DK Travel : Los Angeles : Catalina Island

Catalina Island

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This island may be only 22 miles (35 km) across the sea, but it’s a world away from the urban velocity of LA. Ferries dock in Mediterranean-flavored Avalon, the island’s commercial hub. Most of the interior is a protected nature preserve that may only be explored on foot or bicycle (permit required), or by taking an organized tour. These are excellent ways to learn about the island’s colorful history as a destination for sea otter poachers, smugglers, Union soldiers, mining speculators, and finally, tourists.
Catalina Island Sportfishing (310-510-2420) operates charter fishing trips; you can fish for free from the pier

Top 10 Features

1. Avalon Casino

1. Avalon Casino

This Art Deco landmark, built for William Wrigley Jr, opened in 1929 and was never a gambling place. It contains a movie theater and a ballroom that once hosted nationally broadcast concerts. Murals of underwater scenes adorn the exterior.
2. Catalina Island Museum

Over 7,000 years of island history come alive at this small museum in the Casino building. Highlights include locally found archaeological artifacts, pottery, and photographs from Catalina’s days as the darling of Hollywood.
3. Casino Point Marine Park

Great for encounters with finned creatures, this reserve was Southern California’s first city-designed water park (established in 1965). Fun for divers.
4. The Tuna Club

The nation’s oldest (1898) fishing club, it was the first to develop modern angling rules for sport-fishing. Winston Churchill and Teddy Roosevelt have been visitors here.
5. Green Pleasure Pier

5. Green Pleasure Pier

This green pier has been the hub of Avalon activity since 1909. For years, it was the official weighing station for tuna, marlin, and sea bass brought in by game fishing enthusiasts.
6. Lover’s Cove

6. Lover’s Cove

Rent a snorkel and take to the clear blue waters of this poetically named marine preserve teeming with golden Garibaldi (California’s state marine fish), as well as schools of opaleyes, blue perch, and other fish.
7. Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens

The monument to William Wrigley Jr, built in 1935 with local materials, lords over huge gardens. Plants here include eight species unique to the island, including Catalina ironwood and wild tomato.
8. Catalina Country Club

8. Catalina Country Club

In 1929, William Wrigley Jr. made Catalina the spring training ground for his baseball team. The historic clubhouse is now a restaurant.
9. Catalina Buffalo

Island explorations may lead to encounters with herds of chocolate-colored buffalo. The first 14 animals were brought to Catalina in 1924 for a Zane Grey film.
10. Two Harbors

10. Two Harbors

Popular with boaters, hikers, and campers, tiny Two Harbors is a slow-paced rustic village on a natural isthmus about 23 miles (37 km) west of Avalon. It is served by ferry from the mainland and by bus from Avalon.

Practical Information

Armstrong’s on the bay is the best place for fresh fish, while Steve’s Steakhouse scores high for meat. The full Catalina experience should involve the water. Swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, or a glass-bottom boat tour constitute great options. Catalina is at its most pleasant in the evening after the last ferry has whisked off the day-trippers, so consider an overnight stay. Visitor’s Bureau: Green Pleasure Pier 310-510-1520 Catalina Island Museum: Casino Building 310-510-2414 Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens: 1400 Avalon Canyon 310-510-2288 Catalina Express:310-519-1212 Island Express:310-510-2525 Discovery Tours:310-510-8687 Catalina Adventure Tours:310-510-2888 Jeep Eco-Tours:310-510-2595