Californians! Do you appreciate how lucky you are? Everyone talks about California’s diversity as a travel destination. Beaches. Mountains. Deserts. Valleys. Vistas. Natural and man-made wonders. Urban and rural locales. Seriously, you can travel the globe in California enjoying every possible diversion and topography, including islands.
There are numerous island getaways in California, but none more special than Santa Catalina Island. A trip to Catalina defines relaxation, renewal, rejuvenation, and romance. Every visit is remarkable and feels like a world away.
There are only two ways to get to Catalina: by sea or by air. Part of the Channel Islands, there’s obviously no driving the 22 miles of waterway to reach the island. Most people choose the water route via Catalina Express out of Long Beach, San Pedro (less frequent in winter months), and Dana Point. In addition, the Catalina Flyer operates daily from Newport Beach. Private boats – motor, sail, and luxury yachts – ply the waters to reach the protected Avalon Bay. Helicopters land at a helipad near Avalon and small private planes arrive at the mountaintop “Airport in the Sky.”
Catalina Island is at the top of California’s lengthy unexpected list of destinations. The comparisons you often hear are Mediterranean or Greek Isle or like another country. It’s all true. Terraced across the hillsides, the tiny hamlet of Avalon is the main city of Catalina and is the population hub. An eclectic assortment of shops, restaurants, cobbled walkways, and colorful tile works create a visual delight. Located on Catalina’s west end, the village of Two Harbors provides a more rustic experience. However, you certainly won’t lack food, comfort, or friendly camaraderie of other island guests and staff thanks to recent upgrades by the Catalina Island Company.
The lodging options on Catalina Island fall right into the diversity realm. From camping to luxury vacation rentals, the choices vary. During a previous visit, ocean and hillside views greeted us each morning from our sun-drenched balcony at Hamilton Cove – is a resort condominium community of fully-equipped villas. It was surreal. Mainland California was just miles away; I’m not so sure. Catalina Island Vacation Rentals at Hamilton Cove Villas offer couples, families, and friends extra room to relax and the true feeling of an island escape. Each morning brought stunning ocean views, brilliant sunshine, and the lingering question, “Where are we?”
Hamilton Cove Villas provide rental options for sleeping up to six people. Spacious living spaces, balconies, flat-screen TVs, DVDs, full bath (one or two), and endless views of Catalina Island! Fully-equipped kitchens and barbecues provide additional dining options; particularly favorable for families. A small private beach, playground, pool, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, croquet, and putting green complete this vacation dream. Plus, the rentals include a golf cart, the preferred mode of transportation on Catalina. Avalon is a short cart ride away.
It’s always amazing to hear someone say, “Catalina? There’s nothing to do there.” After multiple trips to Catalina, I look forward to each return. A tour of the Art Deco-splendid Casino (Italian for “place of entertainment”) is another of the many Catalina must-sees. Built-in 1929, the ballroom hosted dozens of Big Bands and thousands of music and dance enthusiasts back in the day. Many Catalina Island special events are held at the Casino including the Catalina Island Jazz Trax Festival every October. A “Behind the Scenes Tour”, is one of two Casino tours; both come highly recommended.
A wide array of dining experiences fits right into the island time concept of Catalina Island. Relaxed and easy. Options to eat al Fresco are many and, in particular, along Avalon Bay. Grab something to go from the deli at the Von’s Grocery before heading out on a day of exploration. Oh, yes, the Airport in the Sky’s Café is famed for its buffalo burgers. If fresh seafood is what you seek, then your heart’s desire is Catalina! Fish tacos at the end of the Green Pleasure Pier are a must at Avalon Seafood (aka Earl & Rosie’s a decades-long tradition) and one of the first places I go once my feet hit the island shore. Depending on your accommodations do a little grocery shopping, and enjoy an intimate meal from your private balcony.
The Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden is an escape from the surreal island retreat. The native plant gardens are impressive and showcase the diversity of species endemic to the California islands or, specifically, Catalina. The views from the Memorial are worth the hike. The Art Deco architectural details will end any doubts about Catalina’s exceptional attractions. You will often find yourself alone in the garden, which presents terrific opportunities to reflect on Catalina’s beauty and peaceful nature. On a previous visit, a lone raven cried out and followed our group to the top of the Memorial. Maybe it was the spirit of William Wrigley urging us toward the summit to breathe in expansive views of Avalon Bay.
Every season is Catalina season, but the shoulder months between the end of October and the pre-Memorial Day holidays like many destinations offer better rates and fewer people on the island. Check ahead for special and seasonal events. The flying fish migration is plenty of reason to celebrate each July. Sign up for one of the boat tours – you have to see it to believe this magical occurrence! Plein Air, marlin, silent films, jazz, wine tasting, marathon, and more, the list of events goes on and on.
Who said there’s nothing to do on Catalina?
