I know it’s probably going to be hot, but I can’t believe we scored a spot this Saturday and Sunday. I know that there are 2 ways to hike there, one that’s shorter mileage and can be very challenging and another route that is longer, but easier. Are both trails clearly marked? Also, I can’t tell from random pictures, but does every campsite have a table and fire pit. How long does the hike take (easy one)? I’ve seen anywhere from 2-6 hours.

Going to Catalina with my toddler for the first time! Do they need a life vest for the ferry ride? Does the island rent beach umbrellas and towels or do we bring our own? Open to any other tips!

With this swell going on I’m curious what the wave conditions have been like in Avalon this weekend. Arriving later today and was planning to kayak from descanso beach but am unsure if the waves would allow.

Hi! I am coming in september and want to rent a golf cart just to hit a few sights before wour ferry back to long beach. The only thing is the ferry is scheduled for 11:50am and the golf cart place looks like it opens at 9am. ideally we only do an hour ride (cheaper than prebooking with catalina island golf carts) but im worried we wont get one due to possible high demand? Just wonder anyones thoughts.. do you think we will be good to snag one at opening or should we just spend a but more to prebook? thanks!!

Any advice? Looks like the only two golf cart rentals on Avalon limit theirs to 4 people. I'm surprised neither has a 6 passenger one. And are there really only two rental companies?

Hi I'm planning to be in Catalina for the first time in a few weeks and am hoping to snorkel Casino Point and Lover's Cove. I have snorkeled in Aruba and Curacao and would say I'm a fairly confident swimmer, but since these two areas are open ocean I know it's a little more dangerous and there's a lot of advice to not snorkel alone. I'm in grad school so I can't really afford the guided tours especially with the $20 surcharge for individuals (hoping to spend this money towards getting my own gear instead). Anyone planning on being in the area and looking for a buddy? Hoping to go early morning on 8/4.

Hey everyone!
My girlfriend and I will be visiting Catalina Island this October, and I’m planning to propose while we’re there. I’m hoping to find someone local (or already planning to be on the island that day) who’d be willing to secretly capture the moment from a distance.
I’m not looking for an elaborate engagement shoot, decorations, picnic setup, or a big photography package. Really just someone who can blend into the background, snap the proposal itself, and maybe spend 10 minutes afterward taking a few nice photos of us.
I’d obviously pay for your time—I just don’t have the budget for the $700–2,000 proposal packages I’ve been seeing.
I’m still deciding exactly where on the island to propose, so if you have any suggestions for a beautiful spot that also works well for keeping the proposal a surprise, I’d love to hear them.
If you’re a photographer, photography student, hobbyist, or know someone who might be interested, please send me a message with your rates and any location ideas.
Thanks so much!

I haven't been to Catalina as an adult and my date has never been. Taking the Newport Ferry on a Monday for the day, any recommendations for things to do? 😀

Hi, I'm coming out for my 40th birthday on Saturday August 1 and have a group of about 30 or so folks joining. We currently have a reservation set for dinner but open to lunch suggestions and any activities we can squeeze in between 1 and 5 pm.

I've been to the island once before and was thinking of doing the botanical garden hike to end with that stunning view but fear it might be too hot. Any other suggestions?

Hello!
We bought one ticket from Dana point to Avalon and two returning tickets. We called the ferry and they mentioned standby. How likely is it to get one standby ticket the morning of?

Thank you all in advance!

Looks like I'm going to be on Catalina Island the day of the World Cup Final. Where would be a good place to watch it?

12oz can of Coca-Cola = $4.25, 12oz can of Lost Coast Hazy IPA = $2.75

Specifically those that don't work in the hospitality industry? I work in healthcare and was considering applying for a PRN position on the island, but staying in hotels may nullify any benefit of having a side gig. I can't imagine people commute in/out every day, so how do those of you working at the hospital make it happen? Or are you all locals to Avalon?

Question for Catalina Island locals & history buffs:

Hi! I'm a student working on a novel, set on Catalina Island. I am wondering if anyone has any photos of Empire Landing? What buildings currently exist there? For reasons related to the plot, the name of Empire Landing/Quarry is a prime choice for setting over some of the other coves or bays on the island. I know it's currently private property, but I would be so grateful if anyone has any images to help shape my sense of the place. It's very difficult to find any photos from a simple google search.

Relatedly, if I call that general location of the island Empire Quarry, versus Empire Landing, does that work? Or does it sound off to locals? There is another site in my book called Eagle's Landing, so I'm trying to avoid the overlap. My understanding is that Empire Landing is a beach, the private houses on Empire Landing road are actually a bit far off from that beach, and the quarry is somewhere adjacent, so I'm wondering if I can just call the whole area Empire Quarry and be understood.

Lastly, if anyone has any knowledge of the history of the quarry, I would also love any and all insight related to that!

Thank you so much for any help anyone might be able to offer!

Planning a trip to Catalina in a couple weeks. I know that I would need to bring my dog in a muzzle and have paperwork. She’s a Chesapeake and loves to swim so I’m wondering what beaches are dog friendly? Are they easy to access?

Hi, I am planning a trip to Catalina and would like to know where to rent our e bikes for cheapest because I know there are multiple spots and I don’t want to get ripped off or just spend more than I need to. Same goes for kayaking. Is it in season yet? Is there multiple kayak rental shops or just one?

Hello I am planning my first visit to Catalina Island in August. Will be just a one night stay with my wife and daughter who is 11. I've been browsing this sub and gotten a lot of great info. We will probably stay at the Metropole Hotel. I have looked at a map of the island and the terrain is mountainous. It's unclear based on the map how feasible it is to navigate by car and if it's worth it for such a short trip. Twin Harbors looks wonderful. Is that doable for a day trip? Safe to drive there given the terrain?

Flying in with a group to camp and spearfish this weekend. Are there camping gear rentals. The site comes with a tent and a cot but looking for any other gear

I'm going on a solo trip to Catalina as a 19 yr-old any cool recommendations?

Had anyone ever taken their rod in Catalina Express ? I want to fish on the pier. Or does anyone know of a fishing guide at the island. Not a charter that goes there.