Visit Catalina Island

Catalina Island

Catalina Island lies off the coast of Southern California in the Pacific Ocean archipelago of the Channel Islands. It’s one of the most popular daytrip and vacation spots for locals and draws a good number of visitors from farther afield. Mostly owned by the Catalina Conservancy group, it’s the ultimate getaway from the bustle of Los Angeles.

The island has two centres of population. Set in a protective natural cove, Two Harbors is a tiny town with around 150 long-term residents and is the perfect boating destination for Angelenos. Its surroundings of isolated natural beauty are easily explored on hikes and the sparkling blue of the Pacific hides great dive spots. Check out visitcatalinaisland.org for more details.

Avalon’s narrow winding streets are negotiated by golf cart, easily hired on arrival. This small, crowded town is the heart of the island and hosts most of the activities such as golfing, fishing in the teeming Pacific waters, hiking and a great selection of water sports. For visitors who love to sail, boats can be rented, with visitcatalinaisland.org a good source of info.

Most accommodations on Catalina Island are centred around Avalon, with a good choice of hotels and other lodgings. From luxury upscale resorts and spas through boutique hotels to rental condos and quaint cottages, there’s a variety of styles to suit all preferences and pockets.

Catalina received its first tourists over 100 years ago when it was bought by the Banning brothers and developed as a resort. By early last century it was wholly owned by William Wrigley of chewing gum fame, who’d fallen in love with it on his first visit with his wife. Nowadays, the one million tourists who arrive each year also fall in love with this unique gem of an island.