I want to finish telling you about my adventures at Catalina Island before I forget.
I already told you about my walking tour around Avalon, the main town on the island. Plus, I described my visit to the hidden castle and the magical garden (also known as Avalon Botanical Gardens).
The most exciting part of the day came right after we left the Botanical Garden. Turns out the island has a preferred transportation mode. Or may I say, visitors have a preferred mode of transportation. No, I am not referring to hiring a car. Because who wants to spend that kind of money on a cheap family holiday or on a quick romantic getaway. (remember that day the town was full of visitors from the cruise). Anyway, a car seems too big for this speck of land. So, people rent golf carts to circle the island.
As I mentioned in the previous post, we decided to do our own thing that day. But I guess there was something else prepared for us. As we were walking back to Avalon, a couple in a golf cart stopped and asked us if we wanted a ride. We asked them if they were going to town and they replied: “No, we are circling the island. Jump into the car and ride with us”. My husband and I looked at each other. Our eyes were wide big. “Why not?”, we seemed to say without words. So, we got into the golf cart and there we went!!
The couple driving the car was awesome. They were from Utah and came in the cruise too. We talked and laughed a lot. It was a cool and fun ride!!
We made several stops in order to admire the beauty of the island. We took a panoramic route which passes thru high passes in the mountains. Let me tell you something. Avalon is extremely pretty. The botanical gardens are full of wonders. But the views from the top, ahhhhh, the views from the top. Don’t get fooled, this island is blessed with absolutely gorgeous beauty. Take a look below and witness it by yourself.
While we were going up, we spotted a deer eating grass. He got scared and went into hiding. Good way to start our ride.
Deer hiding
It was good to take a look at Avalon Canyon (the road that takes you to the Botanical Gardens passes thru the canyon) from the top. Unbelievable to think we were walking there a couple of minutes before.
Avalon Canyon seen from the top
As you may imagine, Catalina is a playground for those with vast quantities of money. We passed several mansions and resorts on our little golf cart.
Nice houses in the island
These are views of Avalon harbor and city from a high point. Take a look at our neat cruise (like we own it). These are the views that took my breath away.
Perfect photo of Avalon from the top
Another photo of Avalon from the top
Us posing in front of the wonderful view
A little bit ahead, we stopped to take a look at the people zip lining in one of the island canyons. Well, we didn’t know the zip line was on our way. We heard people screaming and, well, we wanted to see what was happening. I was able to take a picture of a young girl preparing to ride.
Preparing to fly in the zipline
And here it goes!!
This concludes the narration of my adventures in Avalon. Hope to visit soon the beloved island!
Have you experienced Catalina Island from the top?
View of the sea and the ship from the top
Christopher says
I went to Catalina Island 20 years ago, but I’ve experienced more through your pictures than I did then.
Ruth says
Christopher,
You comment makes me really happy. It is my pleasure to help you experience a place thru pictures and words. Hope you feel the same with other posts.
Shirlene from Idelish says
I’ve only recently learnt about Catalina island from a few posts within the travel community. So unfortunately, we have not yet experienced Catalina! Can’t wait to visit one day!
Ruth says
Good you guys learn about it thru blogs. It is definetly a must visit if you are looking for something different in the Los Angeles area.
Annie - FootTracker says
Love the photos from the top looking to the harbor.
Omg Zip line!!! I always wanted to try that. Did you do it?
Ruth says
No, I didn’t do it but I have done it in Costa Rica. You should try it. It is really fun (and I a total coward when we are talking about high heights).
Jeremy Branham says
Looks beautiful! What a great escape from LA! Hope I get the chance to visit someday.
Ruth says
Yes, plan a trip someday. It is an ideal place to visit with family and friends.
Michael Figueiredo says
Was the zip line fun (and worth the cost?) We considered it when we went last month, but they sold out…
Ruth says
Wow, sold out. I guess is really popular. I didn’t do it. We just stopped around when we heard the screams. I think it is more than 50 dollars per person to do it. A little bit steep but we are talking about California.
Ayngelina says
Holy crow that zipline looks scary!
Ruth says
I had the same thought. Actually, it looks very long and the dip it takes looks scary. I did a zipline once and am dying to have a similar experience.
Christy @ Ordinary Traveler says
I have yet to visit Avalon and experience riding around in golf carts, but it’s something that definitely interests me. I stayed on the other side of the island and had a pretty amazing experience, but unfortunately it didn’t involve any golf carts. 🙂
Ruth says
Well, it was a great experience to do the golf cart circle but it was too short. I have heard you can camp in there. A friend did it and she said she loved it and believe me, she is not a camping person. You can also hike a cross island trail. That would be cool too. The little island have a lot of secrets to enjoy.
Stephanie - The Travel Chica says
Such a beautiful area!
Ruth says
Thanks, Stephanie. Lovely, indeed.
NLM says
Thanks for this post; I have been to lots of places in California, but have never made it to Catalina. Now you’ve inspired me to remember that you don’t always have to go far to get far away.
Keep having fun.
Peace.
Nancy
Ruth says
Nancy,
What you say is so true and actually it is one of the main reasons I blog. I believe you don’t have to go far to have a great adventure (or to get away). California is so full of places to visits. I have been living here for 8 years and still have a long list of places to visit. Let see if I can finish it one day.
Claudia says
I didn’t know you could zip line at Catalina! If only I knew sooner I would have gone in a blink of an eye. Thanks for sharing your experiences there though. The next time I visit Catalina, I’m going to go zip lining! I’ve always wanted to try it at least once!
Ruth says
Claudia,
I think the zip lines has been there for two years or less. At least, it is a pretty recent addition to the island activities. It will be nice to ride it. Imagine the views!!
Emme Rogers says
I love spontaneous adventures like that!
~ Emme
Lisa says
I love Catalina, I never rented a golf cart, I always wanted to make the drive around the island. I remember there were buffalo that I wanted to see. Maybe I will return someday. It;s a beautiful place.