Santa Catalina Island is a beautiful rocky island off the coast of California. This island gem, usually referred to as Catalina Island, is actually located in Los Angeles County. The island was originally settled by the Native Americans, later claimed by Europeans, transferred to Mexico and then to the United States. After quite a bit of mixed use over the decades, the area was finally developed into a successful tourist destination by the popular chewing gum founder, William Wrigley, Jr. in the 1920’s. Since the 1970’s, most of the 22 mile by 8 mile island has been serviced by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Today, visiting Catalina Island is something that is enjoyed by California locals as well as tourists alike for a relaxing day to escape, an extended weekend retreat, a beautiful boat ride, view breathtaking scenery & sunsets, or a little hiking, dining or shopping. Catalina Island offers something to accommodate everyone no matter the experience you may be looking for.
(Image: Catalina Express)
Getting to the island is not only simple and easy but also quite a beautiful hour journey in itself. The Catalina Express provides year round boat service with up to 30 round-trip daily departures from the ports of San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. The experience is quite unique as passengers are able to enjoy a coffee or cappuccino, wine or cocktail at one of the bistros at the Long Beach port location or the terminal in San Pedro. The port locations are easily accessible no matter if you are coming in from the Los Angeles area or up from the San Diego area. Departures begin early morning and run continuously throughout the day with the last boats heading back to the coast during early evening hours. The boat rides to and from the island are just as enjoyable as the time spent on the island itself, so make sure you take advantage of the beautiful fresh air and stunning scenery during the journey.
The vast array of activities once you arrive at Catalina Island is abundant to say the least. Many visitors later state, “what isn’t there to do”. The amount of time you plan to spend on the island however will help you determine your itinerary with the time you have. If you like, you can plan for just a couple hours to experience a beautiful hike among the scenic trails and be back in Long Beach or Los Angeles for evening plans. Most however plan for an entire day at least to enjoy everything from, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, boat rentals, hiking, golfing, biking, dining, shopping, spa day, museums, art galleries, guided sightseeing & back-country tours or golf cart rentals that you can rent so you can explore the area on your own. In addition, depending on the time of year that you visit, there are also music events, art festivals and exciting athletic venues. When it’s time to settle in for a bit to eat, there is no shortage of options as the city of Avalon has over 30 dining options to choose from with just about any cuisine you are craving.
Catalina Aerial Adventure Silver Canyon Pottery The Nautilus Joe’s Rent A Boat Catalina Island’s Golf Gardens Escape Room Three Palms Avalon Arcade Descanso Beach Zip Line Eco Tour |
If you enjoy nature in all its beauty then visiting Catalina Island is not only something that you will enjoy, but when possible you will most likely return. Catalina Island contains a wealth of natural and cultural resources, unique animals, plants and archaeological resources found nowhere else on earth. Arriving on the island there is so much visually to take in that many like to spend more than one day if possible. What makes it ideal is that because the island is not overly massive in size, if you are traveling with a group of people, everyone can take part in something they want to do or see and still all meet back for dinner. Or if it’s just you and your other half or just you by yourself, you are able to take in as many sights and activities as you possibly can in a feasible amount of time. Guided sightseeing tours, backcountry eco-jeep exploring, watersports along the pristine coastline, scuba expeditions, hiking breathtaking trails, relaxing on the scenic beaches, or viewing it all from above while parasailing, are just some of the opportunities that you are provided once your boat docks. To top it all off, if you also want to spend the day sightseeing along the beach, or taking in the sights at the museum or the art gallery, those are also possible options. Additional activities and sightseeing information can be found here:
Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden Catalina Island Museum Avalon Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour Island Water Charters Parasailing Coastline Tubing Back-country Sightseeing Tours Avalon cart tours Catalina Casino Building |
If you are not familiar with visiting Catalina Island, many visitors ask if you are able to spend the night. The answer is absolutely and encouraged if you are able to so you may enjoy the variety of experiences that the island has to offer. There are a few bed & breakfast options, hotels and multiple campgrounds to provide the level of adventure or amenities you are looking for. If you are looking for campground options, the easy to access Two Harbors, the beachfront Little Harbor named Hermit Gulch as well as the secluded Parson’s Landing and Black Jack which is surrounded by beautiful eucalyptus and pine trees, will all provide the outdoor experience you are looking for. However, if you prefer a bed & breakfast or hotel property, there are beautiful options for those as well. A few include:
Banning House Lodge – Banning House Lodge was built for the Banning brothers in 1910. Since then it has been transformed into a beautiful bed and breakfast that provides breathtaking views of the Harbor. There are 12 individually decorated guestrooms and a quaint courtyard perfect for an afternoon cool drink or to relax in with your favorite book.
Hotel Atwater – Hotel Atwater was popular getaway for Hollywood’s elite to hardworking mainlanders looking to escape their day to day lives that originally opened in 1920. The property is undergoing a beautiful major renovation and will set a new beginning for Catalina Island and everyone that visits. Hotel Atwater will maintain its historic charm while adding a fresh new experience to the property.
Pavilion Hotel – The Pavilion Hotel is the featured property of Catalina Island and is the only complete resort provider on the island. Besides all the wonderful amenities that this property offers, nothing can really beat that when you stay at the Pavilion, you are only 14 steps from the beach. Witnessing some of the most beautiful sunsets takes place from the vantage point of this hotel also.
Mt. Ada – Mt. Ada provides top notch service as well as sophistication. The property was the former island escape of William Wrigley Jr. and his wife Ada. This one of a kind inn offers six suite guest rooms that resemble an era that is now far gone. With a billiards room, fireplace, and den with a bar, not only will you enjoy these amenities but also the wrap around terrace that provides spectacular island views.
Visiting Catalina Island is just like most other places you visit. It’s all about what you make it and the experiences that you want to have. What is so amazing about this island is the proximity to Los Angeles, Long Beach and San Diego so making it a day trip to escape is one of the most amazing aspects. You can do as little as you want or as much as you want. Relaxing on the scenic beaches, hiking the majestic trails, or exploring the local museums is all at your fingertips. The important thing is that this beautiful island provides an escape to travelers and locals alike to escape the everyday hectic lives on the mainland. Once you experience this island gem, you will be tempted to take the afternoon or the entire day to either relax or take in a little of nature’s pristine offerings anytime you are in the area.