasonably priced
Avalon Seafood- the best spot for your classic fish & chips
You might like these travel guides as well (click on an image):
I hope you enjoy your day on Catalina Island, I'm sure it's one that you won't forget! Let me know if you have anymore suggestions or questions!
