It's very much in the middle of town. Please report back on how it was. I have seen some cute little cottages farther inland on the way to the Botanic Garden.

Sure, I definitely will. I'm looking at doing the Jeep Eco Tour with the Catalina Island Conservancy; I like the idea of something going back to help with preservation.

I've lived in CA my whole life and never been to Catalina! Shame on me! I will rectify that soon!
However, my son went with his middle school outdoor program for a week and one of the highlights was a night snorkeling program. If you like to snorkel, you might want to look into that.

Thanks, ellen, I've been doing some research and haven't come across that. We do like to snorkel - sounds interesting! Even though it seems small and laid back it looks like there are lots of cool ways to spend your time there.

In September, because the water is still "warm" (and I use the term loosely), my favorite thing to do in Catalina is snorkel. Which can be done simply with wearing a snorkeling mask if you are a decent swimmer. We do it either off of Descanso Beach (where we also rent kayaks), or where they bring the glass bottom boats and the submarines, over at Lover's Cove (the other side of where the Catalina Express docks . . . walk the path AWAY from the docks and you'll find it. One note: you MUST have water shoes for just about any swimming area on Catalina Island, but particularly so at Descanso and Lover's Cove because both are rocky.

Kayaking is terrific there, because you can travel about the coastline, get off at little inlets, do a little snorkeling, then get back in the kayak and continue on.

Agree with RJW on food, and I'd say the same about hotels. With a couple of exceptions. Steve's steakhouse and seafood is surprisingly good if you are looking for an upscale meal. The newer Avalon Grille on Crescent also has nice tasty food (a little overpriced, but they are trying for the presentation thing) and great cocktails. Your selection of hotel is just fine . . . just remember that most of the hotels cater to families and those coming to do water sports, so they all end up having a motel feel, even after renovations. One major exception I've found is the newer VIP wing overlooking Crescent and the Casino. Comes at a price.

We always do the "who makes the best Buffalo Milk" cocktail this year (it changes depending on the bartender and the mix). Buffalo Milk is a Catalina cocktail that, of course, has no buffalo milk in it. Rather, it tastes like a milk shake . . . but no ice cream is used. It can be potent, and not on weight watchers (LOL), but is something that can be addicting! In recent years, it's been a toss up between the bar at Descanso Beach and Luau Larry's as to which makes the best, but a surprising contender has been Antonio's (the one on Crescent).

The Catalina Island Museum opened last year (I believe) and I've heard some really good things about it. It currently has a Houdini exhibit (relating to Catalina, of course) that will be there when you visit. I'd recommend it just based on comments I've received from friends who have visited it.

The Submarine tour is IMO better than the glass bottom boat. The Flying Fish tour (evenings, of course) should not be missed if it's available. The Ziplining Tour I've done 3 times now, and love it! Great views as you soar down the mountain.

Oh, and Descanso Beach is where we hang out for swimming and sunning, and they've upscaled it about 5 years ago. They have an ice cream store there that dishes out not only home made specialties, but "over 21" ice creams infused with yummy flavors!

You can just peer into the water along the edge of the dock when you disembark and see the Garibaldi, if you decide not to snorkel. We don't have much in the way of brightly colored fish, but those guys sure do pop!

Thanks, Surfergirl, I like all those suggestions. I definitely want to try buffalo milk while we're there too. Submarine tour and Flying Fish both sound awesome.

Thanks, m, that's a good tip. I would love to see them! I didn't realize they were that plentiful. Hoping we could see some on the submarine tour if we end up going on that too.

We're getting close to our trip - have dinner booked at Steve's and thinking Bluewater for a nice lunch on the water. Want to go to Maggie's Blue Rose. We have the Jeep Eco Tour booked and the underwater submarine viewing and want to check out the cute mini golf spot too. I definitely want to do a Casino tour - is that something we need to book ahead? They offer a few different tours - would you guys recommend doing the regular tour or the behind the scenes tour? Thanks again for all your wonderful advice.

I've not done the behind the scenes tour. The standard tour was fine. I have not booked ahead but might if it was a holiday, weekend or a cruise ship was in port.

Even more so if it's going to be very hot that day, I might book ahead because people will head there to stay cool!

Okay, thanks, m - I think we'll just go for the regular tour then if that worked for you.

Have fun on that diabolical little mini golf course..if you don't let the ball go into the 18th hole and it isn't busy, it's pretty casual and they don't really care if you go around again or skip back and do some of the last holes over again.

Fun - I hope we get to do it. I haven't mini golfed in years, but who doesn't love mini golf?!

So do you guys think it's warm enough in September to go without a wetsuit? Would water temps be comfortable?

Ben Weston (Catalina Island) Water Temperature (Sea) and Wetsuit Guide (CAL - Orange County, USA)

For me it is never warm enough, I like bathwater warm

I'm a total wimp when it comes to water temps and even in August in San Diego I won't do much more than wade. For me -- I'd want a wet suit with water temps around 70°

You'd enjoy our water temps then, currently hovering around 90 degrees! I'm so glad we didn't plan a Caribbean vacation or one to the east coast this year, very scary with all the hurricanes whirling out there.

In California now, love love love Catalina!

So glad!! And sounds like you had a blast at Disneyland.

We ate at Steve’s Steakhouse and Bluewater Grill and loved them.