"Island Paradise Not Too Far Away!" Top 5 Page for this destination Santa Catalina Island by GracesTrips

Santa Catalina Island Travel Guide: 222 reviews and 462 photos

This is a place you can visit for a day or for a weekend. The boat ride over is about 1 hour and 10 minutes one way and costs about $59 per person round trip with many departure areas from Los Angeles. There are soooo many activities available to experience on Catalina. The dining experience is so-so but we did enjoy a very superb, classy meal at the Country Club Restaurant. The ambience was wonderful with a great view of the harbor. Hope you get a chance to visit if you have never been!

Island Paradise Not Too Far Away! - Santa Catalina Island

My third trip to Catalina, October 2007, to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. We spent the weekend from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. We attended one of the venues at the Jazz Trax Festival - Kirk Whalum (he is awesome!). My baby and her boyfriend came on Saturday just to spend the day. We rented a golf cart and drove around the designated areas where the rented carts are allowed to go. We played some miniature golf. The town of Avalon is not that big. Since, my daughter and her boyfriend had not been to Avalon before, we walked by all the shops and had dinner at the Channel House. On our boat ride back, on the Catalina Express, we had a slight delay. Apparently, the CE is one of the fastest boats in the local waters. When the coast guard feels they cannot arrive to a situation fast enough, they will ask the CE to be a first responder to help out. Well, on our way back to Long Beach, there was an unmanned boat. The thought was he went overboard because the wind was pretty strong and the waves were very choppy. Turned out, he was a diver and went out to sea, by himself. A scary moment turned out to be okay and learned something new about the Catalina Express.

Golf Cart Ride Video on Catalina YouTube

Last visit to Santa Catalina Island: Oct 2007
Intro Updated Oct 23, 2007
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Reviews (36)

You can fly to Catalina - Santa Catalina Island

You can fly to Catalina Transportation (4)

Helicopter ride to and from Catalina and Long Beach are available. Prices are kind of steep. This one seems reasonable.... more travel advice

Another Gift Shop - Santa Catalina Island

Another Gift Shop Shopping (7)

This was actually a nice gift shop. Lots of wine stuff. Some dishes, pictures and such. Located in the Metropole Market... more travel advice

Buying Sea Shells - Santa Catalina Island

Buying Sea Shells Shopping (7)

This shop if off the beaten path. The stores on Crescent Avenue that sell sea shells are sort of expensive. This place... more travel advice

I Scream, U Scream for Ice Cream! - Santa Catalina Island

I Scream, U Scream for Ice Cream! Restaurants (8)

There is no Starbucks on Avalon but they have a Cold Stone! If you haven't tried, you should. They take your favorite... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Karaoke All Day, All Night
Tourist Traps (1)
Tour Bus
Hotels (1)
Convenient Hotel away from main town
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Travelogues (1)

Written Oct 23, 2007

8 photos

Catalina Visit October 2007

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Comments (12)

ngrae Oct 27, 2010 at 5:01 PM Report Abuse

A review of a tour they didn't take? The bus goes inland on the old stagecoach trail. Learn about the island's history & see native wildlife, much of it unique to the Channel Islands. You will see buffalo that roam free over the island's 42,000 acres.
jumpingnorman Feb 24, 2009 at 10:12 AM Report Abuse

Catalina is one of my favourites in California but I have never been in the casino, because we just spend time outside (always good weather when we pass by)...nice tips, Norman :)
nada1712 Sep 22, 2008 at 6:55 AM Report Abuse

You had a nice holiday, Grace.
Toshioohsako Aug 5, 2008 at 4:55 AM Report Abuse

Woo! Grace. Its a wonderful resort area. Actually California seems to have all nice beeches and sea-coast. Why go to other places???
User101 Jul 28, 2008 at 9:16 AM Report Abuse

Great page !! Thanks for all the info'.
SLLiew Jun 3, 2008 at 1:48 PM Report Abuse

Looks like a lot of fun on Santa Calalina island :) I really want to go on a yellow submarine!
Dabs Mar 19, 2008 at 10:43 AM Report Abuse

Someone suggested that my Grandma might like to make the trip here but I think it's much too active for her. Will keep in mind for another trip!
goutammitra Jan 9, 2008 at 5:11 PM Report Abuse

Great page and very good suggestions on Tourist trap tip.
Hewer Dec 20, 2007 at 8:51 AM Report Abuse

Brilliant stuff here Grace!
RickinDutch Dec 14, 2007 at 3:16 PM Report Abuse

Nice job with your Catalina pages. Looks like it has grown a bit since my camp counselor days in the '70's!