55+
visits
By Sandra Scott
Santa Catalina:
The Island of Romance and More
Remember the song: “26 Miles” by the Four Preps? Twenty-six miles across the sea Santa Catalina is a-waitin’ for me Santa Catalina, the island of romance Romance, romance, romance
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here is more than romance in Santa Catalina — there is fun, adventure and relaxation. The island is located 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles and made up of two towns: Avalon on the east end and Two Harbors on the west. The island is 22 miles long and eight miles across. The land outside the towns is rugged wilderness owned and operated by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Getting there: The easiest and least expensive way to get to Catalina is by ferry from San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach or Dana Point. It takes a bit more than an hour. Or, take a helicopter from Long Beach, San Pedro, Burbank or John Wayne Airport. You can also get there by your private aircraft or boat. Carnival cruise line also stops on some their cruises.
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Getting around: Avalon, the island’s main town, is small so everything is within easy walking distance. The public bus has a fixed route up the canyon to Wrigley Memorial and the Botanical Gardens. Rent a golf cart or bike, take a sightseeing tour in a motor coach or open-air tram, or use a shuttle bus service or use the taxi service to the Airport in the Sky, Two Harbors or the interior campground. Or, rent a car. The traffic is minimal. There is a 20-year waiting list to own a car on Catalina. Where to stay: There are a variety of accommodations from plush hotels to quaint B&Bs. Plus, tentsite camping, beach-front cabanas, condos and vacation rentals. To avoid the crowds and take advantage of great values, consider visiting in the spring or fall. Avalon is the happening place but for those
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looking for an out-of-the-way place check out Two Harbors for a quiet, relaxed way to enjoy the island. History: The island has been inhabited for at least 8000 years. During that time is was home to Native Americans and visited by the Spanish who named the island in honor of St. Catherine. Over the years the island was used by otter hunters, smugglers, ranchers, and for mining and military operations. More recently, from 1919 until 1970, it was owned by William Wrigley, Jr. of chewing gum fame and owner of the Chicago Cubs. Wrigley developed it into a resort island and it was used as the Chicago Cubs spring training site from 1921 to 1951. Learn more at the Catalina Island Museum. The Casino: You can’t miss it. The 11-story Casino is the iconic landmark in Avalon Bay. If you plan to gamble you will be disappointed
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