Catalina Island
Catalina can officially be crossed off the bucket list! We are already planning to go again this year with the kids.
To get there:
-From San Diego: Drive 75 mins north to the Dana Point Port to take the Catalina Express over to the island (ferry ride takes about 90 mins).
-From LA: Drive to the Long Beach Port to take the Catalina Express over to the Island (about 60 min ride).
-From outside of SoCal: Fly to LAX and take a 30 min uber to the Long Beach Port to catch the ferry.
If your trip only consists of Catalina you won’t need to rent a car since the trip to the Catalina Express is short and you can rent a golf cart once to get to the Island.
Buy your ferry tickets here!
*pro tip from a follower - you get a FREE one way ferry ticket on your birthday! Just show your ID.
Once you get onto the island you'll taxi to your hotel or golf cart rental.
Where to stay:
The hotel we stayed at was Hotel Metropole, Use code RAYA when booking your stay for 15% off your room! It was the most gorgeous hotel from the decor surrounding the building to the most comfortable beds and luxurious rooms! The staff was so kind and readily available for anything we needed. We checked into our room to find the cutest little charcuterie board in our room’s fridge! The VIP one bedroom has stunning views of the ocean and nightlife with a gorgeous soaking tub! The hotel is perfectly located right on main street and was a very short walk to anything on the island you want to do or see! I can't wait to book our next stay here!!
Things to do!
The number one thing on the top of our list was the half day charter we booked with Catalina Custom Charters. Captain David was so full of knowledge being that he has been on the island his whole life! His boat has all you need for a great day out on the water - a cooler for our drinks and snacks, bathroom, and everything you need to troll for some amazing fish. He took us through some coastal sights that we wouldn't have been able to see by land. You can customize the charter for whatever you are into - sightseeing, sunset cruising, fishing, etc. His boat the "Bad Attitude" was spacious and comfortable for us all. I even ended up taking a little siesta on our cruise! If you book, be sure to let him know Rayahope sent you!
While we were there, Descanso Beach Club had an event with an amazing 80's cover band & comedian Adam Carolla which made for an amazing day at the beach. Food and drinks right on the water and the perfect little beach to play in the waves or float made for a perfect day in the sun! Lounge chairs, cabanas, and fun pool floats are an option to rent also! When booking your stay, see what activities are going on there since they were hosting many fun events on the weekends! Be sure to book your cabana ahead of time since it fills up quickly! One of our favorite nights was when we walked out of dinner to find the BEST Rolling Stones cover band playing right in the street. After the show we walked into Seaside Sweets located right under Hotel Metropole to satisfy our sweet tooth. There are tons of fun shops, a beach right on the main road, and fun sights to see all by foot.
What we didn't get a chance to do - ziplining, tree top obstacle course, hike, botanical garden, and visit the other side of the island called Two Harbors. The list is endless and trying to do it all in one stay was impossible (we tried) & a next stay needs to happen (we're already planning)!
Where to eat!
We had the best food everywhere we ate! So hard to choose! For your sweet tooth be sure to go to SeaSide Sweets and see Joe, they have the best selection!! For the best Mexican food go to Maggie's Blue Rose on the main street & order the paleta margarita! You'll thank me later ;) For the best filet mignon and conveniently close to the hotel head to The M! I'm still dreaming of those mashed potatoes and amazing appetizers! For the best Bloody Mary's and yummy Mexican food be sure to go to El Galleon on the main street! For the best pancakes head down the street to The Pancake Cottage - the best French toast, hot coffee and pancakes! Be sure to get there early since it fills up quickly! Our favorite pastry and ice coffee was from the Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co, pro tip is scan the QR code order online & pay, they’ll text you when your order is ready! We also ate at Steve's Steakhouse and had amazing lobster, fried oysters and steak, so so yummy!
What to pack!
The island for lack of a better word was “chill” no stilettos needed! Sun dresses, shorts, and comfortable shoes for all the walking! Beach cover ups, sunscreen and a hat with a few dinner casual outfits would be all you would need. Be sure to bring your camera because every corner was an instagram worthy backdrop! It said it was going to be 93 degrees some of the days we were there but it always felt PERFECT. If you asked me it was 75 and sunny every day no matter what the weather app said.
We can't recommend Catalina enough!! For any and all occasions: family, bachelorette, wedding, honeymoon, quick getaway and more you’ll find everything you could ask for and more on the island!
Click on the photos below to shop the looks <3