It was my roommate's birthday this weekend so naturally we had to celebrate with a trip to Catalina Island! (Pro tip: the ferry is free if you travel on your birthday!) From staying in a pink hotel to wandering the streets to blissing out at the beach club, it felt like I got a week-long vacation in the span of only a weekend! The salty breeze of the ocean and the view from our hotel is reason to visit Santa Catalina Island, but here are 10 more just in case you're not convinced!
1. Breathtaking views from the cliff side.
You can see the harbor and the entire town of Avalon if you just venture a little ways up the mountain. Check out #5 to see how to get to this view!
2. Descanso Beach Club
you have to pay $2 to lay on the beach here but it's well worth it. The beachside bar plays Bob Marley but you don't have to leave your towel to get a drink, the waiters will come to you.
3. Catalina has the feel and aesthetic of a European sea town
just a ferry ride away from Los Angeles! It truly feels like a different world even though you're only an hour away from the mainland.
4. Strolling past little romantic houses that are reminiscent of simpler times.
5. Renting a golf cart or bike to explore the island.
Some of the best views can be seen from higher up on the mountain and a golf cart makes the trip effortless. Not to mention how fun it is to whip around the little four-seater!
6. Snorkeling or diving in the clear blue water.
If you can brave the cold for the first minute or two, it's not too bad, and swimming around with the fish makes it all worth it.
7. Camping
a great way to fully experience the flora and fauna that Catalina has to offer. Get down and dirty in nature at one of the camping sites! The one below is on Lava Wall Beach.
9. Little shops owned by islanders that sell the best, non-touristy gifts.
Keychains with your name on them feel ingenuous to me, and I much prefer authentic, hand-crafted gifts and trinkets. No worries though, Catalina has a good mix of both kinds of shops!
10. Creating endless memories
with your best friends that you'll spend years to come reminiscing about.
