We planned this Catalina trip just one day in advance — a spontaneous decision to do one more activity over spring break without having to face L.A. traffic or TSA lines. No hotel. No flight. Just a boat, a backpack, and a much-needed getaway.
The day started off rough because I struggle with insomnia and only got a couple hours of sleep the night before. But, the ocean was eerily calm, and I was able to take a power nap for a half hour on the boat trip across the ocean. As we cruised across the glassy ocean toward Catalina Island, something amazing was about to happen, and I still can’t believe it.
About 5 minutes away from Catalina Island, the captain made an announcement that another boat had spotted some KILLER WHALES and that we would take a moment to try and observe them. My fatigue faded instantly and I was standing on my seat (not recommended for safety reasons). We spotted killer whales — five of them, including a baby just off to the side of our boat! Watching them glide through the water for ten magical minutes was a literal dream come true. I cried. Twice.
From that moment on, the day just kept delivering. Catalina was laid-back, easy to navigate, and refreshingly uncrowded on a Tuesday. The pier wasn’t stinky (a win), the water was sparkling and clear. We saw a playful seal jumping out of the ocean while we rode along on our golf cart. It was even clear enough to see some California Garibaldi fish swimming under the pier.
A day trip to Catalina Island is a perfect trip with your partner, kids, a friend group or even for a solo getaway. What makes it even better, is that we were back home that night. Five hours on the island was just right, and the whole experience really felt like a mini-vacation.
Getting There: Catalina Express Long Beach
We took the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach to Avalon. Adult tickets are $42 each way, and the ride took just over an hour. You can upgrade to the Commodore Lounge, but honestly? We sat out on the deck and it was perfect — especially with the surprise, bonus whale watching. They have other departure cities too. See their website for times and details.
Pro tip: Book ahead online, especially if you’re going on a weekend. We went on a Tuesday and it was smooth sailing, but I just looked for tickets for this Saturday (4 days from now) and one of the departure times was sold out. Parking in Long Beach was $24 for the day. Give yourself at least 20 minutes to park (the structure can get full), walk to the terminal, hit the restroom, and line up to board.
First Stop: Breakfast at Pancake Cottage
We grabbed breakfast at Pancake Cottage, just steps from the ferry terminal in Avalon. My omelette was delicious, the vibe was casual, and the outdoor seating gave us a great view of the harbor and the Main Street. Expect to spend about $25 per person with coffee. They also have a full bar if that’s what you are looking for. The coffee was better than expected and it was a solid. And, t was conveniently located about 20 steps away from the golf cart rental shop.
Golf Cart Cruising with Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals
This is hands-down my favorite way to explore Avalon – and my 1st time ever renting a cart on the island. We walked up to Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals and Tours at around 11:30 a.m. and were lucky to find no line and no reservation was needed (at least for us on this off-season day). We rented a 4-passenger gas-powered cart for $65/hour (they also have 6-passenger carts for $85/hour). Note: The deposit was $65/$85 cash only, so be sure to bring cash.
They give you a detailed map and there are signs along the route to guide you through the designated one-way path. We took our time, stopped to buy water and skittles, and for photos several times. That said, we finished the circuit in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals and Tours prorated the second hour and gave us cash back upon cart return.
Note: Because the carts are gas powered, they are a little loud (see videos above). The views and breeze more than make up for it. Plus, being able to hear them coming is probably safer than if they were silent. But keep this in mind if you or someone you are traveling with is sensitive to loud sounds.
Walking, Shopping & Snacking
After dropping off the cart, we wandered through town. Avalon is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with plenty to explore on without a car. We checked out a few souvenir shops (pretty standard) and walked along the pier, where we saw bright orange California Garibaldi fish in the crystal-clear water. We grabbed a snack of fish minus the chips and clam chowder at a little spot on the pier. The chowder was delicious and not fishy — thankfully. We also popped into the arcade to play a few games. It’s nothing fancy, but it was fun.
Tips for a Smooth Day Trip
- Bring $65-$85 in cash for the golf cart deposit – maybe $100 just in case
- Pack light: a drawstring bag with sunscreen, hat, jacket, and scarf/gloves for the ferry is perfect
- Wear layers: it was sunny but cool
- Book the ferry early, especially on weekends!
- Budget 20+ minutes for parking and boarding logistics
- If you have more time, check out the mini golf course near the Vons Grocery store— we loved it on a previous trip and would have done it again if we had 2 more hours on the island
- No car needed — everything is walkable. I don’t even know how you would get a car over there!
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
It was a perfect day, but one thing I will do next time is remember to bring cash for the golf cart deposit, or I might rent an E-Bike to explore some more. If I had more time, I’d stay overnight to enjoy dinner and maybe a cocktail or two without worrying about catching the ferry back and then having to drive home.
Many adults were enjoying drinks on patios and having fun. Next time, I also want to see the island’s famous buffalo. While not for me, you might try a land-to-sea combo with snorkeling or stand up paddle boarding.
Final Thoughts: Is Catalina Worth a Day Trip?
Absolutely! It felt like a true escape without the hassle of making plans, a bunch of reservations or packing. We spent about 5 hours on the island, which was ideal. Just enough time to explore, relax, and recharge. Whether you’re craving nature, novelty, or just a break from your regular routine, Catalina delivers. Highly recommend.
