GUIDE TO: CATALINA ISLAND
Believe it or not, Catalina Island existed long before the Catalina Wine Mixer.
If you’re in Southern California and need to get away for the weekend, or even just for the day, Catalina is the perfect staycation. Located just 27 miles off the coast, this small island is a hidden slice of paradise. I grew up going to Catalina every summer with my family on our 38 foot sportsfisher. We would spend most of our weekends in Moonstone or Isthmus cove, but when my dad sold the boat back in 2011, I insisted on continuing to visit. The easily accessible town of Avalon made it possible to ferry over to the island and enjoy all it has to offer. For the purpose of this guide, I will be focusing on Avalon, as it is the main attraction of the island. Here’s a guide to doing Catalina Island “the right way”.
GETTING TO CATALINA ISLAND
There are multiple options for getting to Catalina Island. You can go by means of helicopter (if you’re really feeling like splurging), or by boat (much more affordable and the most common form of transportation). You can either take the Catalina Express, which departs out of three different ports, or the Catalina Flyer, which departs out of Newport Beach. The Express charges roughly $38/person each way, while the Flyer charges roughly $35/person each way. In my opinion, the Express is the better option for multiple reasons: 1. You can choose where you want to depart from (Dana Point, Long Beach, or San Pedro), 2. They run ferries both to and from the island practically all day (whereas the Flyer only departs from Newport once a day and departs the island once a day), and 3. You can take the Express to Two Harbors (if you are looking to camp or check out the less-touristy part of the island).
THINGS TO DO
Get your Wiki Wacked at Luau Larry’s (don’t ask, just go and order a “Wiki Wacker”)
Rent a golf cart and roam around Avalon
Grab yourself a buffalo burger from Eric’s on the Pier
Rent a small boat from Joe’s-Rent-A-Boat (fairly cheap if you split between a group of people)
Go snorkeling (do an excursion, or bring your own gear!)
Head over to Descanso Beach Club and grab yourself a Buffalo Milk (the famous Catalina drink that will catch up to you quickly if you’re not careful)
Head up the main road for some bomb food at the Sandtrap
Take the “Cyclone” to Two Harbors (the more laid-back part of the island) and check out Doug’s Reef restaurant & bar
Grab some oysters and clam chowder at Blue Water Grill
Play a round of golf on the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi (built in 1892...also super challenging so beware of that)
Lay on the beach and just relax (always a must after 3+ buffalo milks)
WHERE TO EAT
Bluewater Grill - Seafood
The Sand Trap - Breakfast/Brunch, Mexican
Descanso Beach Club - American
Original Antonio’s - Pizza
Mi Casita - Mexican
The Lobster Trap - Seafood
The Pancake Cottage - Breakfast
Cafe Metropole - Smoothies, Salads, Sandwiches
If you’re interested in camping and want a less-touristy experience , I highly recommend going to Two Harbors. The Catalina Express can take you directly there from Long Beach, or you can arrive in Avalon and grab the “Cyclone” boat over!