…or maybe not.  Perhaps it is an overstatement when talking about this small island in the Los Angeles area. For some it is a tiny peace of paradise, for others it’s just an okay place to sort of getaway from the mess that this city can (and often does) turn into.  Whatever your point of view is, there’s no denying Catalina Island is a fascinating outpost to Southern California; sitting just twenty six miles from the port of Long Beach. The Island has a unique history, having been the domain of the Wrigley Empire, spring training camp for the Chicago Cubs, WWII Defense Site, and continuous vacation getaway, all wrapped up in one.

Fascinating Little World...

The tiny village of Avalon is the only town on the island, as most of the land is a nature preserve. In fact, Catalina is the southern terminus of The Channel Islands; often referred to as "Galapagos North". This submerged mountain range has unique species and ecosystems not found on the mainland, and Catalina attracts as many adventure trekkers as it does martini toting socialites.

About a million tourists visit the island every year; Catalina is serviced by ferries and the "Airport in the Sky." Ferries depart from Orange County in Newport Beach and Dana Point, while they depart from Los Angeles County in Long Beach, San Pedro, and Marina del Rey. The trip takes approximately an hour and costs $40-60 round trip. Helicopter service is also available from Long Beach or San Pedro. 

Most of the island is controlled by the Catalina Island Conservancy, a private nonprofit organization whose mission Conservancy is to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. Through its ongoing efforts, the Conservancy protects the magnificent natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, stewarding approximately 42,000 acres (170 km²) of land (88 percent of the island), 50 miles (80 km) of rugged shoreline, an airport, and more than 200 miles (300 km) of roads.

Limited Transportation

The use of motor vehicles on the island is restricted; there is limit on the number of registered cars, which translates into a 10-year-long wait list to bring a car to the island. Most residents move around via golf cart. Tourists can hire a taxi from Catalina Transportation Services. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transportation. There are a number of bicycle and golf cart rental agencies on the island. Only the city of Avalon is open to the public without restrictions.

Sailing on…

Glass bottom boats tour the reefs and shipwrecks of the area, and scuba diving and snorkeling are popular in the clear water. Lover's Cove, to the east of town, and Descanso Beach, to the west of the Casino, are popular places to dive. The area is famous for the schools of flying fish and the bright orange Garibaldi which teem in local waters. Bus tours are given of the interior.
While tourists rarely have an opportunity to surf, two beaches on the "backside" of Catalina offer good waves: Shark Harbor and Ben Weston Beach. Two Harbors is the second, and much smaller, resort village on the island. Located at the isthmus of the island, north of Avalon, it is the primary landing spot for those who wish to tour the western half of the island. It is accessible by boat from San Pedro and by bus or boat from Avalon.

Timing Does Matter

So, now that you know what this getaway has to offer,  do yourself a favor and pass a night or two on Catalina. Only, if you travel on a summer weekend, you might think you fell into a Bel Air mixer; and that's never a good thing. Is it?