Santa Catalina Island is part of the beautiful Channel Islands Archipelago, which stretches for miles along the Southern California coast. Just 22 miles long and 8 miles wide, rugged and beautiful Catalina Island is home to some of the richest marine diversity in the world. Catalina Island is the only Channel Island that is developed, but most of the island is still protected, and most the inhabitants are concentrated in the town of Avalon.
Located approximately 22 miles south-southwest of Los Angeles, Catalina Island makes the island a perfect destination for weekend vacations, honeymoons, weddings and day trips. There are many different ways to enjoy the Island including sport fishing, sailing, diving, hiking and camping, golf and more. Each of these activities is deeply connected to the islands rich history.
The majority of the island’s residents are concentrated in the port town of Avalon, with 300 or so more in the more remote Two Harbors. Islanders typically work in the tourism industry in some way, some are artisans, baoting enthusiasts, or retirees. Everything on the island has to be imprted from the mainland, which makes gas, groceries and just about everything else expensive and prone to shortages. Strict regulations on the number of vehicles allowed on the island has prompted residents to opt for modified golf carts as the primary mode of transportation. These things add to the island’s charm and easy pace of life.
The island is managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy, whose mission it is to restore and protect the original flora and fauna. Interestingly, the Conservancy is also responsible for managing the wild buffalo, which were brought in and left behind by a film production over 50 years ago.
Golf carts and bicycles are the best ways to explore the narrow streets and meet locals. guided tours provide a great, inexpensive way to learn about the island’s rich history.
Accommodations are available for all budgets, as well as international cuisine, spa resorts, and yearly jazz and dance festivals. There are plenty of activities to fill day trips or stays of a few days or more with great dining, boutique shops, tours, and adventures to keep visitors interested. Catalina Island is like another world compared to the California mainland, and is close enough to make weekend trips easy and affordable.
source to this post: Get on the ferry to Catalina Island and get away!
From the Cruises website
Learn more:
- Bahamas Food- Delicious Island Treats
- Going to the Bahamas means trying new things. One of the greatest things to try are the foods. There are a great number of special island foods that it...
- Greek Island Cruise
- There are many stunning destinations on offer when you take a cruise of the Greek Islands, and passengers will be able to enjoy not just beautiful scenery and warm, sunny...