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A Two-Day Mediterranean Escape on Santa Catalina Island

Plan this as a compact two-day island escape from Long Beach, staying in Avalon so the waterfront, restaurants, historic sights, and hillside streets are walkable. The source reports a round-trip ferry cost of about $20…

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Plan this as a compact two-day island escape from Long Beach, staying in Avalon so the waterfront, restaurants, historic sights, and hillside streets are walkable. The source reports a round-trip ferry cost of about $200 for two people, Long Beach parking at $27 per day, and Hotel McCray at $287 per night. Avalon is largely pedestrian-oriented, with very limited resident vehicles; golf carts and bicycles are available, but the source notes that golf carts cost about $70 per hour and electric bicycles about $100 per hour. Expect steep streets and stairs beyond the waterfront. The island is highly protected, with approximately 88% of its territory designated as protected area, and longer hikes require a free registration or permit through the island authority. Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a light layer for the ferry. The source also emphasizes arranging mobile data before arrival through an eSIM; check coverage and activation before boarding.

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Itinerary highlights

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Day 1 — Ferry Arrival, Avalon Waterfront & Catalina Casino

Take the ferry from Long Beach and keep the first day centered on Avalon’s compact waterfront. The source describes the ferry as roughly 45 minutes from the Long Beach area and recommends staying overnight rather than treating Catalina as only a day trip. Arrive prepared for a potentially rough ride, especially if sitting toward the front. Avalon is busiest when cruise and day-trip visitors are present, so explore the harbor and Casino later in the day as crowds thin.

  1. Catalina Express Long Beach TerminalCatalina Express Long Beach Terminal, Long Beach, California, USA

    Leave the car at the Long Beach port parking area, reported at $27 per day. The ferry is the practical arrival route because private visitor vehicles are not permitted on the island; reserve ahead and allow time for boarding.

  2. Avalon HarborAvalon Harbor, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California, USA

    Walk from the ferry landing into Avalon and take in the harbor first. The waterfront combines colorful buildings, boats, steep surrounding hills, and a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere; most accommodation is concentrated in this central area.

  3. Hotel McCrayHotel McCray, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California, USA

    Check into Hotel McCray, the historic central hotel identified as the accommodation in the source. It is described as being 106 years old, near the beach and in the middle of Avalon’s activity, with a basic breakfast included.

  4. Avalon BeachAvalon Beach, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California, USA

    Explore Avalon Beach directly in the center of town. The source first suggests that Avalon has no conventional sandy beach access, then finds a small beach where visitors can enter the water; other waterfront access points use stairs and are affected by the tide. Check conditions before swimming, as water levels rise later in the day.

  5. Catalina CasinoCatalina Casino, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California, USA

    Visit Catalina Casino, the landmark visible from the ferry. Despite its name, it was never a gambling casino; it is a historic theater, ballroom, meeting place, and event venue built in 1929 in an Art Deco style. The source reports admission at $22 per person and highlights the preserved 1920s interior and ocean views.

  6. Catalina CasinoCatalina Casino, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California, USA

    Finish the afternoon around the Casino’s ballroom and upper viewpoints. The source describes a 360-degree ocean outlook, large windows, an original-feeling interior, and a ballroom where visitors can roller-skate; skate rental was reported at $20.

Day 2 — Snorkeling Coast, Hillside Avalon & Evening Cocktails

Use the second day for Avalon’s marine life, hillside streets, local food, and a quieter evening after day-trippers leave. The source describes August temperatures around 25°C, strong daytime sun, dry vegetation, and a noticeable change in atmosphere once the cruise ship departs. Stay within the accessible Avalon area unless arranging the required permit or an organized tour for the protected interior.

  1. Avalon BeachAvalon Beach, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California, USA

    Return to the beach and waterfront for a relaxed morning before the busiest period. The source describes this area as a beach-club-style setting with loungers, music, a bar, cocktails, and food, but reports that two loungers and an umbrella cost $260 and were sold out. Treat it as a scenic swim or waterfront stop rather than relying on lounge availability.

  2. Avalon Waterfront Snorkeling AreaAvalon Waterfront, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California, USA

    Snorkel from the Avalon waterfront access area where the source saw many people entering the water. Look for the bright orange Garibaldi fish, identified as protected in California. Bring or rent appropriate snorkeling gear and avoid touching marine life.

  3. Avalon Hillside StreetsAvalon Hillside Streets, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California, USA

    Walk upward through Avalon’s narrow hillside streets and stairways for a quieter, more local perspective. The source notes that some homes and apartments are reached by stairs rather than roads and that the climb takes about 30 minutes, rewarding you with a view over Avalon Bay.

  4. Avalon Bay OverlookAvalon Bay Overlook, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California, USA

    Pause at the upper Avalon overlook for the classic view of the bay filled with boats. The source associates the prominent house above the bay with the family that transformed Catalina into a major vacation destination, but the key experience is the elevated harbor panorama.

  5. Luau Larry'sLuau Larry's, Crescent Avenue, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California, USA

    Stop at Luau Larry’s for the signature Wicky Wacky cocktail experience. The source reports that ordering the house cocktail, priced around $22, comes with a distinctive hat or sticker; cocktails elsewhere were described as generally costing about $18–$20. The menu also included fish, seafood, Mexican food, and burgers, with a reported $70 bill for two meals.

  6. Avalon WaterfrontCrescent Avenue Waterfront, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California, USA

    End the trip with an evening walk along Avalon’s waterfront after the cruise visitors depart. The source describes the town as dramatically quieter at night, with restaurants serving dinner directly by the beach and a more relaxed atmosphere than during the day.