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.  

2.    Carpooling

Members and guests are encouraged to carpool from Laguna Woods to Newport Beach!  To assist in this effort, we are setting up a meeting place at Clubhouse 5 where participants can meet and form carpools.

Here is how the process will work:

• ·        6:50 AM Participants will meet at the designated location and organize carpools.
• ·        7:00 AM carpools will depart for Newport Beach.
• ·        If you already have organized a carpool that is full, there is no need to come to Clubhouse 5.

3. “Catalina Day” Logistics  

  Quick essentials (at-a-glance) 

• Meeting / boarding time: Be at the dock ready to board by 8:00 AM (boat departs at 9:00 AM). LWYC reps will meet you at the pier and give you boarding materials.  

• Recommended Parking Lot:  Balboa Pier Parking Lot Catalina Info+1  

• Ferry terminal / drop-off address: 400 Main Street, Newport Beach, CA 92661 (use this for rideshare drop-off).  

• Catalina Flyer phone: (949) 673-5245  Catalina Info.  

• Travel time (Laguna Woods → Newport / Balboa Peninsula): typically 25–40 minutes by car without heavy traffic; allow 45–75 minutes in heavy morning traffic or if you prefer extra cushion. (See timing guidance & sources below.)  

 

Recommended timeline for participants (suggested) 

• 6:45–7:15 AM — Leave Laguna Woods if you want extra cushion (recommended for those driving themselves). 

• 7:15–7:45 AM — Aim to arrive at parking (gives time to park, walk to dock, use restrooms, and check in). 

• By 8:00 AM — Be at the Catalina Flyer check-in / boarding area (Catalina Flyer asks participants to be ready to board).  

• 9:00 AM — Ferry departs Newport Beach for Avalon. 

• Return plan: Be at Avalon Pier no later than 4:00PM.  Boat will arrive at Newport Beach by ~5:45 PM; confirm exact return boarding instructions with Catalina Flyer at check-in.  

 

Where to park & how to get to the pier 

Primary target area: Balboa Peninsula / Balboa Pier (Balboa Village) — short walk to the Catalina Flyer dock. 

1) Balboa Pier lot (City lot, Balboa Peninsula) — Best / primary option 

• Location: Balboa Pier lot (entrance on Palm St. off Balboa Blvd). Large public lot used by Catalina Flyer passengers; open 24/7. ~600+ spaces (note seasonal changes). Pay stations / ParkMobile may be available. Avoid street parking on residential streets (ticketing/towing).  

• Walk time to ferry dock: ~5–10 minutes depending on where you park. (Follow signage to Balboa Pier / Balboa Pavilion / Catalina Flyer.)  

 

2) Rideshare / drop-off (Uber, Lyft) 

• Recommended drop-off address: 400 Main Street, Newport Beach, CA 92661 (Catalina Flyer’s official address). Use this if you prefer to be dropped right at the terminal and avoid searching for parking. Catalina Flyer specifically lists this for drop-offs. Avoid blocking bus or restricted lanes. Catalina Info+1  

 

Driving time & routing (from Laguna Woods) 

• Distance: roughly 12–18 miles depending on start point in Laguna Woods; typical drive 25–40 minutes off-peak. In weekday morning peak traffic, plan 45–75 minutes. Use your navigation app the morning of travel for live traffic. Sources show typical drives around 15–25 minutes but traffic can extend this significantly.  

 

Carpooling & alternative transport 

• Carpooling: strongly encouraged — reduces number of cars looking for limited close parking and is friendlier for the Peninsula. Consider meeting at a central Laguna Woods parking lot and departing together. 

• Uber / Lyft: good option for groups that prefer a drop-off at 400 Main Street; remember surge pricing at busy times.  

 

Helpful tips / FAQs 

• Arrive early. Catalina Flyer requests you be ready to board by 8:00 AM even though the boat sails at 9:00 — arrive earlier than you think to avoid last-minute stress.  

• Parking payment: City lots often use pay stations or ParkMobile — have a payment method handy.  

• What to bring: ID, reservation confirmation, sun protection, light jacket (ocean breeze), any cash if you plan to buy snacks — one source notes some onboard vendors historically accepted cash only (confirm with Catalina Flyer). 

• Avoid residential street parking. Newport Beach enforces street restrictions and towing; use the official lots or paid lots.  

• If you get delayed: Call Catalina Flyer at the phone number above to advise; they can provide check-in guidance if you’re late. https://catalinainfo.com/catalina-flyer-schedules-fares.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com  

4.   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. 

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).  (Since we will be visiting Catalina during the off-season, some activities may not be offered on October 16.) Here is another listing of fun activities on Catalina Catalina Island: Tours and Tickets - Tripadvisor.  Or you may just want to rent a golfcart, bike, or e-bike and tour Avalon and surrounding areas on your own – Golf Cart & Bike Rentals | Catalina Island.  We encourage members and guests 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! 

5.   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