By Betsy Malloy
California Travel Expert, about.com
California's only coastal island retreat is a short trip away from Los Angeles and part of the same county, but it's surprisingly different from its mainland counterpart. Most of its land is preserved as a nature conservancy, surrounding the small town of Avalon where about 3,000 people live. Avalon is a small, walkable town centered on the small boat harbor and waterfront, with enough hotels, restaurants and activities to keep visitors happy.
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You can plan your Catalina day trip or weekend getaway using the resources below.
Scenes from Catalina Island
Enjoy some of our best shots in this Catalina Island Photo Tour
Why Should You Go? Will You Like Catalina Island?
Catalina
is a cute place that's popular with scuba divers, hikers, families, and
anyone who needs to get away from the city or wants to take a romantic
escape.
Best Time to Go to Catalina Island
Catalina weather is best in spring and fall. Summer days can be overcast until noon or later.
In winter, storms can make the ferry ride unbearably choppy.
It's busiest during summer and during big events like the marathon and jazz festival. See the list below.
Cruise ships stop in Catalina several days a week, temporarily filling the town with visitors.
Don't Miss
If
you've only got a day, your best bet is to hang around town in Avalon.
Take a short city tour if you want to learn more about the place. Walk
along the waterfront. Sit and watch the people or do a little shopping.
More Great Things to Do in Catalina
If you want the short list, try the best things to do in Catalina
If that's not enough, browse through 101 Things to Do in Catalina
Annual Events You Should Know About
- Catalina Marathon, March: Even if you're not running, you should know about it because the hotels fill up.
- Jazztrax Jazz Festival, October
- Catalina Triathlon, November
- Catalina Eco Marathon, November
Tips for Visiting Catalina
- Plan ahead. Hotels fill up early during busy times, and so do the most convenient ferry runs.
- You can take your pets on the Catalina ferry boats, but dogs must have a muzzle. However, pet-friendly lodging is in short supply, and canine friends are not allowed on the waterfront walk between Metropole and Clarissa Avenues.
- It costs a lot to get things to the island. Expect to pay 15% to 20% more for everything than you do on the mainland.
- If you have an option, schedule tours in the late morning or afternoon. You'll have the best chance of clear skies then.
- If you have humidity-sensitive, frizzy hair like mine, bring your strongest defenses. Or a hat. Or a razor in case things get really bad.
Isn't It Romantic?
Most romantic thing to do? Just walk along the waterfront, hand-in-hand.
Best Bites
We
like the Bluewater Grill's patio for a sun-drenched lunch. For other
meals, Avalon is small, making it easy just to walk around and pick
something that looks good. Our rule of thumb: The more people inside,
the better.
Where to Stay
Check our recommended hotels and campgrounds.
Catalina is not a place to arrive in without a reserved place to stay.
Not only do the hotels get filled up, but if you arrive without a
reservation and can't find a place, you might not be able to find room
on the boat back to the mainland, either.
Getting Around
Avalon is small and fun to walk in, but if you need transportation, here are some options:
- Avalon Trolley: Runs from Pebbly Beach or Descanso Beach to the Botanical Garden, daily in summer, weekends and cruise ship days the rest of the year.
- Golf Cart Rentals: Rent by the hour, near the ferry terminal and in town.
- Catalina Taxi: You can usually find one near the ferry terminal, at the taxi stand on the waterfront or call 310-510-0025
- Catalina Safari Bus: Runs between Avalon and Two Harbors with stops at picnic sites, beaches and campgrounds and can take you from the airport to Two Harbors. 310-510-2800
- Airport Shuttle: Avalon to Airport-in-the-Sky, phone 310-510-0143.
