Catelina Island

[memorialbride]

Not sure if that's spelt right, but has anybody been? I noticed it in The Knot Magazine and looked it up online. It seems really nice. Our dream honeymoon would be to Australia/New Zealand but we can't afford that right now. Somewhere in the states would probably be most in our budget. Catelina Island seems like a nice mix. A little bit of beach and relaxation mixed with fun activities. We get bored easily and like having things to do.

[neebelung]

I grew up in SoCal, and we used to go to Catalina ALLLL the time. I haven't been in many, many years, but it's WONDERFUL. Beautiful little island. It's not like going to Hawaii or Tahiti or anything, but it's a small, quaint little town, there's good food, hiking, horseback riding, camping (at least when I was a kid there was), golfing, boating... if you like the outdoors, you could make a very lovely honeymoon of it.

[RosieAngel]

I'm getting married on Catalina Island! It was my father's favorite place to vacation to when he was my age, actually, haha!

My favorite hotel there is the Villa Portofino, which is kind of a fusion of Italian and Spanish architecture. It has beautiful rooms with awesome views, decked-out marble bathrooms, and suites at better prices than the Metropole.

Most of my friends are staying at the more economical Catalina Canyon Resort and Spa, which is very inexpensive, in a convenient location, and has spa amenities! When we go back for anniversaries we will stay there.

As for what to do on the island, there are lots of fun things! I definitely recommend going to the Avalon port, either via ferry, which is more affordable, or, if you want to splurge, helicopter!

The most popular thing to do there is sign up for scuba lessons and kayaking tours near the casino! You can kayak to where the dolphins are hanging out! There are dolphins who live off the coast of Catalina. The beaches there are also really nice! If you're feeling more lazy, the glass-bottom boat tours, which are tons of fun! I'm planning on taking the kids in the wedding party there as a thank you (read: BRIBE) for being good little angels.

There are some mazing natural parks to check out! I still haven't had the chance to make it out to Wrigley Memorial, because there was so much to do in Avalon proper. But I'm definitely planning to while I'm there this time!

There are lots of nice restaurants on the island! The best one is at the Catalina Visitor's Country Club, which is also very expensive. But it's worth it, I swear! I'm told Blue Parrot is also nice for upscale dining, but I haven't been. There are also lots of laid-back, family-type restaurants with really good food. I recommend Antonio's Pizzaria and Cabaret, not to be confused with the Original Antonio's, which doesn't have the same atmosphere and live music.

Speaking of live music... When is your wedding? In October, there is a FABULOUS jazz festival there, though hotel rooms book... I think it's a year in advance! :buck:

[memorialbride]

Wow, thanks for all that info. I'll deffinitly keep it in mind and start checking it out more.