If you’ve read any of our other travel articles, you know that Jason and I are big fans of traveling off season. Not only are prices lower, but there are fewer crowds as well. That was definitely the case for us while visiting Catalina. Fall and winter are a slower tourist season on the island, but since the weather is nice year round, you’ll still have a great time. Also, if you can manage to visit during mid-week, like we did, it may just be you and the local residents.
95% of visitors to the island arrive by ferry. You can select the Catalina Express which departs from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point or the Catalina Flyer which is available in Newport Beach. The ferry websites can provide the schedules of departures for each location. Depending on your point of departure, the ferry ride lasts between an hour and an hour and a half.
If like me, you sometimes experience seasickness, I’ll offer the following tips. Sit on the lower level of the ferry and towards the back–you’ll feel less rocking hear. And I usually wear Seabands which can be purchased online or at most drugstores.
We only had time for the Bison Expedition and Catalina Casino tour, but there are several others Catalina Island tours to choose from including the glass bottom boat, zip line eco tour, and a falconry experience. If there are tours you are really eager to take, be sure to reserve those online in advance, especially on weekends or during the summer. Be sure to check the return time of your ferry prior to booking a tour.
This is a beautiful tour of Catalina island. Your pictures bring it to life. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure Nina!
Such a pretty name! Never heard of it till now and I really like to visit! And so many things to do, love the sound of its climate for most of the year?. I have to add this to my list ?
Who can aruge with 286 days of sunshine a year?!
I’ve actually never heard of Catalina before but it looks like a great destination. Love your photos! They inspire me to plan a trip to Catalina
I highly recommend it!
Catalina looks like a beautiful island. And I have to admit, I’d never heard of it before reading your post. I’d be heading straight for the museum with its Esther Williams exhibit. My English Grandfather adored her and we would spend Saturday afternoon with him as kids watching her films in complete awe! Lovely article, thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing that with me! I had completely forgotten about Esther Williams until I visited the museum, but it brought back memories for me as well. I didn’t watch her movies often, but I was always amazed at how effortless she made everything appear.
We’ve been to Catalina many times – it’s world’s away from the chaos of LA. We used to go camping there years ago, and then more recently staying in hotels. A lethal local drink is the Buffalo Milk – don’t know what’s in it, but a few of those and your legs stop working! Tried them once, never again. I’ve always wanted to do the zip line — it looks amazing… must schedule it for the next time I’m in the area.
I’ll have to give Buffalo Milk a try! And I agree, the zip line does look amazing, hope to try it when we next visit Catalina Island
Never heard of Catalina Island before. Thanks for the introduction. It looks like a peaceful escape, great for romantic couple getaway destination. Will keep it in mind for kids-free trips 🙂
Hope you get to visit Catalina Island someday!
Catalina is on my radar for travel, as I live in San Diego. My grandkids are going there this summer for camp again, and I’ve heard all about it. The Hotel Atwater looks so inviting and tranquil. I’ll have to plan a trip to Catalina!
Catalina is a popular camping site for youth groups in the area–my own daughter was there a few times. But its also a great place for adults and the Hotel Atwater is so lovely.
I have not heard of Catalina Island before your blog. It must be a popular weekend getaway from Los Angeles particularly. Looks like a peaceful place to go to when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities!:-)
It really is quite peaceful, especially compared to the craziness of LA.
I lived in Northern California for 30 years and visits “down South” many times but never got to Catalina! Now I live on the East Coast and kind of regret it. But fortunately have friends that live in So Cal so I think I am going to suggest a girls weekend the next time I visit them!
It would be a great girls weekend destination!
Love Catalina! Such a world away from crazy los angels!
So true!
I live in Northern California and have been wanting to visit this destination for quite some time now. I really enjoyed reading your post and I am sure it will help us with planning our trip. Catalina looks like the perfect place to unwind and explore leisurely. I would love to take an evening stroll along that beautiful waterfront and the Bison Expedition sounds like an adventure in itself. Bookmarking this post for future reference – that for all the information.
I’ve no doubt you’ll have a wonderful time when you visit Catalina Island!
You will definitely enjoy Catalina Island when you visit–so much to see and do there!
Sounds like a nice trip. I didn’t know such a large portion of the island is a nature preserve; nice to hear it :).
What a beautiful place. Thanks so much for sharing.
My pleasure Bree!
This looks absolutely divine! What a gorgeous place for a getaway, romantic or otherwise!
What a beautiful place. I haven’t been to California yet, but will definitely put Catalina Island on my bucket list.