Considering a trip to Catalina

Question

Hi all,

Sorry in advance for the non-specific question.....I'm just hoping for another opinion or some suggestions. My wife and I (late 40's) are celebrating something big in our lives this winter and are considering options. We're not huge on visiting cities and are looking for something more laid back where we can try different restaurants, do some light hiking/walking, relax and explore. We'll be flying out of Chicago. Likely in late Jan/early Feb....probably for 5-6 days. We don't want to sit and do nothing but also don't want to be exhausted at the end of the day.

In doing some googling I stumbled across Catalina Island. We can get an easy direct flight from Chicago to Long Beach. Do you think Catalina Island might fit the criteria we're looking for? Would 5-6 days be too long? I suppose we could also consider a couple days in or around Long Beach along with 2-3 days on Catalina? Any thoughts on that? (I'd also be completely open to any other "non-Catalina" traveling experiences others have had that might fit the bill for what we're looking for.) Thanks so much!!

Answer

Catalina Island can be an excellent choice for a relaxed, scenic getaway, especially if you’re looking to avoid busy cities. The island is laid-back, walkable, and offers a mix of activities without feeling overwhelming, making it ideal for a 5-6 day trip where you can balance relaxation with light exploration.

Here’s what to consider for your trip:

Travel logistics: You can fly directly from Chicago to Long Beach, then take the Catalina Express ferry to Avalon or Two Harbors. The ferry takes about 1 hour to Avalon, making it easy to reach the island without additional stress.
Length of stay: 5-6 days is doable, especially if you split your time with a couple of nights in Long Beach or nearby areas to explore the mainland and then 3-4 nights on Catalina. Staying all 5-6 days on Catalina is also fine if you’re looking for a fully immersive island experience.
Activities on Catalina: There are plenty of options for light hiking and walking, such as trails around Avalon or up to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden. You can also rent golf carts to explore the island, go snorkeling or kayaking, or just stroll the scenic waterfront.
Food and dining: Avalon offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and casual spots. You can try fresh seafood, Californian cuisine, and local favorites. Dining is relaxed, and most places are walkable from your hotel.
Accommodation: Catalina has several boutique hotels, inns, and vacation rentals. Choose a location in Avalon for convenience or Two Harbors if you want a quieter, more nature-focused experience.

Other considerations and alternatives:

Combining mainland California with Catalina: Spend 1-2 nights in Long Beach, perhaps visiting the Aquarium or waterfront, then 3-4 nights on Catalina for the island experience.
Other similar destinations: Consider nearby coastal spots such as Laguna Beach, Santa Barbara, or Cambria for scenic stays with good food and light outdoor activities. These areas offer a slightly different vibe but also suit a laid-back trip.
Winter timing: Catalina in late Jan/early Feb is quieter and off-peak. Some island activities like boating tours may have limited schedules, but overall it’s peaceful and great for a celebratory trip.

In summary, Catalina Island is well-suited for couples seeking a scenic, relaxed trip with options for walking, light hiking, and enjoying restaurants. A 5-6 day trip can work well, especially if you combine a short mainland stay with a few nights on the island to avoid travel fatigue and maximize your relaxation and exploration time.

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