2 Nights/3 Days on Catalina Island, CA
Getting there
Catalina Island is easily accessible via the Catalina Express Ferry's which depart from 3 ports on the LA County/Orange County area:
- San Pedro
- Long Beach
- Dana Point
The ferry's transport you and your luggage to the main city of Avalon. With the transfer taking about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours depending on which port you depart from.
Tip: Upgrade your seating to Commodore Lounge on the Catalina Express boat to start off your trip. Commodore Lounge seating includes priority boarding and a complimentary beverage with a snack.
OPTIONAL TRANSFER
For those wanting an extra special arrival onto the island, you can look at the short 15-minute helicopter ride that crosses the ocean from Long Beach and drops you at the helicopter pad outside the town of Avalon.
Day 1
We arrived via helicopter - a one-way splurge to celebrate my birthday! Due to the helicopter pad location and our hotel location (high up on a hill), we opted to take a cab. Avalon is a very walkable town and depending on where your hotel is at, you can avoid cabs if you want and just walk to your hotel.
We stayed at the beautiful Zane Gray Pueblo Hotel - a historic landmark boutique hotel on Catalina Island. See below for optional recommended hotel options in various price ranges.
After dropping our luggage, we walked down the hill and headed to the Descano Beach Club where we rented kayaks for an afternoon of ocean kayaking. After which we enjoyed a happy hour cocktail at the Beach Club and enjoyed watching the water activities.
Optional Tours
Descanso Adventures is tucked away in Descanso Canyon behind Descanso Beach Club and you will find other activities like the Zip Line Eco Tour, the challenging Catalina Aerial Adventure, and the 32-foot tall Catalina Climbing Wall, as well as the seasonal Catalina Falconry Experience.
After returning to the hotel to shower and rinse off the sea salt and sand we dressed up in a our casual clothes and headed to dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant on the island - Mi Casita - for home-style Mexican food and delicious margaritas.
After an adventurous day we ended the evening early to ensure we were set and ready for our Day Two of fun, island adventure.
Day 2
After a great breakfast at the hotel overlooking the bay, we packed our day bag for our 2-hour Bison Expedition.
Back in the 1920's a movie crew brought over a small herd of American Bison for a movie that was being shot on the island. After filming was complete, the Bison remained on the island as the movie crew didn't want to have to deal with bringing them back across the sea. Today the Catalina Island Conservancy maintains Catalina's American bison herd at about 150 to protect both the bison and the island’s landscape.
Then it’s down the original 19th-century stagecoach route, which offers sweeping views of the majestic Catalina coast and beautiful blue Pacific all the way back to Avalon.
LUNCH - Antonio's Pizzeria & Cabaret
This delightful, casual italian restaurant sits right at the bay and offers great views while providing classic pizzas and pastas for an easy lunchtime stop.
AFTERNOON TOUR - Catalina Casino
One of Catalina's greatest landmarks is the Catalina Casino. Built in 1929 near the end of the Silent Era, Avalon Theatre was among the first in the world to be designed specifically for “Talkies.” It has been fully restored to its original grandeur, complete with solid black walnut panels, Art Deco furniture, Tiffany-esque lights and gold-leaf accents.
You’ll marvel at the soaring hand-painted murals that grace the entry way of this architectural masterpiece. Created by John Gabriel Beckman, whose work also adorns Hollywood’s Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Casino’s murals depict the history of Catalina’s cultural evolution. The amazing acoustics produced by the theatre’s 50-foot domed ceiling were studied and replicated by designers of New York’s Radio City Music Hall. The theatre’s original pipe organ, one of the last of its kind, was built, shipped and installed by the Page Organ Company of Lima, Ohio. Above the theatre, the Casino’s world-famous ballroom once hosted thousands of dancers grooving to the sounds of big band music. Be sure to step out on the Romance Promenade that encircles the ballroom for some of the most spectacular views of Avalon.
DINNER - Bluewater Avalon
This popular waterfront bistro offers seafood and cocktails in an airy space with exposed beams and a deck. Great place for a sunset meal on the bay.
Day 3
We scheduled an afternoon ferry so we had the morning to go for a walk and get massages at the Island Spa Catalina which is located inside Avalon’s historic El Encanto building, This spa blends 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor bliss into Catalina's only complete destination spa. For those wishing to enjoy the amenities of Island Spa Catalina without a treatment, day passes are available on a first come, first serve basis.
As our ferry departure was coming soon, we headed to the pier to say good-bye to our quick getaway. We knew we would be back as there are so many things to see and do on the island.
OPTIONAL ACCOMODATIONS:
- Budget (2-star)
- Mid-budget (3-star)
-Luxury (4&5 star)
ADDITIONAL RESTAURANT IDEAS:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bars/Cocktails
ADDITIONAL TOURS & ACTIVITIES
Avalon and the surrounding areas have so many tours and activities for couples, families, friends and the adventure seekers.
For more details on all there is to do on the island, check out their tourism website at:
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