Boats and Hoes. Catalina Wine Mixer. Let’s be real, if you’re a millennial too, you’re probably quoting step brothers as well. While it is a tourist spot where cruise ships make port, I think there’s more than meets the eye. If you’re a nerd like me, you have to think about how the town was built, how they desalinate water, how they produce power, how the hospital system works, transit, etc.
I digress. Avalon was started as a tourist escape, especially after the Wrigley family purchased the island sight unseen in the early 1900s. Depending on the day, you might have a fabulous time, or have to deal with overweight loud cruise ship tourists. Recommendation: schedule your visit when there isn’t a cruise ship, schedule posted here.
Things to Do:
- Tours of the Island with Catalina Island Company / Conservancy
- Tours of the meeting spot (Casino)
- Snorkeling / Diving / Kayaking / Golfing
- Getting sun at a rented cabana or at the wine bar at Descanso Beach
- Walking around and buying cheap tourist items (hell why not)
- Mini-Golf (actually good fun, I won’t knock it)
LGBT Presence:
Expectation management: the island is ~26 miles away from Long Beach with a population varying 3-5k dependent on season. There isn’t a Gay bar. But the vibes are good. Two items stand out. First, they have a Pride (link here). I ask that you consider it so the presence keeps building. Second, I’m told there’s a contingent of SoCal gays trying to do an island take over every year, to go and rent out much of the island and drink rose and wear swimwear. I’m down to try.
Restaurants / Bars :
Another thing to consider, everything has to be shipped in and marked up for tourists. Some stay afloat just based on cruise ships, but some aren’t too shabby.
- Coyote Joe’s Mexican
- Naughty Fox – small menu but is properly good
- Descanso Beach Club – mostly for beach side drinks
- Avalon Grille – for a nice dinner
- Luau Larry’s – for a more party atmosphere
- M at Metropole – Italian and a nice date spot
- Drinking spot, largely local: Marlin Club
Transit to / From Island
While I’ve touched down in a small plane when I still was into General Aviation, the majority of non-cruise ship people take the Catalina Express. Most leave from Long Beach but some leave from Dana Point. For an extra nice trip, get the Commodore Lounge so as to get a cocktail and snack on the way. (granted for safety my red wine was consumed from a cup w/ a straw)
Accommodations:
There’s a ton of options, some newly renovated, some a bit dated. I can recommend three, though down to try some others (I want to check out the Zane Grey).
- Hotel Atwater – Probably one of the more famous spots, very nicely renovated. Highest recommendation.
- Bellanca Hotel – Some rooms don’t have great views, but is comfortable and in a prime spot.
- Catalina Canyon Inn – Recently renovated as well, some nice onsite amenities. However, it is further from the city center. Luckily they had a shuttle for guests. Another high recommendation
Final Thoughts: There’s a slew of people on TikTok with strong opinions on Catalina, good and bad. The ones that are bad are those who claim it isn’t Italy and full of tourists… too cool for school contrarians. I highly recommend Catalina. It is a great way to physically separate yourself from normal life into a spot with history and relaxation. There are Italian vibes yes, but should be viewed as uniquely Catalina itself.
Won't you be my gaybor? 
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