So the best thing about the island? You go everywhere in golf buggies. Before I went to Catalina, the only thing I knew about the island was that it is featured in the film ‘Step Brothers’ (this might explain my title choice). So when my family suggested we go, I was more than curious to explore the island and replace my film reference with something closer to the truth. The port itself, is a giant half-moon engulfed in a countless number of boats. While the town rises up the hills just beyond, making the horizon very impressive when the boat begins to dock.
RENT A GOLF BUGGY. The best way to explore to island, if it’s your first visit, is to rent a golf buggy. You can find rental places a short walk from the docks and the price is around $43, for an hour session. You quickly realise it’s a very popular tourist destination for couples and stag dos, so I recommend booking this in advance because the queues can get long in peak season. There is an organised trail going around Avalon (the port town) and it’s beautiful! You drive along coastal roads, mountainous trails that offer amazing views and through the cute, pastel town of Avalon. The buggies are also handy to reach places such as the botanical gardens that are harder to reach on foot.
EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY. Avalon is full of many casual restaurants, bars and dessert cafes. You can find the majority of these places along the front promenade, along with multiple shops where you can pick up clothes and knick-knacks. Although when I was looking around, a lot of the products seemed to be over-priced. The promenade was beautiful, and one of my highlights of the day was strolling down in the sunshine watching swimmers and boats float in the sea. If you’re craving something sweet, a great dessert place is ‘Buccaneer ice cream and candy’. They make their own waffles and ice cream, where the flavours are endless and be prepared for their generous portions.
A PASTAL HAVEN. Whether you’re in the buggy or strolling through the residential streets, keep your eyes open for the adorable houses in Avalon. Many of the pastel house line the streets and are adorned with decorations, for not only the benefit of tourists but other residents. In fact, you will rarely see a car in the town, even the residents get by in buggies, which makes Avalon look even more like a toy town. It actually takes 14 years for a vehicle import application to go through for local residents.
ZIP-A-DEE-DOO-DAH. If you’re looking for more physical activities on the island, you can go zip-lining down the mountainous terrain, looking at the beautiful horizon. Swimming, jet skiing, golfing and biking are also possible activities and you will be able to find appropriate rental places for each activity. There are plenty of trails you can walk on the island, and if you’re looking for something a little less exerting you can go to the Island spa. There is truly something for everyone and enjoying a beautiful view while participating is an added benefit of the island.
After visiting Avalon for the day, it’s definitely somewhere I would love to return to. Instead, next time, I would stay for a night or two in one of their hotels, as one day simply wasn’t enough time. I hope this gives you a small idea about what to expect and plan for on your trip. Feel free to add to this list in the comments!