A Perfect Weekend Getaway on Catalina Island: Your Ultimate Itinerary

If you’re living in Southern California and dreaming of an island escape without the hassle of taking time off or splurging on flights, Catalina Island is the perfect destination for you. Nestled just off the coast, it’s a quick ferry ride or private flight away, offering a peaceful retreat with stunning scenery and plenty to do.

Having traveled to Catalina Island numerous times from Orange County, both by ferry and private plane, I’ve crafted an ideal weekend itinerary that balances relaxation and adventure. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway with your significant other or a fun-filled retreat with friends, this guide will ensure you make the most of your time on this beautiful island.

Why You Should Stay Overnight On Catalina

To make the most of your time on Catalina, I highly recommend staying overnight. The ferry ride typically gets you to Avalon in the early afternoon, but it departs in the late afternoon the next day. Unless you're lucky enough to travel by private boat or plane, trying to squeeze in everything Catalina has to offer in one day can leave you feeling rushed. I've done it before and while it still made for a wonderful afternoon, it definitely felt rushed.

On my most recent trip, my boyfriend and I arrived Friday night after sunset and departed Saturday evening. This gave us the perfect amount of time to explore, unwind, and enjoy the island at a relaxed pace → here’s how we spent it.

Evening 1: A Relaxing Arrival 

After arriving on Friday, we checked into The Hotel St. Lauren, a charming and iconic spot located conveniently in the heart of Avalon. The hotel’s location made it super easy to walk everywhere – perfect for a weekend getaway! After arriving we walked from the ferry port to our hotel and checked in, then strolled into town to explore and get some ice cream before we went to bed. Down the street we enjoyed some live music outside of Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co then made our way down to the water for ice cream at Sailor’s Delight Ice Cream Shop. 

A Full Day in Catalina Island

The next morning we took the same route down towards town for arguably the best breakfast on the island! I love visiting Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co every time I’m in Avalon. You can make your own breakfast by checking off ingredients on a little slip of paper and they have countless gluten-free options for bread and pastries!! The shop also has cute merch and stickers that make great souvenirs. My go-to here is an iced dirty chai and a gluten-free breakfast sandwich!

My boyfriend and I are early risers and if you’re like us, you know that nothing beats an early morning walk with the beach all to yourself. We opted to bring our breakfast down to the waterand enjoyed the whole rocky beach to ourselves at 9 am.

In the afternoon, we rented a self-driving motorboat through Joe’s Rent a Boat at Green Pleasure Pier. For $80 an hour, we had the chance to explore the island from the water – one of my favorite ways to see the coast! The boats are easy to handle and offer stunning views of the island that you can’t get from land.

After our boat adventure, we stopped for lunch at The Naughty Fox, a cozy spot with a delicious menu and stunning views of the ocean. We especially loved the tacos and poke bowls – light and refreshing!

The rest of the afternoon we spent laying by the water at Descanso Beach. We bought a popsicle floatie to use as a pillow and enjoyed some time on the rocks with our books and time floating in the water. It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon before heading back to the hotel to change for dinner.

** If you're unable to extend your checkout time, no worries! You can easily store your luggage either behind the hotel counter or in convenient lockers located near the ferry terminal for just a few dollars.*

This evening we had a memorable dinner at Bluewater Grill where we enjoyed seabass and swordfish entrees right on the water. The food was outstanding, and the atmosphere made it feel like a special occasion.

After dinner we changed into cozy clothes and napped on each other's shoulders on our ferry ride back to Orange County!

For us, just one overnight was a good amount of time for us to enjoy everything we wanted to this weekend! 

Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know!

Where to stay:

Hotel St Lauren - Nestled in the heart of Avalon, this charming hotel puts you just steps away from all the island’s best spots. Its prime location makes it the ideal home base for your Catalina getaway. We booked just one night here, and it was the perfect amount of time to soak in everything Avalon has to offer!

What to do:

1. Rent a boat at Green Pleasure Pier → A must-do activity! Rent a self-driving motorboat for a few hours and explore the coastline at your own pace. The views are unbeatable from the water

2. Catch some live music → Avalon is full of vibrant energy, and you’ll often find live performances in local spots. Just follow your ears and you’ll likely stumble upon a great show

3. Explore boutiques and shops → Stroll along Avalon’s picturesque streets and pop into charming boutiques for unique souvenirs, art, and gifts

4. Relax at Descanso Beach → Whether you rent a beach chair, a cabana, or just lay out on the sand, Descanso Beach is a peaceful place to unwind or grab some food!

5. Float or snorkel in the Crystal-Clear Waters → Buy a fun floatie, bring some goggles, and enjoy the calm, clear waters. It’s as relaxing as it sounds!

   
   
   
   

Where to eat 

Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co - Catalina Coffee & Coffee Co is a family owned staple that I never skip when I’m in Catalina. The food, ambiance, and experience are all 10/10 and memorable. The store is filled with fun stickers and merchandise located in an alleyway with any beautiful shops for trinkets and sourinveers. There is a form you can fill out to build your own sandwich or scramble from scratch. As simple as it is, I always love this experience as it not only makes it fun and interactive but I am always so thrilled to have so many gluten-free, dairy -free, vegetarian, vegan options to choose from! The gluten-free buns are really tasty and these breakfast sandwiches are all amazing!

In additional to the build your own sandwiches and scrambles there are frittatas, oatmeal  and so many pastries and sweet treats including lots of gluten-free pastries! The coffee is outstanding too and their iced vanilla chai is like a hug in a cup!

Whether you eat in or order to go you will have a wonderful dining experience! If you 

arrive at the right time you may catch some vibrant live music outside as well!

The Naughty Fox - The Naughty Fox is a great spot to enjoy a flavorful meal with a view! The restaurant is located inside of the Bellanca Hotel looking out at the water across the street. They brand themselves as “so foxing delicious” and they’re not far off! There are a few breakfast options including avocado toast and egg dishes. I have gone here for lunchand enjoyed their bites! We especially love the tacos and poke! If you are looking refreshing drinks there are lots of options for cocktails and beer.

Bluewater Grill

Nestled right on the water, this seafood restaurant offers stunning views of the harbor and a dining experience that feels like a special occasion. One of the few chain dining spots on the island, Bluewater Grill stands out for its dedication to fresh, high-quality seafood and its vibrant atmosphere.

Every time I dine here the food is outstanding. I am still dreaming about those potatoes pictured with the salmon.

Dining right by the water, with the gentle sound of waves in the background, added a magical touch to the evening. Catching the sunset here is amazing too!!