A day away, Catalina Island or Palm Springs/Joshua Tree?
 

If you were to take a side trip from San Diego which of these two options would you choose?

I live in LA, and don't want to offend anyone, but I wouldn't choose either. I'd choose Laguna or Dana Pt, or go farther north to Santa Monica/L.A., or even farther north to Ojai (staying at the Ojai Valley Inn).

Hi LIL,
What are your interests? What do you enjoy doing? The two are so opposite. Catalina would include a lovely boat ride over, water side dining, a nice 'walkable' little town if you like to stroll, a fun experience. PS would be a good choice if you like to golf, shop, enjoy a spa...

I have been to both and enjoyed both for different reasons.

This time of year, I would choose Palm Springs or Joshua Tree, because I would love hiking the outdoors. And, it's much easier to do that in PS or Joshua Tree at this time of year. Catalina Island is too boring for me. There's not much to the island, once you've been there once, IMO. I'm not a big just stroll around a bunch of touristy shops for the day and enjoy lunch. I would prefer the tranquility of the desert to Catalina, if given the choice between the two.

But, I agree with Tiff - tell us what you want to do and it would be an easier call for us to give our opinions.

although not a helpful response, I am not real sure what I want. Just an enjoyable day with UNIQUE experiences that I can reflect on later.

Is Dana Point the closest ferry port to San Diego?

Dina, why Laguna, Dana Point, or Santa Monica over the others? Although I am unfamiliar with all of them - it seems like they would offer pretty much the same that Catalina Island would minus the island mystique and boat ride.

Hi LivinLArge,
You may really like Catalina. I just haved in LA all my life, and most of the people I know would choose those places (and places north of LA) over Catalina for fun weekends out of town. Can't really say why, but Catalina is really not THAT popular. Also, I don't really know what you're looking for. The places I mention I guess are a little more upscale with great restaurants, shopping, beaches, etc. Have heard the beach situation in Catalina isn't that appealing unless you go to the more rural areas of the island. If you want a desert experience, then choose Joshua Tree/Palm Springs. I hope this info helps.

In summer, Catalina. In winter, Palm Springs (but I'm not fond of Palm Springs).

thanks
still up in the air but every comment helps