And with crystal clear waters, it will be easy to spot all the different types of fish in the waters of the island. If you follow our recommendations, you are certain to build a passel of lifetime memories. Rent Golf Carts + E-Bikes + Jetskis. Hat: The sun can get super bright, so I highly recommend having a hat. What to Pack for Catalina Island. Last week Nick and I finally checked off "going to Catalina Island" on our LA bucket list. Battery pack: I never travel anywhere without this one. While I haven't experienced the other options, I have to say this is probably the easiest and most cost effective way to travel. The garden was originally the idea of Ada Wrigley, who supervised Pasadena horticulturalist Albert Conrad, who planted the garden's original collection in 1935. We took the Catalina Express from Dana Point (which was the most convenient port to us), and enjoyed our trip to the island! All of these hikes have beautiful sights and lookout points with picturesque views. Travel first aid kit. Private planes are allowed to fly into Catalina's Airport in the Sky. I had the most fun I think I have ever had on my birthday.
Honestly it was probably my favorite part of the whole trip! This island has it all. They hold it at the Descanso Beach Club! Can you hear Nat King Cole singing, "I found my love in Avalon…along the bay! We spent about 10 minutes up in the air, and were surprised at how calm it was up there! Being able to observe these creatures in their natural habitat was such a unique experience, and I highly recommend it as one of the best things to do on Catalina Island! Ocean Scenic Overlook: Amazing views of the blue waters. Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount. 205 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704.
Already know when you're traveling? It is known for its rugged wildlife, laid-back resort vibe, outdoor activities, and the most majestic views of the Pacific Ocean. Flying Fish Voyage (you do this at night and watch fish fly across the sky! In fact, the original Italian meaning is "a little house. " About Catalina Island. Luau Larry's is a super kitschy tiki bar, but it's a local favorite and it has been around for ages. To help you navigate around the island, I highly recommend downloading offline maps before you arrive. There are over 165 miles of hiking trails on Catalina Island. We spontaneously decided to go on a day trip to Catalina Island. This location has been serving Catalina Island guests for over thirty years. However, since Avalon only covers one square mile, you can easily walk to get around to all the best Catalina Island attractions. Tip: if you really want to see all the best places on the island then this private golf cart tour is a great option. Your Catalina Island vacation won't be complete without trying something new, such as hiking to a windswept promontory on the island's windward side, snorkeling to see the multitude of marine life that inhabits local waters or racing high above the scenery on a zipline. You might also like: The Perfect Catalina Weekend Getaway Itinerary.
Antonio's Pizzeria & Cabaret: 230 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704. There are so many Instagram worthy stops as you hike around the Island so you want to capture memories. This two-hour tour will take you 10 miles into the island's protected interior, and make stops at the Airport in the Sky, the Nature Center, and even peers down at one of Catalina's original Native American gathering sites. We got there 45ish minutes prior to the departure time, but didn't realize we had to wait in line to redeem our online booking for tickets. There it is, our Catalina Island Travel Guide.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Keep on reading for all of the best things to do on Catalina Island! While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I've traveled to, tours I've completed, and products I recommend. Continue down Via Casino (and snap a photo with one of the arches in the tunnel – it will frame the Casino perfectly! Sunscreen: Slather on a reef-safe sunscree n that will also protect marine life on the island. The Catalina Express gave me a…View Post. There are signs at each hole that point out the flora ad fauna, and give you an insight into the island's history. From here, you can see incredible views of the gardens and Avalon Bay – which makes the uphill climb and stairs totally worth it! It was desert-y, and very AZ vibes (which I wasn't expecting! Everyone of us loved it. Walking is a wonderful way to explore this charming town. Highly recommend coming for happy hour (2pm-close) – they have $2 tacos, $2 beers, and $5 margaritas. Your sense of adventure: You'll discover that Catalina Island activities include dozens of options for adventure, whether you define being adventurous as learning to scuba dive or tasting something unexpected on a food tour. There were an estimated 2, 000-3000 Tongvas who once lived on the island, in villages consisting of extended family members, each numbering 50-100.
They give you a map for a self-guided tour that was really fun and an easy way to see the island at your own pace. So how did the bison even end up on the island? They have some delicious breakfast sandwiches and pastries! You'll find dozens of trails, whether you are looking for a short, easy hike, or a multi-day backpacking adventure. Buena Vista Point (Wrigley Road).
Hiker's Destination. We were surprised that we could have an actual conversation at a normal volume haha. The island is also accessible via you feel like splurging, helicopter service is offered via IEX Helicopters. Then continue reading! LMents of Style uses affiliate links. Explore the beautiful Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden. You can find some great options here. The island also became a popular destination for Hollywood elite in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, and was also a popular filming site for production companies. This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
We took the Catalina Express from San Pedro to Avalon, though you can also depart from Long Beach or Dana Point.