Catalina Island

02/10/2008 Posted by marpop

Although this little island is only like 20 miles away from LA, I'm always surprised by how many people living in SoCal have never been. It is definitely a must for Southern Californians - perhaps the best part is the boat ride over -- having the chance to see all those beautiful dolphins/porpoises and just enjoying the cool ocean breeze is wonderful. Then once you arrive, you have to definitely rent one of the little golf carts--it's only like $35 and it's the only way to go. You'll have a great time carting all around the island and going up the hills -- there are even campgrounds on the island if you want to rough it. I admit the restaurants are pretty middle-of-the-road, if not a little subpar, but that's not why you go to Catalina. You go for the island experience (in the summer the super tiny shoreline is great for a day at the beach) and simply to get away from the city and enjoy a new experience that is really only a short boat ride away!

Pros: Boat ride, golf carts, scenery

Cons: Most restaurants lack the 'gourmet' factor

06/20/2006 Posted by csqamary

I visited Catalina for the first time this weekend and had a wonderful time. We went to Avalon and there was a ton of stuff to do from kayaking to horseback riding to parasailing to sunbathing, etc. The city is about a square mile so you can walk everywhere. (In fact, the island inhabitants drive golf carts for the most part). Would recommend this as a getaway to anyone.

Pros: Variety of activity, adventure, close to Los Angeles

05/30/2005 Posted by jabushman

For a quick trip to a slower pace (remains one of the Italian or Spanish coast), Avalon is an hour from LA. Many hotels to choose - I recommend the Mac Rae on the water, Seaport Village for new, and the Zane Grey to really get away. Great restaurants - Breakfast, the Pancake Cottage; Lunch, Rosie's on the pier; Dinner, the Channel House - all great and there are others. Lots to do (try the glassbottom boat) and they even have an Art Deco movie palace. We go three times a year - LOVE IT!

Pros: Very relaxing, Nice atmosphere, Friendly people

Cons: Not enough time, Going home again

08/05/2004 Posted by sluggur

Catalina is a world away from Cincinnati. It is beautiful. The weather wonderful. I enjoyed my visit... But...accomodations are overpriced and amenities lacking. Dining ended up being a major disappointment. Shopping can be done in a short afternoon. Catalina is a lovely place, but just about everything can be done in two days.

Pros: Scenery, Weather, Charm

Cons: , Accomodations, Dining

05/29/2003 Posted by radioactive_simmer

Catalina Island is one of the most beautiful places I've visited. The water is crystal clear and there are tons of things to do from shopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, horseback riding, or just exploring the island by golf cart. I would highly recommend Catalina to anyone visiting the southern California area.

05/07/2003 Posted by iNachoMan

Not really much to do. If you are looking for a relaxing place to spend a day, this is the place. I recommend you save your money and go to one of our local beaches.

Pros: Friendly people

Cons: Expensive, Not much activities

03/16/2003 Posted by highlnddncr

Well as a family vacationwe sail to Avalon in the summer from San Diego...It is a wonderful town with plenty of things to do for all ages. Kids can play in the arcade until 10 and adults can go listen to the live music at any of the bars on the frontage street.

Pros: not as many cars

Cons: crowded at times

11/04/2002 Posted by alice426

Avoid the crowds and head to Two Harbors for a Gilligan's Island vibe. You can hike out into the hills where the buffalo really do roam, then have lunch in the cafeteria-like deli while sipping a whipped- cream, kaluha flavored frozen buffalo milk at the outdoor bar. You can also snorkel or scubadive or stay dry and take a boat to the marine biology labs where they fed moray eels and there's a nurse(?) shark sanctuary. It's like going on a mini-semi-tropical vacation. Catalina can revitalize in a weekend!

Pros: lots of hiking, campgrounds are nice, quick weekend getaway

Cons: ferry tix cost a lot

10/06/2002 Posted by bestofla

Visitors, and Residents of Southern California, don't sleep on this one! Catalina Island is the Perfect day trip! Catalina Island offers year round entertainment and average temperatures of 70 degrees. Did I say buffalo? Yeah, there's buffalo that roam the hills, imagine that. Once you're there, you can hike, snorkel with the orange Garibaldis, kayak, take land & underwater tours, or just relax on the beach. The island host annual Jazz, Blues and Art festivals that are all worth the trip. For great fresh fruit shakes & sandwich for 2, or salads to refuel you, go to Lori's Good Stuff. For great Jukebox music, prices on drinks and retro atmosphere, go to The Marlin Club. For fish & chips, go to Avalon Seafood Co. on the pier. Whatever you do, you're sure to have a great time!

Pros: Variety of Activities, Great for Family, Somewhat Local

Cons: Becoming a Hot Spot, Island Prices

08/08/2002 Posted by izelmorena

With all that Catalina has to offer it's no wonder that it's one of the best places for a day trip. If you like to go shopping, swim and drink this is the perfect place for you. They have great bars, but my recommendation would be Luau Larry's for drinks and food. Also, if you're the camping type and want to get away from it all, there is a campground call Black Jack. It's about a 45 min drive in a bus, then about a 3-4 mile hike. There is no other transportation allowed up to the site, so be careful how much you pack. The campground is quiet and private. If you're into swing dancing, the Pasadena Ball Room sponsors the Swing Camp Catalina. It's a beautiful romantic weekend with ballroom dancing at the wonderful Casino on the beach.

Pros: Short Trip, Swing Dancing, Camping