Avalon, Catalina Island’s main town, is only one square mile in size and everything is in walking distance. In fact walking is the preferred mode of transportation since there are a limited number of automobiles on the island. Avalon is the only city in California authorized by the state legislature to regulate the number and size of vehicles allowed to drive on city streets. Currently, there is a 12-14 year waiting list to own a car on the island.

But visitors don’t need a car in Avalon; it’s easy to navigate by foot. Walking is a wonderful way to explore this charming town. The picturesque harbor that nestles Avalon provides a good excuse to slow down the pace and enjoy the view.

When you arrive on the island many hotels provide a courtesy shuttle while other hotels provide free baggage service. Be sure to ask when you make reservations. Taxi service is available to all locations in Avalon, and cabs meet each arriving boat. There is also a taxi stand in the center of town that will take you anywhere you want to go. Trolley service operates along two scheduled routes regularly in the summer and on weekends in the off season.

To enjoy the hills above the town, do what the locals do and drive a golf cart. Golf cart rentals are abundant in town and you can easily explore the mountain terrain around Avalon in an hour or so. You can also rent a bicycle to go exploring or take a sightseeing tour in a comfortable motor coach or open- air tram.

If you want to venture beyond Avalon without going on a tour, shuttle bus service is also available from Avalon to the Airport in the Sky, Two Harbors, and the interior campgrounds.

Outdoor enthusiasts are welcome to explore Catalina Island on foot. Hiking and biking permits and trail maps are available at the Catalina Conservancy House at 125 Clarissa Avenue in Avalon.

Where to Stay on Catalina Island

The Inn on Mt. Ada

This 1921 Georgian Colonial (the Wrigley Mansion) is the former home of  chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. The home sits 350 feet above the town and harbor on Mt. Ada (named after his wife, Ada), and was designed to catch the first sunlight in the morning and the last rays at sunset.

After Mrs. Wrigley’s death, the home eventually became The Inn on Mt. Ada, and for the past successive 18 years has enjoyed a Mobil 4-Star rating as well as a handful of other notable distinctions.  With only six rooms available, the Inn is highly sought after, requiring reservations well in advance of your stay.

When we arrived on Catalina Island, there was a shuttle van waiting for us at the ferry docks, and we were shuttled up the mountain to the mansion.

We learned that we would be staying in “The Queen’s Aviary”, Mrs. Wrigley’s bedroom and sitting room.  As you’ll see in the video below, the room has been impeccably maintained and offered us beautiful views of the harbor and ocean.  Further, we enjoyed a vintage bathroom, a large walk-in closet, and a romantic fireplace.

As our luggage was brought to our room, we enjoyed a brief tour of the mansion.  There is a stunningly beautiful sun porch overlooking the harbor, a large deck wrapping the house; a very large living room with a grand piano and fireplace, a beautiful dining room with stunning chandeliers, and a guest kitchen stocked with goodies, wine, beer, water, and even a freezer stocked with ice cream!

The Inn provides breakfast and lunch each day, and in the evening has an ample offering of hors d’oeuvres and wine.

We loved our stay at The Inn on Mt. Ada, and highly recommend it.

The Aurora Hotel and Spa

Setting high above the bay, a couple blocks from the harbor, the Aurora Hotel and Spa sits in a typical island mixed-use area offering guests wonderful views of the harbor from its roof-deck.

This location has been serving Catalina Island guests for over thirty years.  However, when the Aurora moved in, the hotel was remodeled giving the property the hospitality of a bed and breakfast inn with the ambiance of a metropolitan boutique hotel.

The Aurora offers standard rooms, junior suites, and their opulent Aurora Suite.

We spent a marvelous night in the Aurora Suite.  Billed as one of the most luxurious hotel suites on the island, it featured a massive flat screen television, a beautiful stone fireplace and bar in the living area; a walk-in multi-head shower, a king-size Tempurpedic  mattress, and two of the most comfortable reclining rockers we have ever had the privilege of sitting in.

The room was large, very comfortable, and definitely a cool hideaway for the luxury traveler.

Note: click photographs for larger view and available slide show.

Hotel Metropole

The Hotel Metropole is set in the Metropole Market Place which resembles the French Quarter with cobblestone walkways and features a unique collection of boutique shops, a fine-dining restaurant, a day spa, a classic arcade, and an espresso bar.

Further adding to the hotel’s appeal is its central location in the heart of Avalon right along the town’s ocean-side boardwalk.

Accommodations at Hotel Metropole vary from  a luxurious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom 1800 square foot hideaway, to a VIP Wing, Ocean Front Mini-Suites, and family-friendly guest rooms.

We enjoyed one of their newly refurbished ocean front mini-suites.  Our amenities included our own private balcony with panoramic ocean views, a king-size bed, fireplace, jacuzzi bathtub, plush robes, ample closet space, and a large flat-screen television.

With a seating area, and workstation, the room was large enough you could easily make this your home away from home for a long stay.

And, with the sliding peek-a-boo partition between the bed and the jacuzzi, you can even enjoy a conversation while one of you soaks in the tub and the other reads on the comfortable bed.

We greatly enjoyed our stay.

Note: click photographs for larger view and available slide show.

Where to Eat on Catalina Island

Avalon Grille

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner with a lively, central bar and open air dining. This new waterfront restaurant features American regional dishes with a seasonal approach, paired with a world class selection of wines, micro-brew beers and cocktails in a casual and fun “al fresco” atmosphere overlooking Avalon Bay.

We stopped into the Avalon Grille for lunch. Ricardo, the General Manager, insisted that we start our lunch out by sharing one of their signature martinis.  Although we generally wouldn’t enjoy a martini for lunch, we can highly recommend it. Delish!

Mr. Roaming Boomer did most of the heavy lifting on the martini, while Chef Paul Hancock sent out a veritable bounty of delights for us to sample.  First came Tuna Tartar, Calamari, and Chef Hancock’s famous Roasted Brussels Sprouts.  All were delightful.  However, we asked for, and received, the recipe for the brussels sprouts.  If you like brussels sprouts, you will go gaga for these!  They’re roasted with cranberries, almonds, pancetta, and a mustard vinaigrette.  Best brussels sprouts ever!

Continuing our gastronomical journey we moved into our entrées.  Carol went for the Ahi Tuna Burger, and while I was tempted to try a famous Catalina Island Buffalo Burger (not local buffalos), I opted instead for the day’s Fresh Catch – Sand Dabs.  Carol’s burger was accompanied by fried green beens, while my Sand Dabs were pan-fried with a beurre blanc sauce.  YUM!

Although we didn’t ask for it, out came our proud and smiling waiter with Deep Fried Oreo Cookies for dessert.  Now, I must confess, deep-fried Oreo cookies does not sound appealing to me.  However, you haven’t lived until you tasted a hot, melty, Oreo cookie with a dash of vanilla ice cream. Holy Fried Delight Batman!  That was good!

Note: click photographs for larger view and available slide show.

 Steve’s Steakhouse

Steve Bray, owner and operating manager at Steve’s Steakhouse, comes from a long line of pioneers of the small island resort-town of Avalon.

As a fourth-generation islander, Steve’s family heritage traces back to the days before chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. owned the island.  Steve’s great-grandfather was the first county judge of Avalon; his grandfather was a local sheriff and constable, and his father was a local boat captain for 55 years.

Steve spent his early years working in various local restaurants, and in 2001 opened Steve’s Steakhouse.

Our evening started with Thai Crab Cakes, the best Fried Coconut Shrimp we’ve ever had in our lives, and a beautiful bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet Savignon.  Absolutely, out of this world!  What a stunning first impression!

For our entrées my meat-eating bride went for Steak and Lobster, while I enjoyed a beautiful piece of Sea Bass.  Just take a peek at my photographs below and see if your salivation glands don’t go into overdrive.  We slowly dined while enjoying the candlelight, our Silver Oak, and Steve’s wonderful company as he stopped by each table to make all feel welcome and special.

As our forks finally clinked upon an empty plate, we were treated to Steve’s Signature Key Lime Pie, a cup of decaf for Carol and a pipping-hot double espresso for me.  Wow!

When you visit Catalina Island, make certain that Steve’s Steakhouse is at the top of your dinner reservations.

Note: click photographs for larger view and available slide show.

Ristorante Villa Portofino

Located opposite the waterfront with a dramatic view of Avalon Harbor, Ristorante Villa Portofino offers its guests a choice of dining on the harbor view patio or in the warm ambiance of their Italian-inspired dining room.

The continental cuisine is complimented by an inspired wine list of Italian and Californian vintages and a full bar as well as hand-crafted desserts and one of the island’s only espresso bars.

During our visit, Carol enjoyed Vitello alla Parmigiana (thin slices of veal, lightly breaded and baked in a marinara sauce with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses), while I opted for Risotto del Mar (fresh mussels, clams, calamari, scallops, salmon, white fish, garlic white wine sauce).  Delightful!

Make certain to also leave room for the Tiramisu prepared by their in-house pastry chef.  YUM!

Note: click photographs for larger view and available slide show.

The Lobster Trap

The Lobster Trap is consistently voted one of Catalina Island’s best restaurants, and is a clear favorite of the locals. It is a relaxed, come-as-you-are restaurant during the day, and in the evening morphs into a popular bar with live music.

While the restaurant offers a full menu of fresh, locally caught fish, we made a beeline to try out their famous lobster taco.  In fact, our schedule was so tight that we didn’t even have time to sit down at a table to enjoy a meal.  We were here for one reason, and one reason only: to sample the lobster taco that we kept hearing about all over town.

Recommendation?  Make certain to get your self one, or two, or three!  Wow!

What to do on Catalina Island

Not only is Catalina Island a wonderful romantic hideaway, but it also offers a great deal of adventure for those so inclined.

Top 10 Things to do on Catalina Island

• Tour the world-famous Catalina Island Casino
• Tour Catalina Island’s interior on a Hummer Tour
• Explore Catalina Island on a Segway Tour
• Explore Avalon Bay underwater on a Semi-Submersible Tour
• Explore Avalon with a Golf Cart Rental
• Explore the beautiful Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden
• Rent a private cabana and spend the day at Desconso Beach Club
• Get your adrenalin rushing on the Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour
• Use your smartphone to play Catalina Island Urban Adventure Quest
• Experience the world’s first Flying Fish Tour

Phew!  There it is, our Catalina Island Travel Guide. If you follow our recommendations, you are certain to build a passel of lifetime memories.

If you would like to explore other options available on Catalina Island, click the link for the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce.

Enjoy!

And, after you’ve had some fun on Catalina Island, come share some of your photographs with us on our Facebook page.  As of this writing, there are over 10,000 “roaming boomers” sharing and having fun talking about travel.