Catalina Island: a True California Paradise

Snorkeling, bicycling, hiking, parasailing, yachting, scuba diving, jet skiing, golfing, camping, fishing and shopping. Nowhere else in southern California can adventure-seekers, vacationers and entire families find so much action and enjoyment in a single, isolated area. That’s why nearly 1 million people visit Santa Catalina Island each year, and why many of them have deemed the enchanting island their number one destination for extreme fun in the sun and picture-perfect relaxation.

Spanning nearly 50,000 acres of sandy beaches and lush tropical landscape, Catalina Island is located just south of Los Angeles and is known for having clear skies and warm temperatures almost year-round. A mere 22 miles off the California shoreline, it’s has been the go-to paradise for west coasters since its popularity first soared in the 1930’s, when Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin and Clark Gable turned it into a personal retreat. Since then, other celebrities have made Catalina their home away from home, including Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan and others.

So it’s no surprise that the remarkable little island is still one of the most happening places to vacation and have a thrilling good time. But you don’t have to be a celebrity to enjoy everything the island has to offer. In fact, it’s the perfect getaway for couples, singles, and families; locals and out-of-towners; youngsters and-old timers and just about everyone in between. With luxury hotels, fine dining, live music, movie theaters and some of the most extraordinary recreational activities around (ziplining, anyone?), it’s hard to imagine even a moment of boredom in such a wild and colorful place.

An ideal weekend on Catalina Island varies from person to person. For families, a visit to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens and camping at the Hermit Gulch campground is a great way to start. Spend the warm afternoons hiking, exploring and swimming in the clear blue water, or take a tour on a glass-bottomed ship or an actual submarine to get up close and personal with the fascinating marine life. Feast on fresh seafood, sandwiches or barbecued burgers by day, and gather around a cozy campfire as soon as the sun dips below the horizon.

Couples may want to check out one of the many luxury hotels on the Island, such as the Avalon, which offers everything from soothing massages to gourmet breakfast in bed. Spend your days shopping at some of the island’s premier department stores, markets and boutiques; watch a movie at the Avalon Theatre; enjoy an elegant dinner with select wines, champagne and cocktails; and walk along the gorgeous, moonlit beaches for a romantic, under-the-stars night cap.

For singles and thrill-seekers, Catalina offers a number of exciting ways to spend your time. There are over 30 restaurants, bars and night clubs, a fabulous casino-style entertainment center, booming concerts and a long list of outdoor activities—from golfing to jet skiing and beyond.

Much more affordable than the typical out-of-the-way retreat like Hawaii or the Virgin Islands, Catalina Island offers adventure, excitement, and all the amenities of an extravagant vacation—even for those traveling on a budget. And just a mere hour from the mainland, many of the hassles associated with travel and time limitations are never an issue.

Whether you’re yet to experience the wonders of Santa Catalina Island, or you’re a seasoned, bona fide regular, you can’t go wrong when it comes to planning a trip to this local California paradise. It’s one of the true gems of west coast, and has been the favored destination of residents, celebrities and adventurers alike, for almost an entire century.

Visit www.catalinachamber.com to learn more about Catalina Island and start planning your trip today.