A Guide To Catalina Island
Located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California in the Pacific Ocean is an island called Catalina. The island is twenty two miles long by eight miles wide and is a quiet, luxurious getaway from the high activity of Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The island is full of quaint walks, hotels, inns and a broad choice of restaurants. Getting to Catalina is very easy with frequent boat and air service departing from the LA, Long Beach and Orange County areas.
The most popular arrival method into Catalina Island is via boat from the mainland in the town of Avalon. Avalon is considered the central point of the island where visitors can get information on all aspects of the Catalina experience from lodging to hiking. Located on the eastern coast of the island, Avalon is home of most of the hotels, shopping and dinning opportunities on Catalina. Small little streets and walking paths criss cross through Avalon. At the center of Avalon’s shores is its harbor, home to dozens of private yachts and sail boats.
Avalon is home to over thirty restaurants and hotels. The accommodations in Avalon are diverse and include choices from bed and breakfasts to hotels. In the hills surrounding Avalon are many camping options.
In the surrounding area around the town of Avalon are charming lanes and hiking trails that branch out from the town center to destinations all over the island. For those not inclined to walk, there are many alternatives including golf cart rentals and shuttle bus aervices that take visitors from either end of the island. The hiking trails on Catalina are expansive, yet beautiful as on many points they afford hikers 360 views of the ocean. Many of the trails are ideal for more experienced hikers with proper equipment. One of the more unique attractions for those seeking an outdoor and nature experience are Catalina’s many free roaming buffalo. Originally introduced to the island in the 1920s, the buffalo were used in many old western Hollywood shoots. Today the buffalo population is over 250. The island offers a safari like tour where visitors sit in back of giant jeeps and are taken through the area where the buffalo’s roam much like a tour you would see in Africa.
Catalina offers many opportunities for engaging with the sea life that surround the ialand. The island offers one of the most popular snorkeling and dive spots in all of California. Catalina’s water temperatures vary seasonally, from a low in the fifties to a high in the low seventies. As well as offering excellent visibility, Catalina Island’s underwater gardens and spectacular kelp forests provide a beautiful back drop for the diverse variety of marine life and local fish. In addition there are many hidden coves, underwater reefs and cliffs, as well as dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals and aquatic birds that are both residents and frequent visitors along the coast of Catalina.
Catalina has many transportation options from the mainland to the island. Catalina Express, a ferry service is the most popular and departs with frequent service from the mainland to Avalon. Visitors can board a Catalina Express boat in Los Angeles, Long Beach or Orange County. The trip is about forty five minutes. In addition there are daily helicopter flights as well chartered and scheduled fixed wing air service from Long Beach and Orange County.
The island of Catalina is a fun destination that is full of sights and attractions that are fun for groups, solo travelers and families. Popular all year round, Catalina is a quiet and serene retreat that can be an easy escape for all those visiting or living in Southern California.
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For more information on visiting Catalina Island, its hotels and neighboring Los Angeles, see journeycontinent.com.
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