On Catalina Island, you’ll feel like you’re miles away from home on a tropical vacation, without the lengthy travel time. It’s truly the perfect place to unplug and take a break from your everyday responsibilities. Luckily, if you’re a Long Beach resident, it’s super easy to plan a day trip to Catalina Island with easy access to the port. Here’s what the perfect day looks like on Catalina Island:
Morning
8:15 am – Arrive at the Catalina Landing in Downtown Long Beach and prepare to board the Catalina Express. It’s a quick 45-minute ferry ride from the Long Beach port to Avalon and tickets are generally $42.00 each way.
9:15 am – Dock at Avalon and grab a quick coffee and bite to eat at Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. They serve delicious coffee drinks and breakfast all day.
10:00 am – Browse the adorable boutique shops adjacent to Crescent Avenue, which the locals call “Front Street”. There, you’ll find clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and collectible shops. Generally, the shops are open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the hours online.
Front Street Shops on Catalina Island
Afternoon
11:00 am to 2:00 pm – Arrive at the Descanso Beach Club and get ready to experience ultimate relaxation. Check-in and you’ll be guided to your private chaise rental (reservations must be made in advance) on this gorgeous private beach. Then, you’ll be waited on all day with drinks and delicious food. Additionally, you can go swimming and snorkeling in the ocean which is just a few steps away. If you’re interested in making your trip a staycation, the Descanso Beach Club offers lodging.
3:00 pm – Afterward, head over to Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals and Tours to rent your own private golf cart. This is a great way to see most of Catalina Island, in a short amount of time. They also offer maps so you can cruise by all of the most popular attractions on the island.
Chaise Lounge Rentals at Descanso Beach Club
Evening
4:30 pm – It’s just about time for drinks or an early dinner! Bluewater Grill Avalon is a lovely place with a waterfront patio. The restaurant has a laid-back, nautical atmosphere and they serve freshly caught seafood. To reserve your table ahead of time, you can make reservations on their website.
6:30 pm – Finally, after a long day of fun in the sun, hop on the Catalina Express at the Avalon pier to head back to Long Beach.
This itinerary offers a mixture of fun and relaxation! If you have favorite things to do on Catalina Island, leave them in the blog comments section. Looking to buy a property on Catalina Island? We can refer you to a great local real estate agent there. Check out the properties for sale below.
