Southern California’s Best Kept Secret, Catalina Island

Feb 14 2015

Oh, Catalina Island. It’s almost too good, I don’t want to spoil the secret. But, it’s time to let our fellow travel-lovers know about this hidden gem, a common getaway for California natives.

Stepping off the boat onto Catalina Island for the first time, I felt as if I was being transported to a remote Mediterranean coastal town. Small boats rocked slowly in the harbor, people strolled lazily along the sandy beachfront road, and above a sprawling hillside was dotted with quaint, rustic homes.

And yet, I had traveled less than 2 hours from my home in San Diego to arrive at this breathtaking destination.

Catalina Island is perfect for a family trip or a girl’s getaway weekend. It’s also commonly known as the “Island of Romance,” the ideal romantic weekend spot in SoCal. Swaying palm trees, stunning sunsets, and the gentle waves lapping at the seashore all make for a fairy tale vacation.

To be honest, the island is small enough that you can easily explore freely and spontaneously, without a plan. We did just that, and ended up stumbling across all the major attractions highlighted below. But for the planners out there, here is all the information that you need to schedule your Catalina itinerary.

Avalon Harbor

Avalon Harbor is the hub of town, and the same place that you will disembark when first arriving at the island. This is where you can book your water activities – you name it, they have it; kayaking, parasailing, and stand up paddleboarding to name a few. Or my personal favorite, Snuba – the perfect mix of snorkel + scuba, a deep-water adventure without the training or certification requirements. Last, there are a variety of boating options, including glass bottom boat tours and deep-sea submarine adventures.
Catalina Tours | Visit Catalina | Scuba Luv | Parasail Catalina | Joe’s Rent a Boat

Catalina Casino

The minute you pull into Avalon Harbor, you will recognize the iconic Catalina Casino in the distance. This venue is not the gambling type of casino, but a historic landmark, which offers daily tours of the ballroom and theater. Admire the beautiful architecture and learn a bit of Catalina’s rich history, including, of course, memorable famed residents such as Mr. Wrigley and Marilyn Monroe.

Descanso Beach Club

Just beyond Catalina Casino lies a beautiful cove and the luxurious Descanso Beach Club. Descanso Beach has recently become quite the hot spot, but remains one of the last private beaches with public access. Grab a cocktail at the Beach Club Restaurant, or rent a private cabana – complete with your own personal attendant – and enjoy margaritas while relaxing on the white, sandy beach.

Crescent Avenue

Most of your shopping and dining options are located along charming Crescent Avenue, the main street along Avalon Harbor. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, stopping to window shop at the many boutiques. Don’t miss the local candy shop Lloyd’s of Avalon for some delicious homemade fudge and salt water taffy!

Zip Line

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If you want to add some excitement to your trip, Catalina offers one of the most beautiful zip line courses in California. Propel down 5 different zip lines at heights of over 300 feet, all while taking in the scenic ocean views. This course isn’t particularly fast, so it’s great for beginners and families. For the extra-adventurous, Catalina Zip Line is now offering night zip tours! More information at Visit Catalina Zip Line Eco Tours.

Catalina Island Conservancy

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While most people spend their time close to the main oceanfront strip in Avalon, 88% of the island is actually the beautiful and wild interior. In 1972, the famous Wrigley family (Wrigley chewing gum) established the conservancy program to protect over 42,000 acres of the island’s native plants and animals. There are many options for exploring the wild valleys and peaks of the interior, including Jeep Eco-tours. Visitors can expect to see the Catalina Island Fox and the famous Catalina Island Bison, first brought to the island in 1924 as movie extras! If you’re lucky, you may also catch a bald eagle soaring in the sky above.

Get there
Catalina Express departs daily from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point.
The trip is just over an hour and the average round-trip ticket costs $75.
Tip: Guests ride FREE on their birthday! Or, check AAA for 10-15% discount.