Taking off for a quick trip with the girls is one of my favorite things about traveling. Exploring new cities with best friends makes for amazing laughs and memories. A girl friend of mine recently celebrated a birthday so we headed to the town of Avalon on the island of Catalina for 3 days of golf carts, seafood and sunshine.
The town of Avalon is charming and quaint. It has a harbor filled with sailboats. An avalon green pier, boutique shops, victorian style hotels and colorful beach cottages. Here are 3 reasons to visit this enchanting little town…
It’s been dubbed “The Birthday Island”
Celebrating a birthday? Catalina offers a “Share Your Birthday” island special. Registering for this special will get you some pretty cool island perks when visiting on your birthday. The perks include a variety of complementary activities such as: a ferry ride to the island, admission to the Catalina Island Museum and a scoop of ice cream at Lloyd’s! In addition to the complimentary perks you will receive an array of discounts for many of the islands hotels, restaurants, and activities.
Tip: For $15 you can upgrade your Catalina Express ticket to include commodore lounge access. This upgrade provides pre-boarding, air conditioned area on the ferry, and a drink from the bar!
Take the scenic route
Another cool thing about Catalina is seeing locals and tourist cruising around the island in golf carts. Golf carts are the islands most common mode of transportation. The island has a few different companies renting out golf carts to visitors for up to 3 hours. Cart rentals come with an easy to follow guided map of Avalon. It’s a blast cruising around town, exploring the island, and enjoying Catalina’s stunning views.
Tip: A $45 cash deposit is required when renting a golf cart. If you are there on your birthday you get ½ hour for free!
Good Eats
Catalina’s restaurants range from fine dining to local joints offering a variety of tasty dishes. The Lobster Trap a local favorite serves up the islands fresh seafood in a laid back environment. For breakfast another local favorite is Original Jack’s Country Kitchen. This place will likely have a line out the door during the breakfast rush but it’s well worth the wait! Craving some delicious Mexican food and margaritas? Stop by Mi Casita during happy hour the sangria was awesome!
Tip: Looking for something sweet? Luau Larry’s Paradise Pina Colada is made with coconut cream and tastes like a milkshake. Scoops sells mini scoops of homemade gelato with flavors like rose petal raspberry and double toasted almond. If you are looking for a birthday deal Buffalo Nickel offers a complimentary dinner special and shuttle service to and from the restaurant.
It’s easy to lose track of time on the island of Catalina. If you are looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city then throw on your sun hat and head to Catalina to enjoy it’s blue waters, friendly locals, and small town charms.
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