The Catalina Edit: Where to Stay, Snack & Chill
If you’ve been thinking about a quick island escape without hopping on a plane—Catalina is that girl. Just an hour from Long Beach by ferry (Catalina Express, $94 round-trip), it gives coastal Europe vibes but keeps it California easy.
Where We Stayed: Bellanca Hotel
We checked into the Bellanca Hotel, which sits right across from the water in Avalon. Super cute, modern rooms with ocean views, and honestly, the location couldn’t be better. You’re steps away from everything. It felt laid-back but still boutique-y, which I loved. Definitely a solid pick if you’re staying overnight. They also offer complimentary bikes during your stay.
Where We Ate: The Naughty Fox
Attached to the hotel is The Naughty Fox, and yes, the name alone had me curious. But the food? Even better. We had the Ahi Poke Nachos (a must-order), and the drinks were strong (so i heard- they also have mocktails, which is what i went with) and pretty—major points. It’s a great mix of locals and visitors, and perfect for a vibey lunch or dinner. We tried a few other spots along the main street. Bellanca/White Fox are walking distance to a few other restaurants right by the beach.
What We Did: Island Tour + Restaurant Hopping
Day one, we kicked things off with a tour around the island (big thanks to Avalon Local Tours)—which was honestly such a good call. You get a full view of Catalina’s landscape, some lowkey wildlife moments, and cool history bits. After that, we hopped around a few restaurants for small bites and drinks. Avalon’s food scene is casual but solid—lots of seafood, snacks, and chill patios.
Bonus Stop: Metropole Market Place
We also made time to explore the Metropole Market Place, a charming spot in the heart of Avalon. It’s got a bit of everything—boutiques, a coffee shop, and even a spa. The cobblestone walkways and relaxed vibe made it a perfect place to stroll and pick up some unique finds.
What We Missed: The Beach Club
We had plans to hit the beach day club, but the weather had other ideas. No worries though—we still made the most of the trip with great food, views, and downtime.
A Bit of History
Catalina’s history is actually pretty wild. The island was originally home to the Tongva people, then became a Spanish territory, and eventually, chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley Jr. bought it in the 1900s. He developed most of what we see now, including that big casino building in town (which isn’t actually a casino—it’s a theater/event space).
Getting There & Back
The Catalina Express makes it super easy to get there and back from Long Beach. It’s a scenic hour-long ride, and there’s a snack bar on board if you’re feeling snacky.
Final Thoughts:
Even with the weather switch-up, Catalina gave what it needed to give—views, good eats, and the kind of reset that doesn’t take a whole week off. Already planning my next visit (and fingers crossed for beach club weather next time).
