The Perfect 3-day, 2-night Itinerary for Avalon, Catalina Island

In April 2023, Cameron and I trekked out to Catalina Island together for our 11 year anniversary and this is where he popped the question! Standing at the top of the Wrigley Memorial, it was the most beautiful setting and a truly perfect trip. In this article I'll break down the exact 3-day, 2-night itinerary we followed for our unforgettable anniversary (and engagement) getaway.

Catalina offers sapphire blue waters, perfect hiking terrain, and charming small-town vibes - it’s an island paradise just a short boat ride off the coast of Southern California. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, scenic hikes, or simply a relaxing getaway, Catalina has something for everyone. This 3-day, 2-night itinerary, is perfect for those craving an adventure-forward trip to Avalon with plenty of time for relaxation built in.

One thing I love about Avalon is that everything is easily accessible on foot, or by bus if you want to save some time. You can also rent a golf cart to get around, but you don’t need one for this itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival and Bison Expedition

9:30 am: Board Catalina Express

Kick off your Catalina adventure by boarding the Catalina Express. There are 3 departure options from the SoCal coast: San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. We departed from Dana Point; if you have an extra day to kill, this is also a beautiful little beach town to explore. 

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the Pacific Ocean views.

11:30 am: Arrive in Catalina

Check in at Hotel Metropole (pronounced "metro pole"). If they’re not able to accommodate an early check-in, they will hold your luggage for you until the room is ready.

Metropole Hotel is located right on Crescent Ave., the main road along the water, and is an easy walk from the docks when you arrive. If you can splurge for the VIP Ocean Front Suite - do it! The VIP wing is in a separate building that overlooks the ocean, and it's incredible. Complete with jacuzzi tub, fireplace, and complimentary bottle of champagne - this place was the epitome of island romance. 

12:30 pm: Lunch at Cafe Metropole + Explore the Marketplace

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Cafe Metropole, conveniently right next to the hotel. The chickpea salad sandwich and veggie pita were both great vegan options, and perfect for a light and refreshing lunch.

Take some time to explore the marketplace. There are a bunch of lovely boutiques near the hotel and all along the main strip. I loved Bay of the Seven Moons, and found a gorgeous ring and necklaces for my bridesmaids there. You’ll find tons of beautiful jewelry, artwork, and of course Catalina-branded trinkets to take home.

2:30 pm: Bison Expedition by Catalina Island Company

Embark on a unique Catalina experience to witness the beauty of the island, and see the local bison. Yes, real bison! They are descendants of a herd left by a film crew in the 1920s. A tour guide will drive your group up the winding roads in an open air vehicle where you’ll get the best views of Avalon, and the surrounding mountainside. Be on the lookout for bison and other wildlife like the Catalina Island Fox, which is exclusive to Catalina Island and evolved to be 25% smaller than those found on the mainland! The foliage is so diverse, the flowers and lush greenery that flourish here after a rainy season are absolutely stunning. 

Our guide brought us to the Airport in the Sky for a pitstop. Sitting atop one of the highest points on the island, it’s no surprise the amazing sight seeing and photo opportunities don’t end here. You can grab a souvenir at the gift shop and snap some photos before heading back down to the city.

4:30 pm: Check-in, Relax, and Explore

After your expedition, head back to Hotel Metropole, to check into your room (if you haven’t already), and take some time to unwind and freshen up. I was definitely feeling a little wind-blown after the ride, and needed some downtime. When you’re feeling ready, take the afternoon to stroll the boardwalk and soak in the island's leisurely atmosphere. It’s a lovely walk to Lover’s Cove, or over to the Casino. You can do some shopping, or just find a bench and soak it all in. 

Before heading for dinner, you can stop and grab a drink at Luau Larry’s, a tiki-themed bar not far from Steve’s Steakhouse. This charmingly divey little bar has some fun tropical drinks and chill island vibes. 

7:30 pm: Dinner at Steve's Steakhouse

For dinner, savor a cocktail and meal at Steve's Steakhouse while enjoying breathtaking sunset views over the Pacific.

Catalina didn’t offer a ton of vegan dinner options, so I was pleasantly surprised when I came across Steve’s dedicated vegan/vegetarian menu. The food itself was nothing too fancy, but it is a steak and seafood restaurant after all, so I was just grateful they took the time to develop a plant-based menu in the first place. The service was great, they had plenty of options to choose from and it also gave us an opportunity to get dressed up and enjoy a nice dinner with some killer views.

After a long day of traveling and adventure, we were ready to turn in after dinner. It was the perfect time to take advantage of the fireplace and room amenities at the hotel to wind down the evening.

Day 2: Hiking, Botanical Gardens, and More

7:00 am: Breakfast at Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co.

Fuel up for the day ahead with a delicious breakfast at Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. For all my fellow herbivores, they have it all - vegan pastries, milk alternatives, JUST egg, vegan cheese and sausage, dairy-free cream cheese, and more! 

This place was already bustling pretty early in the morning, so make sure to plan ahead to get to the trail on time. You can download the Moovit app ahead of your stay, and purchase a bus ticket to take The Garibaldi line. It’s a short bus ride up to the Hermit Gulch Trailhead, but it would be a 30 minute uphill slog before your hike even begins, so I highly recommend taking the bus or some other form of transportation (renting a golf cart, taking a taxi, etc.) after breakfast.

8:00 am: Hiking on Hermit Gulch Trail to Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden

Embark on a scenic hike along the Hermit Gulch Trail, beginning next to the Hermit Gulch Campground. Remember to book a permit ahead of time; it’s a super simple process, and completely free. I also recommend downloading the AllTrails app to monitor your path during your hike. 

Hermit Gulch Trail is a beautiful, moderately difficult hike that offers gorgeous views every step of the way (that’s the theme on Catalina). This hike can be a bit strenuous at times, but didn’t require trekking poles. We only encountered a small handful of other people on the trail in late April, so it was very peaceful. You can also add a great perk to this hike by continuing onto the Garden in the Sky trail, which leads directly to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden. If you hike in, you don’t have to pay an entry fee! Take your time exploring the stunning grounds. Perfect place for a proposal, don’t you think?

**Always be sure to wear proper shoes and clothing for hiking, check the weather ahead of time and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Know your limits and be safe!

Once we finished with the gardens, it was a bit of a wait for the next bus. We were still feeling good and the trek back to town was all downhill, so we decided to head back on foot. If you’re too tired to walk this last leg of the trip, you can plan for the bus or arrange other transportation.

1:00 pm: Lunch at Cafe Metropole

We were very ready for food when we finally made it back to town, so we hit up Cafe Metropole again for more sandwiches before going to the hotel.  

1:30 pm: Shower and Nap

After the morning’s adventure, take some time to relax, watch TV, take a shower, a luxurious bath, or take a nap (if you’re into that). It is vacation after all!

6:30 pm: Dinner at Steve's Steakhouse

Indulge in another delightful dinner at Steve's Steakhouse. With very limited vegan dinner options elsewhere, Steve's truly stood out, making our decision for round two an easy choice.

7:30 pm: An Evening on the Town

Energized by the joy of our engagement, we weren't quite ready to call it a night after dinner. So, we decided to take a stroll and uncover any hidden gems that might catch our interest. We came across the Chi Chi Club and decided to check it out; it turned into a very fun, spontaneous celebration. We walked in shortly after opening and the place was practically empty - only one other group of women was in there, but they were ready to get the night started. We sat at the bar and ordered some shots; after a few rounds we were ready to get on the dance floor with them and shamelessly belt out some Whitney Houston and Jason Derulo. The later the night got, the more people trickled in, and by the time it was packed we were ready to head out. 

I highly recommend checking out the Chi Chi if you like the nightclub scene at all, and get there early if you like it better with fewer people (like we do). Most of the shops and restaurants on the island close pretty early, and the nightlife isn’t super abundant - but Chi Chi was the perfect place for some cocktails and dancing to end the night.

Day 3: Zip Lining and Farewell

8:00 am: Breakfast at Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co.

Start your day by dropping off your luggage at the front desk of the Metropole, then enjoy one last breakfast at Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. before heading over to the Zip Line Eco Tour! The walk over is about 15 minutes, and you will need to arrive at the meeting spot by 9:40am, so plan accordingly.

10:00 am: Zip Line Eco Tour

Get your adrenaline pumping with an exhilarating zip-lining adventure. This tour was so much fun, and (again), offered breathtaking views of the island in a unique and exciting way. Our instructors were very kind, patient, knowledgeable, and made us all feel incredibly safe. I’d say this was an activity even for those who are a little afraid of heights. The first jump was a little daunting, but by the end you’ll wish there were more lines to explore. The guides do a great job building trust and camaraderie in your group, using funny prompts to get to know each other. The tour is family-friendly, and definitely an experience you won’t soon forget. 

12:00 pm: Drinks and Snacks at Descanso Beach Club (optional)

The zip line tour is on the Descanso Beach Club side of Avalon, so feel free to relax and soak up the sun, grab some refreshing drinks and snacks. Cameron and I weren’t feeling into drinking or too much sun after ziplining (and yesterday's festivities), though it certainly would have been an easy option to kill some time. Instead we just did some shopping and found a shady spot down by the beach to rest before lunch.

2:00 pm: Lunch at NDMK

Savor your final meal on the island at NDMK before bidding farewell to Catalina. Not a big selection of vegan options here, but we were able to fill up on burgers before beginning our trek home.

4:00 pm: Pick up Luggage and Head to Docks

Retrieve your luggage from Hotel Metropole and make your way to the docks to catch the Catalina Express back to the mainland.

5:00 pm: Board Catalina Express to Return Home

Reminisce about your unforgettable Catalina adventure as you cruise back home.

I hope you enjoy this 3-day itinerary. We felt that it offered a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and exploration, allowing us to make the most of our time on Catalina Island. Whether you're ziplining through the treetops, hiking along scenic trails, or simply enjoying sunset dinners by the ocean, Catalina promises an unforgettable getaway for everyone.