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We are planning a trip to Catalina Island and wonder whether we should stay overnight or just plan a day trip?

By admin on June 10, 2011

We will be going from Long Beach and thought it would be fun to stay overnight on the island, but from reading various reviews it seems hotels on the island are either prohibitively expensive or not exactly up to modern day standards. If we just went for the day, would we be able to do and see enough to have a good time? We would also like some activity suggestions, which are worth the price? Thank you!

Posted in | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Responses

7 responses to “We are planning a trip to Catalina Island and wonder whether we should stay overnight or just plan a day trip?”

  1. tim s
    tim s
    June 10, 2011 at 10:25 am |

    i’d stay overnight…watch out for Buffalo.

  2. Tylerland
    Tylerland
    June 10, 2011 at 10:49 am |

    From my experience, a day trip would be better. You can see everything possible, including a trip to the interior to see the buffalo, have a lovely dinner, and take the hour ferry trip back to the mainland. As you said, lodging on the island is price prohibitive and substandard for the price you pay. If you don’t want to drive home after your trip to the island, then stay at one of the wonderful hotels in Long Beach, which are discounted in the winter and less expensive than Catalina.

  3. Alex
    Alex
    June 10, 2011 at 11:49 am |

    the places to stay are pretty expensive. i’ve been twice and both were day trips. i had a lot of fun and there is plenty to do with large or small groups. the boat ride isn’t long so travel doesn’t take up much of the day, but take a jacket for the ride cause it gets really windy. good luck

  4. outdoorsman
    outdoorsman
    June 10, 2011 at 12:10 pm |

    have you ever thought of house sitting for free at your travel destinations?
    there may be a house near where you are going.

    to find out go to
    www.worldhousesitting.com

    you can sign up for free

  5. JEM
    JEM
    June 10, 2011 at 12:43 pm |

    You can see all of Catalina in a day. If you decide to stay, I liked the Cloud 9 hotel.

  6. birdgirl
    birdgirl
    June 10, 2011 at 1:36 pm |

    A day trip..if you get there early and leave late should allow you to do and see alot. Overnight however…will allow you not to rush as much and see more. Suggestions on what to do:
    Hang on the beach
    Kayak
    Snorkel
    Scuba dive
    Ride a glass bottom boat
    Parasailing
    Shop
    Take a tram tour to the interior of the island and see Bison, Bald Eagles, fox, etc.
    Go for a hike
    Miniture Golf
    Eat at one of the many restaurants (Antonios for pizza or Armstrongs for seafood…also good mexican and chinese food restarants)
    Rent a golf cart
    Go to the bar (the Marlin is a good one)
    See a movie
    Dance at the Chi
    Go see an act at the comedy club
    Tour the botanical gardens

    If you do decide to stay overnight..here is an inexpensive hotel..it is nothing fancy..but it will not cost you a fortune.
    http://www.catalina.com/hermosa/

  7. boodoll33
    boodoll33
    June 10, 2011 at 2:19 pm |

    It depends… If youre younger you could just go for the day and see it all. If you like the romantic stuff and like to relax then stay the night. They roll up the sidewalks pretty early and all thats open at night is romantic restauraunts and stuff. In my opinion, not really worth staying.