Catalina Island Shore Excursion Reviews

Popular Things to Do in Catalina Island

In one word, Catalina Island, just off the coast of California, is picturesque. Though you'll dock in the tiny city of Avalon, Catalina boasts more than 50 miles of scenic shoreline and offers visitors an impressive number of diversions in which to partake. Water-based shore excursions are certainly the name of the game here where you can walk to any number of jumping-off points for water sports like kayaking and wake boarding, fishing trips, or snorkel and dive sites. Beyond the beach, Avalon's historic Art Deco casino (as in event space, not for gambling) is a must-see even if just from the outside. There are lots of excellent shops and restaurants to explore, but keep in mind that a day on Catalina Island can get quite pricy -- even the beach incurs a charge.

The weather on Catalina is mostly mild and relatively warm year-round -- even during the winter months. As an American island, English is the official language and the currency is the U.S. dollar.

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Catalina Island Cruise Tips, Activities, and Overview

Food and Drink in Catalina Island

Seafood: Along with a sushi bar, Flip's Saltwater Bar & Grill features live music (128 Catalina Avenue). On the deck at Armstrong's Fish Market, enjoy lunch favorites like fresh swordfish and mahi-mahi (306 Crescent). For fish and chips or seafood cocktail, stop by Avalon Seafood, known locally as Rosie's (end of Green Pleasure Pier, spring to fall).



Italian: Cafe Prego offers plentiful portions of homemade pasta and fresh seafood, an extensive list of California and Italian wines, and a harbor view (603 Crescent Avenue). Ristorante Villa Portofino serves similar selections (101 Crescent).



Desserts: Satisfy your sweet tooth with saltwater taffy and caramel apples at Lloyds of Avalon Confectionery (315 Crescent). Nearby is a new Cold Stone Creamery (118 Sumner Street).

Best Cocktail in Catalina Island

Buffalo Milk: A frothy blend of vodka, Kahlua, fresh banana and coconut milk served at Armstrong's Fish Market (the drink is named in honor of a herd of some 300 buffalo, descendants of animals brought here as movie extras in 1925, which still roam Catalina's interior).

Don't Miss in Catalina Island

The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden: After chewing gum magnate and Chicago Cubs owner William Wrigley Jr. bought a majority interest in Catalina in 1919, he proceeded to ferry guests by steamship to his hotel and Casino. The Memorial in his honor offers dramatic views of Avalon Bay. Wrigley's wife Ada planned the peaceful 37 acre garden that features endemic plants like the rare Catalina Ironwood (1400 Avalon Canyon Road, open 8 am to 5 pm daily).



Casino:In the 1930's and 1940's, big bands and musicians like Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman played for thousands of dancers at this 12 story, art deco building. Though those glamorous days are over, the elegant ballroom with its fifty foot ceiling and Tiffany chandelier still draws crowds for concerts, weddings and annual October jazz festival. Other highlights include the 1,200-seat movie theater, with its classic pipe organ and murals, Catalina Island Museum featuring a collection of Native American artifacts, photos and pottery, and Catalina Art Association gallery. Be sure to check out the view of the harbor and mainland from the terrace.



Chimes Tower: In 1925, Ada Wrigley presented this tower, located near the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel, to the town of Avalon. Ever since, the chimes have been tolling on the quarter of the hour between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.



Catalina Island Golf Course: In 1892, the Banning brothers built this course, the first in Southern California. A very young Tiger Woods played here, as did Craig Stadler and Amy Alcott (green fees are $27 for 9 holes, $48 for 18 holes).



Interior: Most of Catalina's interior remains rugged and uninhabitable, like it was over 450 years ago when Portuguese explorer Juan Cabrillo arrived. To see this wild side of the island, The Catalina Island Conservancy offers a half-day, 4-wheel drive jeep tour to the island's interior. A knowledgeable naturalist points out endemic plants as well as buffalo, bald eagles, foxes, and squirrels.

Take a Dive: With its easy entry and shallow depths, the Casino Point Marine Park is a great place to take a scuba lesson or join a guided dive. In addition to giant kelp, a sunken 70-foot schooner and artificial reefs provide habitats for marine life like bright orange garibaldi, calico bass, and lobster.



Escape to Two Harbors: Located at the island's windward side, about 18 land miles and 12 nautical miles west of Avalon, this village of 150 people features an isthmus on one side and Catalina Harbor on the other. A hike to the top of the cliffs overlooking the isthmus rewards visitors with views of both sides of the island. Or take a half-day rafting "cruise," whose highlights may be spotting sea caves, bald eagles, harbor seals and flying fish.



Paddle past pelicans, topside, by kayak. There are kayaks built for two, open deck kayaks for beginners and intermediates as well as decked kayaks for experienced ocean kayakers.


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