Catalina Island 3-Day Itinerary
I’ve put together an itinerary of an awesome Catalina Island Vacation. Some of this content can be found on other pages of this guide, but I’ve added tips and tricks, and detailed some considerations on the timing and order of activities. I hope you enjoy!
Day 1: Arriving and Adventuring
To start your day, drink coffee at home, take any Dramamine that you may need, and then line up for the boat at your port of choice. You will be able to have drinks on the boat, but you should wait. They also serve really lame snacks, but I would save my appetite for the island.
Original Jack’s Country Kitchen
This is where you start your Catalina Island adventure. This is a no frills diner, that is always packed to the brim with families. It’s so busy that you can reasonably assume essentially everyone in Avalon, or arriving to Avalon will be packed into this single restaurant every day.
When you get off the boat, everyone crosses paths with this breakfast restaurant first, and decides to put their name on the list. The entrance is chaotic, the walls lined with luggage as the walkway gets narrower and narrower. The hostess/waitresses are tired, with too much make-up on, and they flip through a notebook list that is pages long and scribbled on in pencil.
As you bump shoulders with others in this claustrophobic lobby, you can see a lot of comically exasperated facial expressions as people internally debate if this is going to be worth it. It is. The line moves fast, the drinks are strong, the omelettes are large, the food comes out suspiciously fast, but the food is good. I always start here and it wouldn’t be the same to miss it!
Drop off your Luggage at the Hotel
Sober Activities:
What? Yes, some activities require your sobriety. So lets get them out of the way. It’s time to go Snorkling or Zip-lining or both. Both activities are highly recommended.
Snorkling
Make sure you have a reservation. I’ll repeat that for most of the activities I recommend on Catalina. Groupon was the first to direct me to Diving Catalina, but now I’ve gone back more than once. While being unique for many reasons, it’s perfect for “first timers” It’s true that the very first time I snorkeled was here.
They explain everything, the wet suits really do keep you warm, and buoyant. There are beautiful things to see right at the edge of the shore. The water current is very gentle. The bright orange fish come right up to you, and the guide has fish food if you want to be brave and let them swarm you. You can here a clicking sound from the schools of little silver fish, all flicking against the water in unison. This is a 90 minutes activity that should bring you closer to the lunch hour, if you are not still full from breakfast.
Zip-Lining
If you participate in this activity shortly after Scuba Diving, just be aware that you have to have on regular clothes. Maybe having a single non-alcoholic drink at the Descanso Bar might give your bathing suit a chance to dry out. There’s a lot of important information about zip-lining on this fact sheet. I again recommend a reservation.
These ziplines are pretty awesome. Though they are one of the priciest attractions at $135 a person. I think it is worth the money though. This is another great experience for experiences zip-liners and first timers alike. Firstly, there are 5 zip-lines, so you are gently zigzagging down a canyon. The shorter ropes keep you from picking up too much momentum, and the repeated exposure helps you to get more and more comfortable at each new line. Also, as you queue for your turn on each rope, the guide will tell you more about the history of Catalina, the Glamour, the War Times, the Buffalo Birth Control, and many interesting facts.
The tour is 2 hours and 15 minutes long. Therefore, I think it’s a good value. I hope you have a lot of fun! Please remember that alcohol is a diuretic, so be sure to attend to any bathroom needs before you are trapped.
Check In To Your Hotel
But first, find somewhere to buy Bottled Water. You need to keep hydrated. You’ll want to have it on hand tomorrow morning. There is more than one Vons grocery stores on the island
End the Day at a Romantic Dinner
Bluewater Grill
This is a great restaurant. This would be a fine location for a romantic dinner overlooking the Harbor. The location and the views are fantastic. The selection of fish is incredible. I’ve certainly never had a bad experience.
BUT…there is also a Bluewater Grill in Newport Beach, and the menu is similar enough that I’m going to incorrectly claim that it’s exactly the same. Therefore I usually skip this restaurant and opt instead for the much more accessible location available to me back home. If you don’t live here, and have never been to Bluewater Grill, please go! It’s a lovely establishment that strives for, and meets very high expectations.
Maggie’s Blue Rose
This is my favorite spot. It warrants a romantic dinner every time we visit. Don’t misunderstand, it’s an upscale/casual establishment that might not even have a dress code, but when I come here I buy the dinners that are $30 and up. It’s great Mexican food, and as a Southern California native we know the good stuff. One my favorite dishes is the Rosa Azul Platter. Between Chile Rellano and Lobster Enchilada’s how could you go wrong?
For lunch they serve a Black Bean Burger, that I can confidently proclaim to be the BEST black bean burger I’ve ever had. In the end, all of the taco’s are good. All of the enchiladas are flavorful and fresh. The steaks are beautiful, the salmon is delicate. Therefore, this is a must-do.
Recent Comments