LWYC “Catalina Day”

Thursday October 16, 2025

Welcome aboard for the Laguna Woods Yacht Club’s outing to the beautiful Catalina Island!  If you have not already done so, please register for this event on the Club’s website www.lwyc.us or on the Wild Apricot app. To make the most of your day, here are three things that you should do:

1.   Watch This Space!

As the event gets closer, we will be adding more information to this web page including directions to the pier in Newport Beach, parking options near the dock, and boarding of the Catalina Flyer.  We strongly recommend that participants carpool from Laguna Woods to Newport Beach!

The itinerary for the Flyer on October 16 will be:

To Avalon:           9:00am – 10:15am

To Newport:        4:30pm – 5:45pm

For our departure from Newport Beach, participants are requested to be at the dock and ready to board by 8:00am.  After our day in Catalina, participants are requested to be back at the dock no later than 4:00pm.

More information to come!

2.   Plan Your Activities for the Day

Once in Avalon, you will have the day to explore and enjoy the island at your own pace. Stroll along charming Crescent Avenue, visit the historic Casino building, or take a guided golf cart tour to panoramic island viewpoints. For the adventurous, ziplining through canyon ridges or hiking the Garden to Sky Trail are great options. Prefer a slower pace? Relax at Descanso Beach Club with a cool drink and ocean breeze.

For a description of over 20 tours and activities that await you on Catalina click on this link Things To Do - Catalina Island Company.  This site has detailed descriptions and pictures of each event and times that they are offered.  The site also allows you to book and pay for your chosen activity(s).  We encourage members to put a group together and have a fantastic time!

When planning your activities, please remember that you need to be back at the pier by 4:00pm, one half hour before our scheduled departure! 

3.   Restaurant Options for Lunch or a Quick Bite

With so many things to do on Catalina, and so little time, there will not be a single group lunch.  Here are some restaurant suggestions courtesy of ChatGPT.

  Fine Dining & Elevated Eats

1. Bluewater Avalon
   • On the waterfront, just past the pier
   • ️ Fresh seafood (ahi, halibut, scallops), steaks, and pasta
   • Best harbor views, especially at sunset
   • Tip: Reserve a table on the deck
2. Steve’s Steakhouse & Seafood
   • Upstairs above Avalon Bake Shop on Crescent Ave
   • Known for filet mignon, lobster tails, and grilled swordfish
   • Great views from the second floor
   • Large wine list; romantic feel
3. The Naughty Fox (at Bellanca Hotel)
   • Just across from the harbor
   • Lobster rolls, ahi poke nachos, craft cocktails
   • Trendy vibe, modern California coastal

Casual & Classic Favorites

1. Antonio’s Pizzeria & Cabaret
   • Right on the harbor boardwalk
   • Pizza, burgers, and pasta in a fun, throwback setting
   • Sometimes features karaoke or live music
   • Family-friendly and easygoing
2. Original Jack’s Country Kitchen
   • 118 Catalina Ave (1 block off the harbor)
   • Classic American diner: breakfast all day, milkshakes, burgers
   • Great for early breakfast before tours
3. Café Metropole
   • Inside Metropole Marketplace, near the harbor
   • Healthy eats: paninis, wraps, smoothies, vegan options
   • Outdoor garden seating; low-key lunch spot

Drinks & Light Bites

1. Luau Larry’s
   • On Crescent Ave
   • Famous for the Wiki Wacker cocktail & island-style bar food
   • ️ Laid-back tropical vibe, good people-watching
2. Maggie’s Blue Rose
   • Next to Steve’s Steakhouse
   • Upscale Mexican cuisine: carnitas, chile relleno, fresh margaritas
   • Artsy interior and strong servie