ajones' » Los Angeles, CA

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Take a quick boat from the ports of San Pedro or Long Beach, or blow the bank on an unforgettable helicopter trip to Catalina Island. You’ll arrive at Avalon, the island’s main town, which was turned into one of Los Angeles’ playgrounds by chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley Jr. You’ll notice no cars; intensive measures are taken to preserve the native flora and fauna. Gas-powered carts or bikes can be rented, but the best way to see the island is by taking one of the many guided tours. You can survey the rugged interior, visit the El Rancho Escondido, or explore the waters via an undersea or glass-bottom boat excursion. Sporting opportunities abound with golf, fishing, and beaches, and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden makes for a lovely stroll. A must-see is the Casino Ballroom, the circular Art Deco masterpiece on Avalon Bay. No actual gambling ever took place here; instead the Casino Ballroom hosted elegant dances and concerts that attracted Tinseltown in its glory days. Get an overview of Catalina Island in one full day, or make it a romantic weekend and choose between motels just steps from the sand or European-style hotels with sunny courtyards. Seafood on a restaurant’s deck is a natural. The island’s other town of Two Harbors is a remote paradise for water sports and camping.

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