Suggestions for Catalina Island

Any suggestions for what to do on our stop at Catalina Island in late September? Not real excited about any of the ship's (Princess Ruby) excursion.

There are a couple of golf cart rental places in Avalon and we have found it fun to rent one and tour around the Avalon townsite. I don't think they accept reservations but they normally have lots of carts.

We've been there several times and had done the usual things around town, but this last time opted for the tour up to the "Airport in the Sky". Never knew there was an airstrip big enough to land a DC3 on top of the mountain! It turned out to be fun and interesting, lots of history and great views from the top. The tour was in a vintage (early 1950's) bus, with "Bear" as our driver/guide. The road is very narrow, steep, and winding, but Bear was an expert!

Check out this site. We have done the "Behind the Scenes Casino Tour". The casino is actually an entertainment venue, not a casino we think of today. It is decorated in the art deco style.

We have also rented a golf cart for 1 hour. We thought that was enough time to go around town and get up to the Zane Grey bell tower. I wouldn't recommend taking the cart up to the Botanical Gardens as it would be a waste of rental time.

You can take the trolley (bus) up to the Gardens. There are 2 trolley (one goes left and the other goes right) routes from Crescent Road to the Gardens. IIRC the price is $4/way or $7/roundtrip. There is the Wrigley Memorial also done in the art deco style at the top of the Botanical Gardens. On a clear day, you can see across to the mainland and see Mt. Baldy.

If you like miniature golf, there is a challenging course that relies more on physics rather than windmills.

There is also a zip-line.

For places to eat, we like to go to either the Coney Island West for hot dogs, hamburgers and onion rings or just around the corner, there is the arcade where they make really good pizza (similar to NY style) and salads. There are tables to sit outside and there is usually someone playing music.

There is also a Von's supermarket just 1 block in from the beach. We never leave the Island without going to Lloyd's to get fresh made Salt Water taffy and caramel apples.

There's a conservancy on the island that offers jeep tours - you get to see the inland areas and help a good cause. Their web site is catalinaconservancydororg.

We've been there several times and had done the usual things around town, but this last time opted for the tour up to the "Airport in the Sky". Never knew there was an airstrip big enough to land a DC3 on top of the mountain! It turned out to be fun and interesting, lots of history and great views from the top. The tour was in a vintage (early 1950's) bus, with "Bear" as our driver/guide. The road is very narrow, steep, and winding, but Bear was an expert!

We took this tour the last time we were there, and really enjoyed it.

Patti

We got a map from the visitor information center and did a hiking loop up through the hills. Very nice.

We have been there 2 times and both times we rented the golf carts. They have a route set up and you just follow the signs and it gives you a good tour of the island and some good locations to take pics. it was 40 dollars a hour but be warned you can do it in 60 min but you need to put the pedal to the medal so if you want to enjoy be prepared to pay a bit more. The carts are big so no issue with 4 to 6 people.

Just wondering has anyone done a water sport here was looking at snorkelling, thanks for any help

Know that the water is cold. Many wear wetsuits, even in the summer. The Channel gets the down current from Alaska.

We were there in April while the water is cool there were fair amount of people on the beach and in the water

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We've been there several times and had done the usual things around town, but this last time opted for the tour up to the "Airport in the Sky". Never knew there was an airstrip big enough to land a DC3 on top of the mountain! It turned out to be fun and interesting, lots of history and great views from the top. The tour was in a vintage (early 1950's) bus, with "Bear" as our driver/guide. The road is very narrow, steep, and winding, but Bear was an expert!

Was this thru the ship? If not, do you have the name or a link?

Just wondering has anyone done a water sport here was looking at snorkelling, thanks for any help

We did a helmet dive. Not as scenic as in the Caribbean but fun. We also went kayaking to Frog Rock (if I recall correctly). Another nice thing you can do is rent a cabana at Descanso Beach. It's beautiful there, just a 10 minute walk from town.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Forums mobile app

Check out this site. We have done the "Behind the Scenes Casino Tour". The casino is actually an entertainment venue, not a casino we think of today. It is decorated in the art deco style.

 

We have also rented a golf cart for 1 hour. We thought that was enough time to go around town and get up to the Zane Grey bell tower. I wouldn't recommend taking the cart up to the Botanical Gardens as it would be a waste of rental time.

 

For places to eat, we like to go to either the Coney Island West for hot dogs, hamburgers and onion rings or just around the corner, there is the arcade where they make really good pizza (similar to NY style) and salads. There are tables to sit outside and there is usually someone playing music.

 

We did nearly the same thing last April in Catalina, loved our lunch at Coney Island West, then did the 1 hour golf cart tour. Golf carting at Catalina was something my DH always wanted to do, I was less impressed as it was mostly just hot, dusty and bumpy! and yes, going to the botanical gardens is a waste of time. With that said it was fun, and you can get some really amazing pictures (especially of your ship) from the lookouts.

Unfortunately, we did not get to the Casino in time for the tour. We will pay more attention to tour times next time!

Was this thru the ship? If not, do you have the name or a link?

Yes, this was through the ship - Jewel of the Seas on its repositioning cruise in May. However, many locals seemed to know who "Bear" is (lots' of greetings called from the sidewalk as we passed by) so ask around. Since excursions on the islands are limited, several cruise lines may use the same tours, but no guarantee that you'll get "Bear" as your guide.

By the way, if you visit the airport, don't miss the cookies at their gift/snack shop - superb!

Try here: visitcatalinaisland.com. We are looking at the Inland Experience. I think that's the one Kartgv is referring to. I'm just waiting for them to open up the calendar for October to book.

Try here: visitcatalinaisland.com. We are looking at the Inland Experience. I think that's the one Kartgv is referring to. I'm just waiting for them to open up the calendar for October to book.

We took that tour last year. in the big yellow bus. It isn't a ships' tour. It was very nice--got some great photos, and yes, the cookies are great.

Patti

We did nearly the same thing last April in Catalina, loved our lunch at Coney Island West, then did the 1 hour golf cart tour. Golf carting at Catalina was something my DH always wanted to do, I was less impressed as it was mostly just hot, dusty and bumpy! and yes, going to the botanical gardens is a waste of time. With that said it was fun, and you can get some really amazing pictures (especially of your ship) from the lookouts.

 

Unfortunately, we did not get to the Casino in time for the tour. We will pay more attention to tour times next time!

I didn't mean the gardens were a waste of time. I meant taking a cart up there is a waste of rental time. I thought the Botanical Gardens were interesting. I think if you want to see plants endemic to the island and great views (when the sky is clear), then definitely go.

I didn't mean the gardens were a waste of time. I meant taking a cart up there is a waste of rental time. I thought the Botanical Gardens were interesting. I think if you want to see plants endemic to the island and great views (when the sky is clear), then definitely go.

That is what I meant as well. There is nothing to see from the cart path.

Was this thru the ship? If not, do you have the name or a link?

It is called the Skyline Drive Tour through Carnival.