Catalina!
Mar 1st, 2021, 06:52 PM
#1
Original Poster
Catalina!
Just booked our annual 4th of July trip to Catalina, and can't wait! Of course, we missed this past summer, as everything was shut down, including all fireworks.
The good news is even at this late date, I was still able to secure a decent water view at the hotel where we usually stay. And am about to book our lounges at Descanso Beach.
While there probably won't be a parade this summer down the main drag, at least Luau Larry's (the bar we frequent) has remained open with tables on the beach!
The good news is even at this late date, I was still able to secure a decent water view at the hotel where we usually stay. And am about to book our lounges at Descanso Beach.
While there probably won't be a parade this summer down the main drag, at least Luau Larry's (the bar we frequent) has remained open with tables on the beach!
Mar 1st, 2021, 07:28 PM
#2
Catalina sounds sounds great for the 4th. Fingers crossed your trip happens - things are looking up at least a bit 
Its been ages but I hope to get back to the island in the next year.
My Jul 4 trip is on a lot shakier ground - Booked into Hampton Court the 4th and 5th & London Jul 6-10. Will likely have to cancel but no hurry since everything is fully refundable.
Its been ages but I hope to get back to the island in the next year.My Jul 4 trip is on a lot shakier ground - Booked into Hampton Court the 4th and 5th & London Jul 6-10. Will likely have to cancel but no hurry since everything is fully refundable.
Dec 8th, 2021, 05:44 AM
#3
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I'm considering a trip to California in the spring and basically looking for places which will make me feel not so bad about not going to Europe which is what I really want to do. The two things that have caught my attention are the missions and Catalina Island. I'm not finding any good overall descriptions of it. How much time do you advise spending there? (not going beaching, more sight seeing). I see there is a one hour ferry but that it used to take two hours. Is there still an option of a 'slow' ferry? I like to sit out on deck and enjoy boat rides. And have either of you been to the Channel Islands?
Dec 9th, 2021, 07:01 AM
#4
Original Poster
Hi Isabel.
First, no longer the slow steamers like the old Catalina King, or the much older SS Catalina that did its last journey in 1976 -- the last of them shuttered in around 1991. While the old steamers were kind of a romantic history, those who have been on the slower boats remember vividly them also being a bit of a "barf ride". Especially in the afternoon. And even for experienced boaters who claim they don't get seasick (including myself!). The Catalina Express is a faster and much calmer experience, and the boats do have the option of sitting outdoors on the deck and watching pods of dolphins . . . and sometimes whales.
Second, in the Spring, you probably don't want to go swimming anyway, water is way too cold. For the time you want to visit, first check to see what is being offered (i.e. what is open). That time of year, and depending how many activities going on, I'd suggest probably one night -- departing from the mainland in the morning, and returning the following late afternoon. For first timers, definitely visit Avalon over Two Harbors. I'd recommend a tour of the Casino, visit the Catalina Island Museum, and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens. I'd also recommend the Submarine tour over the Glass Bottom Boat, and if open, at night, the Flying Fish tour (dress warmly!). If adventurous, do the zipline behind Descanso Beach found on the other side of the Casino. The inland tours . . . and there's a variety, are also interesting. It's also great just to walk up and down Crescent (the main pedestrian drag along the shoreline) and get your wiki wacked at Luau Larry's.
First, no longer the slow steamers like the old Catalina King, or the much older SS Catalina that did its last journey in 1976 -- the last of them shuttered in around 1991. While the old steamers were kind of a romantic history, those who have been on the slower boats remember vividly them also being a bit of a "barf ride". Especially in the afternoon. And even for experienced boaters who claim they don't get seasick (including myself!). The Catalina Express is a faster and much calmer experience, and the boats do have the option of sitting outdoors on the deck and watching pods of dolphins . . . and sometimes whales.
Second, in the Spring, you probably don't want to go swimming anyway, water is way too cold. For the time you want to visit, first check to see what is being offered (i.e. what is open). That time of year, and depending how many activities going on, I'd suggest probably one night -- departing from the mainland in the morning, and returning the following late afternoon. For first timers, definitely visit Avalon over Two Harbors. I'd recommend a tour of the Casino, visit the Catalina Island Museum, and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens. I'd also recommend the Submarine tour over the Glass Bottom Boat, and if open, at night, the Flying Fish tour (dress warmly!). If adventurous, do the zipline behind Descanso Beach found on the other side of the Casino. The inland tours . . . and there's a variety, are also interesting. It's also great just to walk up and down Crescent (the main pedestrian drag along the shoreline) and get your wiki wacked at Luau Larry's.
Dec 9th, 2021, 08:24 AM
#5
Ditto surfergirl's post. ESPECIALLY the cold water bit. 
She's been there much more than I have -- I've only been twice. One trip I took the helicopter over and Express back. That was fun. I think of Catalina/ (the Avalon area) sort of like a small seaside village in Italy. Some sightseeing (Casino, Botanic Gardens), some activities (Zip line, kayaking, flying fish tour), bars/restaurants with sea views, waiter service on the beach (Descano's) - all in a pretty compact area. So one can easily have a nice visit with just one night . . . or if one also wants to kick back and relax, 2 or 3 nights would be good too.
She's been there much more than I have -- I've only been twice. One trip I took the helicopter over and Express back. That was fun. I think of Catalina/ (the Avalon area) sort of like a small seaside village in Italy. Some sightseeing (Casino, Botanic Gardens), some activities (Zip line, kayaking, flying fish tour), bars/restaurants with sea views, waiter service on the beach (Descano's) - all in a pretty compact area. So one can easily have a nice visit with just one night . . . or if one also wants to kick back and relax, 2 or 3 nights would be good too.
Dec 9th, 2021, 10:46 AM
#6
My confession is that I grew up with Catalina visible from our living room and have NEVER set foot on the island. I've been around 50 feet from it, on fishing boats, but not on dry land. A major gap in my resume.
