OT: Where do you stay when you vacation on Catalina Island?
 

I'm thinking of planning a little 3-4 day get-away.

Camping?

Guys trip?

Romantic getaway?




For a thing with the wife take her to Zane Gray hotel. Up a hill, away from things, no. Tv, a small pool. Great, rustic, romantic, small hotel. Every room is different and modeled after a different novel written by Zane Gray. Cool little balconies and nooks to explore around the hotel .



....and don't forget to go to the Descanso Beach Club to rent a tendem kayak for a romantic paddle out on the water. Bring a rod and troll a Rapalla for extra fun.

Hahaha....you're too funny.
Not really a romantic getaway....taking the wife and kids...I'd like to work in a little fishing while I'm there though...I was even thinking about shipping my PA over there.

I like the Banning House Lodge. Located at the apex of the Isthmus, it's good lodge atmosphere away from the hub-bub of Avalon and the views from the outdoor deck area are the best.

X2 on The Banning House

If you ship your yak, keep in mind you have to drop it off in LA a week prior to you being there.

Been going to "my island" since I was a kid.
I have stayed everywhere from the golf course (slept on the grass) to the jail house (charges dropped) and every thing from the cheapest to most expensive.

If your camping there is plenty of info available.
The Banning House is very cool if your staying at the Isthmus.

If your staying in Avalon,
My vote goes to Hamilton Cove.
Your far enough away from the city to have some privacy and peace.
You have access to the private dock, a nice cove for fishing and snorkeling etc. and a bunch of other amenities.
Every unit also comes with your own golf cart so you can explore what you want when you want to.

I usually I bring my gear and rent a kayak for a couple days and strap it to the top of our golf cart. I launch from Hamilton Cove most of the time.

Here is one of the kayaks I rented and the Hamilton Cove Launch:
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...launchsite.jpg

Here is the view from the balcony:
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...ahamatnite.jpg

I would not ship my PA over there, my Trident? maybe. But doubt it.
I prefer to just rent what I need and not worry about shipping or dealing with the kayak storage and transport issues.

Good luck
I am already looking forward to our next trip over.

Good info...Hamilton Cove? Is that the place that rents condo's? (I'll google)
I thought about renting a kayak...but what about a bait tank and or fish finder?
If you camped where you would basically be sleeping with your yak would you be more likely to ship yours over? I ask because my father-in-law and I have talked about doing that

I've heard nothing but good things about the Banning House.

What 'shipper' have you used?

Or just gear up and paddle out from HB or Long Beach! :kayak-surfer::paddleersmilie: