Los Angeles, CA

Summary of Catalina Island

photo by gusto

Catalina Island

Catalina Island, Long Beach or San Pedro ports
Los Angeles, CA 90704
310-510-1520

www.catalina.com

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.

Reviews

Island of Romance

Reviewed by m8888888 on February 14, 2007

m8888888's rating:

"Catalina Island is beautiful! It’s called “The Island of Romance,” but I went with my parents, so I can’t answer that! The water is beautiful, with good swimming and snorkeling. The island itself is really great for bicycling, but you have to get a permit! There is some beautiful nature, with a lot of different plants and animals- even buffalo! This is a great place for a weekend trip to get away from LA!"

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Beautiful

Reviewed by beth0603 on February 04, 2007

beth0603's rating:

"I really liked Catalina Island. So much to do and see! And it was a really nice boat ride over. I highly recommend going on a tour…we went and it was very interesting. We also went on a glass bottom boat ride but that was disappointing."

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My stay on Catalina

Reviewed by randr_ranch on December 10, 2006

randr_ranch's rating:

"This place made wonderful memories. We went on practically every tour. All great except for the one of the interior of the island. Same scenery as any drive through Southern CA except now you see it from a large horse trailer. Never been so car sick. Favorite tour was the glass bottom boat. Great walks every direction. Best swordfish sandwiches I have ever had at the end of the pier. I don’t think we ate meal that was less then delicious. We stayed at the Hermosa Inn for a week with our nine month old. Very charming and very basic."

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Take a short boat ride over from LA and your in paradise.

Reviewed by lrintex on December 06, 2006

lrintex's rating:

"This is a great place to go unwind and relax. There are only a hand full of cars on this island. No need for them. Everything is in walking distance. Rent a bike to see the countryside. I love this place!"

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