#CATALINA FREE FREE#

The Hotel Atwater is usually the most affordable hotel on the island and it’s in a great location. Sometimes other attractions like the zipline are included. Book a package: If you buy a hotel-and-ferry package, you can save money on both. There’s a basketball court and playground there, too. Note that you can’t bring propane on the ferry. There’s also a cute little park with a small lawn and grills you’ll see as you get off the ferry buy charcoal at the store. Stop by and pick yourself up some deli fare and have a lovely picnic by the water, without the hassle of bringing a cooler. in Avalon, just off the main drag, with the same weekly specials as elsewhere. Plan a picnic: There’s a Vons store at 240 Sumner Ave. You can save 30 percent and Avalon will be less crowded, too.Ĩ. Go on weekdays or, better yet, in the spring or fall: They’re cheaper than weekends, especially in the off season. Bring your own beach chairs and towel: If you bring your own towel or chairs and a cooler, you can set up for the day on one of Avalon’s tiny beaches, or the more spacious beach at Two Harbors, without having to pay for a pricey lounger.ħ. For example, the parking garage near the Catalina Flyer currently charges $28 a day.Ĥ. Get a ride to the ferry terminal, so you don’t have to pay for parking. Still good for taking a special someone to lunch! Call 80 or visit .ģ. Now, this is important: Note that there’s only one sailing each day, and you really only have a few hours in Avalon before it’s time to come back unless you’re spending the night. Also, sites such as Groupon occasionally offer half-price deals, though read all the fine print and make a reservation right away. If not, check its website for other discount coupons. I’m not sure how long it’ll be available. Now, at this writing, the roundtrip fare was $70 roundtrip fare, but there’s an online discount that brought the price down to $54. Look for a deal on the Catalina Flyer catamaran, which sails only once each day from Newport Harbor. In the past, Costco has sold gift cards for the Catalina Express - I haven’t seen any lately but maybe they’re out there.Ģ. Got a AAA Auto Club card? You can buy your tickets from AAA and go for $67 (plus $2 for Dana Point). The regular adult fare at this writing was $76 roundtrip, but seniors 55 and over paid $69 ($2 more from Dana Point). You can go to the main town - Avalon - or to the smaller Two Harbors. Catalina Express has the most sailings, and departs from Dana Point, Long Beach and San Pedro numerous times daily.

#CATALINA FREE FREE#

Sadly, the Catalina Express no longer offers its “sail free on your birthday” deal, but see if you’re entitled to a discount at least. Here are some tips to make it more affordable:ġ Ride the Catalina Express.

But it’s also expensive to visit, leading to its nickname: “Cashalina Island.” It’s founders hoped to make it reminiscent of a sojourn off the coast of Italy.

Yes, this channel island is beautiful with scenic views around every turn.

Catalina free