Catalina Island: A Little Slice of Paradise

Catalina is exactly the kind of place you go to slow down. The town is tiny, everything is walkable (or drivable by golf cart), and the pace is delightfully relaxed. I flew into Long Beach, took an Uber to the Catalina Express ferry, and arrived ready to explore. Pro tip: try to take an earlier ferry (buy tickets ahead of time online)—arriving earlier gives you time to see more before the nightlife winds down.

What I loved

- Golf carts are the perfect way to tour the island—rent one and you can circle the highlights in a few hours while soaking up the views.

- The food surprised me in a good way; casual but tasty options around town made for some great meals after long walks.

- My room sat up in Catalina Canyon, perched on a hill with a balcony that was perfect for fresh-air downtime after sunset.

What to know before you go

- The town quiets down early—many places close around 9 PM. Don’t expect a late-night scene; pack snacks or plan dinner accordingly.

- There’s a small handful of late-night options (think bars with limited food), but don’t count on full-service restaurants being open.

- Be prepared to walk. There’s a local “circuit” service and limited taxi capacity, so schedule transfers in advance if you need them.

Final thoughts

Catalina is a darling, compact escape easy to experience in a weekend, but charming enough to linger longer. If you want scenic views, relaxed dining, and a slower rhythm, it’s just what you need.