down that way. My DH turns the big 6-0 Jan 29 and I was thinking of whisking him away on a short cruise out of Long Beach, up to Catalina, then to Ensenada and back to LB Fri morning, just 4 nights, but still fun. We would have 1 day/night, Friday, to do something before heading out Sat afternoon. Would Disney be doable, or should we just rent a car and drive around a bit, maybe up to Solvang or down to the Wild Animal park? There is another 4 day cruise available that goes to Santa Barbara instead of Catalina---which one would you choose? I'm pulled to Catalina because----Doris Day and The Glass Bottom Boat, of course.
Joe(are you out there?), Steve and any other LA area friends---some questions about a short trip
- Thread starter angak1
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steve2-in-la
Well-known member
I'll email you rather than take up space here. . .
Catalina is magical, and if you're staying in Long Beach close to the terminal it is 1.25 hours
each way. Crossing the channel is part of the fun. It is free to those whose birthday it is that day. Avalon is so small you can experience it in one afternoon. The glass-bottomed boat and other attractions can be booked before you get on the boat to cross the channel.
Santa Barbara is magical too, but it can vary from 1.5 to 3 hours each way, depending on traffic, and I'm afraid the commute from Long Beach through LA and on to the coast is not so scenic. (When I met Jacques he lived in Santa Barbara so I know whereof I speak.) The ride up the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu is even more crowded, longer, and a bit trashy. (You won't see Cher's or Barbra's place, just fast food joints. The coast really doesn't get nice until Morrow Bay, in my opinion).. I would suggest saving Santa Barbara for a time when you can spend a night there and wake up near the beach.
Disney is doable but definitely an all-day thing. It's at least an hour's drive. Perhaps a rental car may be in order, or maybe your hotel will have a shuttle.
I will now join Steve's email thread to see what else we can tempt you with.
each way. Crossing the channel is part of the fun. It is free to those whose birthday it is that day. Avalon is so small you can experience it in one afternoon. The glass-bottomed boat and other attractions can be booked before you get on the boat to cross the channel.
Santa Barbara is magical too, but it can vary from 1.5 to 3 hours each way, depending on traffic, and I'm afraid the commute from Long Beach through LA and on to the coast is not so scenic. (When I met Jacques he lived in Santa Barbara so I know whereof I speak.) The ride up the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu is even more crowded, longer, and a bit trashy. (You won't see Cher's or Barbra's place, just fast food joints. The coast really doesn't get nice until Morrow Bay, in my opinion).. I would suggest saving Santa Barbara for a time when you can spend a night there and wake up near the beach.
Disney is doable but definitely an all-day thing. It's at least an hour's drive. Perhaps a rental car may be in order, or maybe your hotel will have a shuttle.
I will now join Steve's email thread to see what else we can tempt you with.
Ang, I've done this same cruise. You will have a nice time.
If you haven't been to Disneyland, it's perfectly do-able in the time you have. It is 45 minutes from the cruise port to Disneyland. Hollywood - Universal Studios is easily double that distance thru tough traffic.
When you get off in Ensenada, be sure and buy some of the wonderful vanilla there -- you can get a huge bottle for the cost of a tiny one here and it makes everything taste amazing.
I never quite understood the appeal of Catalina and it's just a touristy street with souvenirs. If you can get away from the port and have enough time, take a tour to the other side and see the island's buffalo.
If you haven't been to Disneyland, it's perfectly do-able in the time you have. It is 45 minutes from the cruise port to Disneyland. Hollywood - Universal Studios is easily double that distance thru tough traffic.
When you get off in Ensenada, be sure and buy some of the wonderful vanilla there -- you can get a huge bottle for the cost of a tiny one here and it makes everything taste amazing.
I never quite understood the appeal of Catalina and it's just a touristy street with souvenirs. If you can get away from the port and have enough time, take a tour to the other side and see the island's buffalo.