If you’re ready for a short trip that gives you a chance to
get away from it all then Catalina Island is for you. Santa Catalina Island is
great place to spend a weekend or just enjoy for a day. Catalina Island is just
off the coast of southern California and can be easily reached by the ferry.
View from the Island
There are several ferries that you can take to Catalina
Island and they take out of several different ports, Long Beach, Dana Point and
Newport Beach are just a few options. My personal favorite is the Catalina
Express. I have used Catalina Express several times and each time it has been a
great experience. After about an hour and a half ride the ferry will dock in
Avalon, which is the main city on Catalina Island.
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Cost: A roundtrip to Catalina Island will cost
you around $72.
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Tip: Before you book your trip look for coupons
and specials to find a better deal. Sometimes the specific websites like
Catalina Express will run specials or gives away free tickets. Another great
place to find ticket deals is Groupon.
Once you are on the Island there are a variety of things to
do. If you’re an avid hiker there are plenty of places to explore. If you’re a
more moderate hiker you may like to check out the Wrigley garden which is just
a short walk from downtown Avalon. Pretty much everything in Catalina Island is
within walking distance but if you don’t feel like walking there are plenty of
places to rent bikes or golf carts.
My favorite thing to do when I visit the Island is to go
kayaking. If you have never been kayaking before don’t worry its easy. The
water around the island is usually crystal clear which makes it easy to see the
sea life underneath your kayak. The last time I went kayaking, in March, I saw leopard
sharks, dolphins and a very playful seal so your chances of viewing sea life
are pretty good.
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Cost: An hour of kayaking should cost you about
$25 per person
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Tip: Make sure to ask the attendant where a good
area to kayak would be. They will probably know the best areas to go and discover
some sea creatures and some beautiful views.
If kayaking isn’t for you check out the zip line or spend
some time on the beach. To find out more about the history of the island and is
famous inhabitants take a tour of the Casino. You can’t miss the Casino; it’s
the big round building. Built in the 1920s the Casino on Catalina Islands was seen
as its crowning jewel. Filled with intricate artwork and stunning views for
those lucky enough to get inside the casino is a great place to learn about Catalina’s
history.
View From the Casino Balcony
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Cost: The 1/2 hour version of the tour will cost
you only about $10
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Tip: Check the times of the tours as soon as you
get to the Island. Sometime the Casino has only one or two tours a day so
finding out the tour times will help you plan your day better.
Catalina Island is a great place to visit with the family,
as a date or just for the fun of it. After all your adventures on the Island
make sure you save some time to explore the shops and restaurants in Avalon.
Catalina Island is a great place to get away from it all without actually going
too far. Some tips to remember when you visit the Island:
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Bring sunscreen. That beautiful California sun
shines down on the island and your skin will thank you for some sunscreen.
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Flip-flops. Some of the beaches on Catalina can
be kind of rocky so a pair of flip-flops will help protect your feet.
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Roaming. If you bring your cell phone be careful,
if you get signal, it will probably be on roaming. Make sure you adjust the
settings on your phone accordingly.
And my last tip, as with any trip you take, remember that
you are visiting someone’s home, you are
a tourist, be curious but also be kind an courteous wherever you go.
Sincerely Yours, Lady of Adventure
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fun travel stories, tips and pictures.
