10 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Going to Catalina Island California

Here are the 10 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Going to Catalina Island California! In this video I talk about everything regarding How to Get to Catalina Island (and the Catalina Express Parking), Things to Do on Catalina Island, Where to Stay in Catalina Island, Avalon California / Avalon Catalina Island, Catalina Island Tours and Activities, Catalina Island Beach, Catalina Island Casino, and more

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⏱️Timestamps⏱️
Intro [0:00]
1. Getting There [0:22]
2. Catalina Island Day Trip [3:25]
3. Catalina Island Things to Do [4:19]
4. Catalina Island Hotels [6:07]
5. Offline Maps [7:58]
6. Island Layout [9:21]
7. Groceries [11:15]
8. Prices [12:35]
9. Lockers [14:50]
10. Explore [16:24]
Bonus. Bees [17:33]

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[gsaldana]

Good info, thanks for making it from a visitor's perspective and very down-to-Earth.
Couple of notes from a local, to the audience:
1. Vons - it's the only real grocery store in town for the locals to shop at too. PLEASE don't clean us out. Buy what you really need and remember, you can always go back for more if you run out. Sometimes it kills me seeing visitors buying so much produce or bread, or milk, only knowing that they are staying a few days and might end up throwing the majority away. In a place where there is enough quantity, that might not be a big deal. But where there's only so much stock, *it's a big deal.*
2. Bees - July though November, pretty much. February now, and besides being cold at night, the reduced number of bugs is nice. You hit the nail on the head with food and drinks. They're bees - they want sweet stuff. Also, there are lots of trash cans around the main downtown area, which is a double-edged sword. Having lots of trash cans means people might be more compelled to throw away their litter, but it gives the bees more places to find stuff to scavenge off.
3. Winter weather - beware of rain and wind storms. Ferry boats and even helicopters can get cancelled if sea conditions are too rough and the crossing would not be safe. It's not the crew's fault or the ticket people - it's mother nature. Some tours, especially boats, can also cancel if the weather is rough. Trust me, any ride is not worth it if you're puking from a rough trip. As with any island destination, booking far in advance can have some variables. Can't control the weather.

And as with anything in life, be kind. Life, and traveling, is much easier on the mind when the glass is seen as half-full.

[jackmcclary]

There are frequently hotel + ferry packages. Also some hotels transport your luggage to and from the embarkation area so you don’t need to schlep your luggage uphill over the cobbled walkways. Check for happy hours and sunset specials. Be aware that the best restaurants get filled early and Starbucks does not accept gift cards. As a Californian who can see Catalina on a clear day I’m surprised that most L.A. locals seldom or never go there and visitors have a more international flavor which adds to the feeling that you’re going somewhere special.

[Annette]

He did a good job on this video. It’s very informative. Straight into the point. Thank you!

[JohnJackson-ez]

It used to be a Casino in the 1920's and 1930's but then state laws changed and casinos were outlawed so it closed. Still a nice building and they use it as a convention center and movie theater.

[mortimerbeetrootplimpton]

It’s a 00:50 min jet ski to Avalon from Long Beach. 28 miles at about 35mph.

[whoanacreatesnails]

This was very informational and helpful! Thank you so much!

[joelpballard]

Solid piece of advice regarding the bees. Heading there this weekend and am allergic to them.

[Mahigeer]

Very informative. As a visitor who has been there nearly 100 times since 1972, may I add some pointers.
There was no mention of fishing at the island. If you fish the two piers; the Cabrillo Mole (where you get off the ferry) and the Green Pleasure pier, no license is required. However, you still need to follow the Fish and Wildlife regulations as if you needed a fishing license. Yours truly with permission of the past Harbor Master has posted the regulations at both piers. The Fish and Wildlife wardens do come to the island at times and check the anglers. Best to release the fish if you are not 100% sure of the species and the corresponding regulation. You can bring your own gear or rent some along with bait at the island. Fish are plenty, but mostly small. You can also hire guides to take you fishing on a boat or rent a boat and fish. In those cases, you need a fishing license.

As to the bees, do not kill any, since the dead one will put out a Pheromone and more bees will come. They do sting as well.

[griseldarodriguez]

We are going for the second time tomorrow via jet ski from San Pedro to Avalon and it look an hour and a half 1 way. Amazing I love for day trips

[wendymelendez]

Thank you so so much for this video! ☺️🙌🏼👍🏼 you were super informative and helpful! And you seem very nice 🤗 going on a honeymoon to Catalina island next month! 😃🙌🏼

[lisalandry]

Great tips, thanks so much for sharing! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[sandraconway]

Thank you for this very informative video

[aarongarcia]

I am really glad I found this video, I have been considering taking my wife out there for Christmas, but as with all islands, there is some sacrifice for extra expense. We were on some islands this year and probably thats enough for a while

[nikolaihatesu]

Me about to go to Catalina for the first time next week in the middle of September hearing the last point of this video 😮

[hfm]

This was a really good video. Thank you! :)

[Liamoblabla]

Thanks, Marc! Good info! Going to the island for the first time next week

[mrahcs]

Newport beach is $70 for adult $53 for 3-16 yrs old less than 3 yrs old $6

[alexistexas]

I want to go and do a day visit, what do you think of that? Thank you for the video super helpful man, I’m going next to cali for the first time!!

[alexkitner]

I have been across on the ferry and on a private boat, you couldn't pay me to do it on a jet ski. Thats borderline crazy with an escort boat, with just skis, clinically insane.

I love the island and have gone a couple times for work, staying nearly a month each time. Its a very interesting dynamic between tourists, day trippers, cruise ship passengers, locals and long term stays. It has a lot to do and the history is amazing, after a couple weeks it becomes very small though.

[csnide]

and if you DO see the Buffalo (Bison) on the island, DO NOT GO UP TO THEM.... They are NOT pets or a tourist attraction . They are big and CAN hurt you.