When I recently flew out to Southern California to visit my two young-adult children, I had some time to myself while they were both busy working. So, I decided to plan a day trip to Catalina Island, a spot many travelers describe as a stunning locale with a European feel.
One of the state’s Channel Islands, Catalina is located about 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles and is easy to reach by ferry. So, I decided to book the one-hour journey from Long Beach to Avalon, Catalina’s main tourist hub, with Catalina Express.
There were four departures scheduled that day, a Wednesday in October. I selected 9:50 a.m., the Goldilocks of departure times — not too early or too late. Luckily, I was even able to use my first-ever senior discount and secure $5 off my ticket.
For $61 each way (after the discount), I booked an upgraded ticket with priority boarding, access to a special seating area called the Commodore lounge, a drink, and a snack. This was only about $20 more than I would’ve paid for a standard adult ticket, which I thought seemed like a solid value.
Here’s what the experience was like.
I started my day at the Catalina Landing in Downtown Long Beach.
I arrived at the Catalina Express terminal in Long Beach an hour early. I gave myself ample time to get there, since I know how awful Los Angeles traffic can be.
Luckily, plenty of indoor seating and clean restrooms made the wait pleasant, and I read the Los Angeles Times to pass the time.
About 25 minutes before the ferry was set to depart, I heard the announcement that Commodore lounge passengers could go outside and board first. The process was easy and organized.
The Commodore lounge wasn’t crowded.
Upon entering the lounge, I saw individual packets of Chex Mix and chocolate-chip cookies in a basket.
I took one of each and selected a padded window seat; I had the row to myself. The seats were wider than those offered in the standard class of tickets, and I thought they were comfortable.
Then, a crew member came by with a drink menu. There were plenty of choices included in the price of the ticket, like beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks.
I had a cup of coffee and was able to select from a variety of milks or half-and-half.
I also went outside to enjoy the fresh air.
I wanted to get some fresh air, so I left the Commodore lounge and sat on the spacious outdoor deck for about 20 minutes. The sea breeze and autumn sunshine felt great. I kept an eye out for sea life, but only saw gorgeous blue water.
Before I knew it, the smooth, one-hour trip was over, and we arrived on Catalina Island.
After disembarking, I took some time to explore Avalon.
After getting off the boat, I gazed out at the fishing boats in the harbor and at the pastel-colored buildings that lined the mountainside.
I followed my fellow passengers toward Avalon’s main shopping street, Crescent Avenue. There were souvenir shops and a candy store, Lloyd’s of Avalon, selling a tempting array of confections.
I quickly learned how walkable Avalon is. In fact, most residents don’t even have cars and use golf carts to get around.
Then, I rested on the beach for a bit.
I strolled under palm trees along the seaside promenade to the Descanso Beach Club. Although I could’ve paid for a daybed or cabana rental, I was happy to lay my towel down on the sand for free.
I even decided to join a guided kayaking tour.
Then, I spotted a kiosk for Descanso Beach Ocean Sports, which rents out paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment.
I was interested in kayaking and was told I could rent one on my own or join the 90-minute guided tour that was leaving in a few minutes. I chose the latter and was placed in a double kayak with another solo traveler.
As we paddled, our guide shared tidbits of island history, and we saw dozens of colorful fish swimming in the clear water.
After grabbing a bite to eat, I headed back to the ferry.
After the tour, I had something to eat at the Descanso Beach Club, and made my way back to the ferry.
My Commodore lounge ticket once again allowed me to board first, and I soaked up the final views of Catalina Island.
Overall, for $61 each way, my ferry trip wasn’t inexpensive, but it was so worth it. I felt relaxed and refreshed, as if I’d taken a real vacation rather than just a day trip. I’m already looking forward to the next time I can head back to this beautiful island.
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