Pokemon Go on Catalina Island

Everything you need to know about Pokémon Go on #CatalinaIsland

So me, you, and the rest of the world downloaded Pokémon Go on our phones — now let’s take it on vacation! Here’s our guide for how to relax on Catalina Island with your family and friends while catching all the original 151 pokemon. Check out these tips and tricks:

• Being obsessed with Pokémon Go is  the excuse you needed to visit Catalina Island — Let’s be real, whoever said vacation is time away from your phone screen has never heard of Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. But instead of spending valuable vacation time arguing about what hashtag to put on that picture of your beachside pina coladas, Pokémon Go identifies historic landmarks and scenic spots around the Island! Battle at the Gym around the Inn on Mt. Ada, then turn that phone around for a stunning selfie of Avalon Bay!  Check out all the Catalina Island PokéStops up and down Avalon Canyon for only $1 on the Avalon Transit Garibaldi Bus. Explore the scenic views of Avalon Bay at your own pace with an electric bike or golf cart rental, but make sure to have a designated driver if you are searching for Pokemon on Catalina Island while out and about!

There’s a pokemon gym at Mt Ada

• Manage expectations of your Catalina Island cell phone service while traveling with Pokémon Go! — Be sure to up your data if you are planning on roaming around Catalina catching Pokémon. While Verizon Wireless is the most reliable cell phone service on Catalina Island, you can use all carriers – AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Net 10 all work in the heart of Avalon. If you don’t want to use up all of your data look for WiFi around town. (Continue reading for some locations.)
• Pokémon Go brings the whole family together! — Enjoy a date night out or unexpected family bonding while trying to catch ‘em all. The app is free to download and so easy that even your dad can play it – plus key locations bring you to the doorstep of Avalon’s favorite eats! Grab some grub at Steve’s Steakhouse, Maggie’s Blue Rose, Bluewater Avalon, or have drinks at the Marlin Club while planning your next route to explore. The best part about these stops is you’ll meet new friends who are exploring Catalina Island just like you. For those old enough, don’t forget to get your Wicki Wacked at Luau Larry’s.

Come and get me

• Battery life and locations for WiFi while visiting Catalina Island  — Bring a backup battery charger or two. Most importantly, once you are out of the harbor on the mainland side, put your phone on airplane mode while crossing the channel on the Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer. You don’t want to drain your battery before you’ve even landed on the island. Once you arrive, locate Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. – they have have WiFi available with the purchase of any item. Located in the Metropole Market Place, the local shop is just minutes from the ocean and Crescent Avenue, more affectionately referred to as Front Street. The courtyard is quaint and there is live music throughout the day from a variety of musicians playing for entertainment. Don’t forget to recharge your own batteries with some gourmet coffee and house made treats! Other locations that offer WiFi on Catalina Island include Bluewater Avalon, the Avalon Library as well as our newly opened Catalina Island Museum – a must see!
• Pokémon Go is a great way to stay outside and admire Catalina’s natural beauty — Don’t forget to hydrate and wear sunscreen! Even a breezy afternoon can leave you with a brutal farmer’s tan! Explore while your phone is recharging by going on a Jeep Eco Tour of the interior with the Catalina Island Conservancy. Get adventurous and head out to Descanso Beach Club for the number one activity on the island – the Zip Line Eco tour. Take to the water on a Catalina Parasail or Jet Ski ride, or traverse the Catalina coastline by taking Frog Rock Kayak Tour. Famished, parched, or exhausted by the beauty of the island? Learn more about the history of the island and indulge in the best food and drink in town with the Taste of Catalina Food Tours. Once you’ve hit the six locally famous tasting stops you’ll be ready to get back out there and catch ‘em all!

Visit the Catalina Island Museum and catch a few Pokemons.

• Catalina Island is safer than the mainland — but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay attention — While Catalina Island doesn’t have stop lights or busy highways, you do need to look up from your phone now and then in order to avoid golf carts, fellow Pokémon hunters and the local wildlife — if you see something in your phone that looks like a bison, it is a bison. Back up slowly and don’t make any threatening moves. Just like everywhere else, you need to be aware of your surroundings while playing Pokémon Go on Catalina Island. Afterall, if you end up at Catalina Island Medical Center you won’t be catching many Pokemons.
• There are Pokestops all over Avalon — Running out of Pokeballs? Before you fork over cash for coins, take some time to find some of the great pokestops located in Avalon, Catalina Island’s only city. Many of the locations are at historic landmarks and fascinating Catalina Island attractions.