A Perfect Day Trip to Catalina Island
Catalina Island is located about 25 miles off the coast of California and is a popular getaway for day trips or weekend visits from Los Angeles. The main town, Avalon, is well-known for its charming shops, beach promenade, and the iconic Catalina Casino, while Two Harbors offers a quieter, more nature-oriented atmosphere. The island is relatively small and cozy, making it easy to explore by golf cart, and there are various activities to enjoy, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. Thanks to the clear blue sea and relaxed vibe, it’s an attractive place where you can feel rejuvenated even during a short trip.
Catalina Island Ferry
To get to Catalina Island, you need to take a ferry, which operates up to 30 times a day from the ports of San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. Tickets can be booked through the Catalina Express website, and especially on weekends or during peak season, they tend to sell out quickly, so it’s advisable to reserve in advance. It is recommended to arrive at the terminal at least 1 hour before departure, with boarding usually starting 30 minutes prior. Outdoor seating on the ferry is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and it fills up quickly due to its popularity. If you want to enjoy the open sea view leisurely, arriving a bit early and queuing up is suggested. (Catalina Express link)
We used the Long Beach port, which was the closest to home and had the most varied ferry schedules. The trip to Avalon took about 1 hour, and we chose a ferry that departed at 11 AM and returned at 5:30 PM, allowing us to spend about 5 hours on Catalina Island.
Catalina Island Terminal (Long Beach)
Catalina Island Golf Cart
One of the must-do activities on a trip to Catalina Island is the golf cart tour. In Avalon, the island’s central area, car access is restricted, so visitors rent golf carts to explore the island and enjoy the scenery. In fact, golf carts are a primary mode of transportation here. The moment you ascend the hills of Avalon in a golf cart and take in the panoramic views of the island is one of the highlights of this trip. Slowly cruising around the island while overlooking the sea from the hills is a great attraction in itself.
We rented a golf cart from Island Rentals, with a fee of $70 for one hour and an additional $60 for two hours. When we first rented it, we paid a cash deposit of $130, and upon return, the amount would be deducted based on usage time, with the remainder refunded. The driver must be at least 25 years old and present a valid driver’s license. Please note that payment is only accepted in cash, so it’s recommended to prepare in advance.
As we slowly drove along the road, there were frequent viewpoints where the ocean opened up beautifully, and it was a great advantage to be able to stop and enjoy the scenery each time. Whenever a stunning landscape appeared, we could pull over, take a break, or snap some photos, and the cool breeze coming through the car window made the experience even more pleasant. There were a few sections of the road that were slightly confusing, but overall, the course was well organized, making driving easy. Although it was a short time, riding the golf cart around the island allowed us to truly feel the atmosphere of Catalina Island, making it a very satisfying experience.
Island Rentals Inc.
Front Street
After finishing the golf cart tour, we decided to take a leisurely walk along Crescent Avenue, the main coastal street of Avalon, commonly known as Front Street. This street is designed for pedestrians without cars, allowing us to fully experience the island’s unique calm and relaxed atmosphere. On both sides of the street, there are charming souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and cafes lined up, interspersed with old buildings, benches, and palm trees, making just walking along it a delightful experience.
Fortunately, on the day we visited, there was also a flea market, making it enjoyable to browse handmade crafts and vintage items created by locals. As we wandered around for a while, it got quite hot, so we bought ice cream nearby and sat for a while looking at the ocean. The gentle sound of the waves, the breeze, and the boats and small vessels passing by all contributed to a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. It was a street where satisfying moments continued, even without doing anything special, just by walking slowly and taking breaks.
Scoops Homemade Ice Cream
Catalina Casino
Walking along the Avalon coastline, you will come across a striking round dome-shaped building. This is the Catalina Casino, a representative landmark of Catalina Island. Due to its name ‘Casino’, it is often mistakenly thought to be a place for gambling, but in reality, it is a historic building that has been used for various cultural spaces such as a performance hall, cinema, and ballroom. Built in 1929, this building features a unique exterior that harmonizes Art Deco and Mediterranean styles, and it has established itself as an iconic location intertwined with the island’s history.
As you walk along the coastline towards the Casino, you will pass through a small tunnel marked ‘Via Casino’. This arched passageway features charming windows on both sides and colorful tile decorations, making it a perfect spot to capture beautiful photos against the backdrop of Santa Catalina Beach. Although the path itself is short, the sea view and the details of the building that you encounter while passing through the tunnel create a special moment. It would be a great memory to take a photo capturing the essence of this place on the way to Catalina Casino.
Upon arriving at the casino, you can check your ticket reservation and freely explore the interior. We made our reservation online in advance, and the admission fee for adults was $19.5. On the lower level, there is a classic theater specially designed for movie screenings, and as you go upstairs, you will find the world’s largest circular ballroom where thousands once danced the night away to big band music. Walking down the hallway, the open structure of the walls allows for stunning sea views to naturally come into sight, which was impressive. The interior of the building, as well as its exterior, is well-preserved, giving a sense of the island’s long history and culture. It was a meaningful space where you could experience the past of Catalina Island, its unique architectural beauty, and the wonderful scenery set against the sea all in one place. (Catalina Casino link)
Catalina Casino
Although it was a short schedule, I was able to slowly walk around the island and fully enjoy the scenery and atmosphere of Catalina Island. While leisurely exploring, I could feel nature, history, and even the simple daily life, making it a memorable day. This time, I enjoyed the island as if I were taking a walk, but next time I would like to experience activities like snorkeling or kayaking. Visit Catalina Island, a place where you can encounter completely different landscapes and atmospheres just across the sea.
