Catalina -- any ideas on stuff to not miss?
 

Hi fellow travelers! My family and I are heading to California in early June. We have been several times before this but for something new and different, this time we are going to Catalina island for the day. Anyone have any thoughts on things to do, places to see, restaurants, etc.? Really looking forward to seeing it, any help is greatly appreciated.

The snorkeling at Lover's Cove and Casino point is excellent but REALLY cold. You can easily rent gear at either spot or from the dive shop on the green pier.

Also rent a golf cart and explore the city of Avalon and the surrounding hills, the views are great.

logandog suggested the same things that I was going to recommend - we spent a day in Catalina several years back and I did a dive in that area next to the Casino - the water was freezing but it was really nice.

Afterwards we rented a golf cart and drove around, up to the top of the hill and around the town. Spent the rest of the day poking around the shops.

They have a new zipline tour:
http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/a...ur_zipline.php

Find out which days the cruise ships call on Avalon, and plan NOT to be on the island those days.

Some of the golf cart rental companies only take cash, so plan accordingly.

Most tourists only walk as far as the casino. If you continue past the casino, you will be rewarded with beautiful views and dining on the sand at Descanso Beach:
http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/a...cansoBeach.php

Stop for an ice cream at Big Olaf's. You'll smell the waffle cones long before you see the place.

Skip the glass bottom boat tour.

During the month of June, it looks like Tuesdays are the only day a cruise ship calls:
http://www.catalinachamber.com/commu...mmunity-cruise

we have a mooring in Avalon so I've been going to the wonderful island since I was a little boy and its a wonderful place to go, even for the day.
June gloom is along the coast but in Avalon, it opens up with gorgeous blue skies.
Rent a golf cart and tour part of the island.
Eat a buffalo burger..
Eric's at the pier for a cold beer and cheeseburger is tradition.
Go up and right before the Country Club is where the famous old tile was and is still made. (Catalina tile)
Go up to Inn at Mt. Ida.
My favorite is take a tour of the casino and then walk over for a buffalo milk at Descanso beach.
Snorkeling is awesome but it might still be cool.
You can rent kayaks and tool around...zip line just opened too!
Have fun!

Big Olaf's is hecka good! I think everyone on the isaland drives a golf cart? Has anyone else noticed that?
When I go to places like that I like to rent a bike and explore. Especiallly small cities like Catalina you can get around pretty easily on a bike. I know there is a bike rental place near the water front. It's been a while since I've been there so I can't recall the exact location or name, but I'm sure there aren't a ton of them on the island. Have fun; be safe!

We had planned to rent Segways on a fizzled plan for a day-trip to Catalina a couple weeks ago. http://www.catalinasegways.com/Catal...e_RackCard.pdf

Avalon is so tiny you can walk everywhere without a golf cart.

If you don't want to snorkel, the submarine is actually fun even tho it is a bit hokey. You will see lots of brilliant orange Garabaldi.

Also, taking a tour of inland Catalina island is worthwhile. It's amazing that there is virtual wilderness so close to LA. You book all the tours near the ferry terminal.

Big Olaf with the waffle cone and the incredibly great ice cream is excellent.
The pier has a lot of tours packages..next to Eric's.
Make sure you get a buffalo milk drink..it is so good and its the official Catalina Island cocktail.
Love the Casino tour.
The State fish is the brilliant orange Garabaldi and they are everywhere and the water is so clear that you can see them if your not snorkeling.
They look like a big goldfish.
Have fun and report back.

Thanks everyone, great ideas. Sounds like Big Olaf is definitely one of the places we will hit, my husband and mother are both total ice cream junkies!! Love the idea of the golf carts too. I am really looking forward to this trip. And we are going on a Monday, so will miss the cruise ship day, thankfully.

The Golf Carts are rented by the hour, $40-$60 depending on the size of a 2 or 4 person cart. There is usually a 2 hour limit and you must be 25 with a valid driver's license. Cash only. You cannot drive up the road to Mt. Ada now, but you can go the other side of Avalon and get a great view from the road where the Zane Grey Pueblo is, overlooking the Casino.

Best to rent in the mornings, as the afternoons, there seems to be a waiting list as more tourist arrive. They give you a map of the roads you can stay on in Avalon.

I suggest Busy Bee Cafe or Armstrong's for lunch. Outdoor seating on a deck over the water.

The new zip line looks really good.
Families like playing mini golf just a half a block from the beach.

http://www.balboapavilion.com/miniat...na_island.html

Bookmarking. :)