A One-day Shoestring Budget Travel Itinerary to Avalon, California

  • Breakfast at the Pancake Cottage (8:00 AM)
    Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this cozy and affordable restaurant. Enjoy their fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and fresh coffee. Make sure to have cash on hand as they do not accept credit cards.
  • Explore the Avalon Harbor (9:00 AM)
    Take a stroll along the beautiful Avalon Harbor and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean. You can also rent a paddleboat or kayak to get a closer look at the marine life.
  • Discover the Catalina Island Museum (11:00 AM)
    Learn about the rich history and culture of Catalina Island at this small yet informative museum. Its exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the island's Native American, Spanish, and American periods.
  • Lunch at Coyote Joe's (1:00 PM)
    Refuel at this popular Mexican restaurant, located just a few steps away from the museum. Their menu features delicious burritos, tacos, and margaritas at affordable prices.
  • Go for a Zip Line Eco Tour (3:00 PM)
    Experience an adrenaline rush with a zip line eco-tour by Catalina Island Company. You will soar over the scenic hillsides and enjoy the breathtaking views of the island. Don't forget to wear comfortable and closed-toe shoes.
  • Relax at Descanso Beach Club (5:00 PM)
    Unwind at this beautiful beach club and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. You can rent a cabana or lounge chair, sip a refreshing cocktail, or simply soak up the sun.
  • Dinner at Antonio's Pizzeria & Cabaret (7:00 PM)
    End your day with a delicious pizza at this fun and lively restaurant, located in the heart of Avalon. They offer a wide selection of pizzas and other Italian dishes, as well as live entertainment.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Pancake Cottage (1 hour, $10)
  • Avalon Harbor (2 hours, free)
  • Catalina Island Museum (1.5 hours, $17)
  • Coyote Joe's (1 hour, $15)
  • Zip Line Eco Tour (2 hours, $125)
  • Descanso Beach Club (2 hours, $30)
  • Antonio's Pizzeria & Cabaret (1.5 hours, $20)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $217

Transportation

To explore Avalon, you can either walk or rent a golf cart. Golf cart rentals are available for $55 for two hours or $90 for four hours. Taxis and shuttle buses are also available but can be more expensive.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore other attractions such as the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden, the Casino Building, and the Hermit Gulch Trail. If you have less time, you can skip the zip line tour and spend more time at the beach club or museum. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and a hat, and have cash on hand.

Airports

The nearest airport to Avalon is the Catalina Airport (AVX), located on the island. It is served by several airlines such as Island Express and Air Catalina. The airport is only accessible by helicopter or ferry from mainland California. The ferry ride takes about an hour from Long Beach or San Pedro.

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