How to Spend a Day on the Island of Santa Catalina, California
Spending a day at Santa Catalina Island off the coast of southern California is distinguishable by two objectives; indulgence and introspection. Located less then two hours by passenger ferry from the mainland ports of either San Pedro or Long Beach, the island village of Avalon is the premier destination for Angelenos looking for a weekend of celebrating. The pattern includes relaxing on the beach by day, much less populated then any mainland beach, and hitting the local watering holes and clubs at night. A reserved hotel room is just a stagger away, and early the next morning a ferry docks to take the revelers back to Los Angeles. If introspection is desired, simply arrive at Catalina on a Sunday afternoon, navigate the hung-over crowds of the departing, reserve a room, and experience the Mediterranean-like atmosphere of a place so close yet so removed from the pace of L.A. A nice dinner, a beach stroll, and even a late night experience of a grunion run, are in store. Expect a cruise ship to be in port the following morning; a three-day excursion stopping at the ports of Avalon and Ensenada. There are many a California coastal towns where time slows and each day can feel like several. Santa Catalina Island is one of those places.
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Instructions
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Spending a Day in Avalon on the Island of Santa Catalina, California
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Booking a passenger ferry trip over to the island can be done at the terminal located at either port of Los Angeles (San Pedro off Interstate 110 or Long Beach off the 710) and note that reservations may be needed for a Friday or Saturday departure time. Prices are affordable. When approaching Avalon Harbor, the Casino, a distinct landmark almost one hundred years old, comes into view. Tours are available through the Santa Catalina Conservancy office on Crescent Avenue.
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Partying at the local island joints, where tall blended concoctions sometimes accompany a straw hat and shooting Petron is mandatory provided salt and lime are first tasted of a patron’s neck, is a rite of passage for many southern Californians. Places to imbibe are frequent along both Crescent Avenue and the beachfront. Dance clubs can be found a block or two inland.
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Renting a golf cart allows the visitor to explore the town and beyond. Gold carts are the standard transportation. Bicycles and skates are also available. The Conservancy also offers glass bottom boat rides and tram tours up to the distant “airport in the sky." Wild buffalo, transplanted from Hollywood, roam the hills. Sea lubbers can rent snorkeling gear, diving gear, or an outboard boat, and explore the kelp forests and shady coves beyond Avalon.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring money and budget well. While Catalina isn’t outrageously expensive there are plenty of opportunities for spending.
Inquire at the Conservancy about taking another day and booking passage to Two Harbors at the northern end of the island. Cabins are available and trip there encompasses the entire island. Ferry passenger service departs from Two Harbors daily.
