Catalina / Avalon
 

We're visiting LA in Aug and friends have suggested Catalina. May I have your suggestions for length of visit,ie: a day or two, is a weekday or a weekend visit better, what to see, where to stay and eat. What are the popular things for tourists. Thanks. K

Love Catalina!
I would go 2 days and take the Catalina Express from either Long Beach/San Pedro and takes about an hour+..love weekdays in summer..not so crazy but still busy..
I love to snorkel at Lover's beach, drink Buffalo Milks at Descanso beach, Eat at Eric's on the pier & play golf, relax and enjoy beautiful Avalon!
The Casino is stunning and we always catch a movie from there and always go to the Marlin Club for cocktails!

Catalina is a great place to visit, at least overnight. In August, places will be booked up in advance, so you should start now. In the middle of the week would be more ideal, as lots of locals visit on the weekends.

We love to stay at the Pavilion Lodge, across from the water and in the middle of town. It has a great grass area in the center courtyard, for relaxing, or having breakfast.

All the things Tahiti mentioned are our favorites too (hotdog/hamburger combo at Eric's) Armstrong's is another favorite, and the Busy Bee Cafe all on the water.

http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/a...ilionLodge.php

Yes, everything said before I have to agree to, including weekday over weekend. I'll have to try the Marlin Club -- we generally hit up Luau Larry's for the live music and fun atmosphere, and El Gallo for the karaoke -- they also do a pretty good buffalo milk if you don't want to walk all the over to Descanso. What else -- gosh, in August, I'd spend the whole day snorkeling and kayaking. We generally stay at the Metropole, but Pavillion Lodge has recently been completely remodeled (it always had that very cute 50's look about it).

Hi MBnancy..
I am so happy that you enjoy what we enjoy in Catalina! It's magical..
My Uncle has a mooring in Avalon Harbor so we always go by boat and stay onboard..friends stay at the Atwater/Pavillon/Hamilton Cove/Metropole/Mt.Ida..you do need to book soon..fills up very quickly..
Have fun K2ok..

Surfergirl..
Love Luau Larry's but Marlin Club is classic!

Another vote for Descanso Beach and Luau Larry's. Also Big Olaf's Ice Cream parlor.

Additional must do's:
- Rent a golf cart and drive around for an hour (they give you a map, and the views are spectacular).
-Interior tour on a converted 1950's bus.
-Kayak off of Descanso Beach.

You can skip the glass bottom boat tour-- not very impressive.

During the week is best. However, find out which days the cruise ships call on Catalina and try to avoid those days.

I was there for one day only, off a cruise ship. There are so many activities! My friend rented a golf cart. I took a tour to the "airport in the sky" when can be skipped without hesitation :)

It's a nice island! And if you want a tour, there are plenty to choose from! There is a small plaza, all buses go from there.

Plenty of places to eat, to shop, you can just walk around, the views are gorgeous! Doesn't matter how much (or little) time you have, visit the island!

Make sure and take the interior tours. Very interesting. Skip the glass-bottom boat stuff. Rent a golf cart. Yipes- it will be busy busy in August.

ahhh, I meant "which can be skipped" sorry

Two days would be good -- it's not that big of a place ;) Definitely try to avoid weekends. The place will be PACKED will day visitors.

Hi Tahiti,

Have you ever seen the Body Glove boat or Califia in Avalon harbor? I've been on both! (family)

Luau Larry's, always a fun place. Also, yes, on renting a golf cart!

Hey MB..
I probably have seen the Body Glove boat but we are on a mooring ball, jumping off the hard top and taking the dinghy around chatting it up with the other boaters..nothing like going to Avalon on a boat in the summer!
Water is crystal clear blue and love all the garabaldi's..
We also like going to the Landing and there is a restaurant upstairs that is really great for drinks and apps..
Do rent the golf cart around the town and I love playing golf at the club and a great place to have drinks afterwards..
Seeing how the famous Catalina tile is made near the golf course is very interesting..
Busy bee and Armstrongs are always packed and a great place to eat.
Friends always go to the jazz fest in Oct. its held in the casino..
The Isthumus/Cat Harbor is a lot of fun too.

Tahiti,

I didn't give up to date information. The Body Glove boat now has a mooring in Cherry Cove (when they got the bigger boat they were put further out). The boat is actually the Disappearance, but huge letters on each side say Body Glove. (wet suits)

Golf carts are a cash-only business. There are ATMs on the island. However, if you head to the ATM late in the day, they could be empty (heard a few people complain about that as they were trying to get cash to rent the golf carts!)

I have a trip report somewhere around here. It's a great place to visit, if only for a day. I also recommend Descanso Beach for drinks and a light lunch. Enjoy!!