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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Catalina Island Day Trip
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By Matthew Martz |
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If you are looking for
an island getaway, but don’t have the time to travel
to some remote faraway location, Catalina Island is located
just 26-miles off the coast of Southern California, southwest
of Los Angeles.
Catalina is part of the eight Channel Islands archipelago,
and is the only one of the eight islands with a significant
civilian population. The island totals 76 square miles
of beautiful waterfront and mountainous majesty with Mt.
Orizaba being the highest elevation at 2,069 feet while
Mount Black Jack is close behind at 2,006.
The water between Catalina and the mainland runs nearly
3,000 feet deep, or more than 1/2 mile. The temperature
of the water ranges from 64 to 73 degrees in the summer
and 54 to 59 degrees in winter, rivaling many of the more
expensive getaways outside the US.
Just about any traveler can find something to do on the
island. If you can stay a few days, it’s a good
idea to start with a scenic city tour to get a feel for
what’s to offer. Stroll along the palm lined streets
and shop for unique island gifts.
Discover the history of the island at the Catalina Island
Museum and take a historical walking tour, available for
those who want to explore the architecture of the island.
There’s even a ghost and haunted island tour.
The beautiful Casino Ballroom and the Avalon Theatre is
the spot to spend the evening after a long day of activities.
The theatre shows evening movies, while the ballroom features
a calendar of events suited for couples who wish to enjoy
a romantic evening of dining, dancing, and music.
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Catalina Island Casino |
Seaside
restaurants offer a gourmet’s dream with classic and
more exotic dishes available. Luau Larry’s is a relaxing
spot with an ocean view and tropical drinks. El Galleon
Restaurant and Lounge is a family oriented spot with live
karaoke, while The Chi Chi Club is a 21 and over nightclub
for the younger set. DJ’s live bands, shows, and a
VIP Lounge are available for private parties.
If your idea of an island getaway is an outdoor experience,
a good start to your adventure would be to rent a glass
bottom boat. It’s a great way to discover Catalina's
abundant marine life.
Another option is to rent a kayak or peddle boat and test
your stamina as you make you way along the coast. A kayak
is a good way to explore the many nearby coves and underwater
caves. It’s quite common to see anglers kicked back
on an offshore fishing expedition.
Descanso Beach is a great spot to lie on the grass and maybe
take a dip in the cool waters, or even dive in at the Casino
Dive Park. A few local businesses offer parasailing, diving,
and snorkeling lessons and rentals, so it might be time
to explore a new hobby--island style.
Landlubbers will enjoy camping at one of the five campgrounds
on the island that include Hermit Gulch Campground, which
is a popular site that also offers trails that connect to
the Trans-Catalina Trail. The trail is 37-miles that snake
through a good portion of the island.
Two Harbors campground is another favorite, and there are
several more primitive campgrounds in the area that allow
true adventurers to boat in. Mountain biking is a great
way to explore the scenery, and it’s quite common
to see people renting bikes and taking a leisurely tour
of the island.
Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens is a good place for
a peaceful stroll and perhaps a good place to clear your
mind from the day-to-day worries, while Ballast Point offers
a stunning overlook of this Mediterranean paradise.
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Avalon Harbor Catalina Island |
Catalina Island Yacht Club |
During the day, families can play a round of miniature golf,
or rent a golf cart and tour the island together. Dad can
play a round of golf at the Catalina Country Club and have
lunch while mom can enjoy the onsite spa and massage facilities.
Tennis courts are available so partner up for a tennis match.
Kids love the the Nature Center at Avalon Canyon.
When you’re ready to visit Catalina,
the Seacrest Inn is the perfect romantic setting with whirlpools
available. The Old Turner Inn is a more traditional bed
and breakfast.
Getting to the island is a breeze. Transportation comes
in several forms. Helicopters can be arranged as well as
private boat and docking, small private planes can be accommodated,
but most of us will us the island boat shuttle.
However, the most popular choice is The Catalina Express
Shuttle that leaves from several ports around Dana Point,
Long Beach, and San Pedro. The shuttle takes about 1.5 hours
from the pickup point; that is in addition to your drive
to the shuttle location.
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Pavilion
Hotel just 14 steps from the beach
in this 71-room 2-story upgraded hotel. |
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