It’s just 26 miles across the sea, according to the classic Four Preps song. Santa Catalina Island is a scenic oasis off the coast of Southern California where you can explore the land or dive in the ocean.
Actually, it’s 22 miles, but it’s an easy trip from the Los Angeles area. Head for Marina del Rey, just down the coast from Santa Monica, and the dock for Catalina Ferries to catch the Marina Flyer catamaran to the island. Catalina Express has mainland ports in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. And the Catalina Flyer goes to sea from Balboa.
Take a look at the Web cam views provided by Visit Catalina Island, a handy guide for places to see and things to do at the island’s towns of Avalon and Two Harbors. Slide your cursor over Avalon at the top of the page to open the drop-down menu and access “Activities,” including the island’s trademark scuba diving and snorkeling in clear water. If you don’t want to get that wet, try the beaches and kayaking along the shore, or fishing for sea bass and mackerel. And if you can’t leave your mainland pursuits behind, there’s a scenic nine-hole golf course. Under “Points of Interest,” don’t miss the Casino, the restored Art Deco ballroom and theater overlooking the harbor.
Take a break from all those activities and enjoy the scenery. Go back to the drop-down menu and click on “Tours” for the Classic Inland Motor Tour, a 31-mile excursion in a restored 1950s bus through the heart of the island and the El Rancho Escondido horse ranch, or the Cape Canyon Tour in an off-road vehicle. You can’t leave without going on the Glass Bottom Boat or the Undersea Tour in a shallow-diving submarine. Lodging is limited at both Avalon and Two Harbors, but you could always take your gear and hit the campgrounds around the island. Wherever you want to stay, go back to the main page and check out “Packages” to see what’s offered.
Enjoy the sunshine and tour the island by two wheels. Click on “Activities” at Catalina Island and look for the “On Your Own” link. Along with info on bicycling (rentals in Avalon, but you need a permit to ride into the island’s interior), the site can introduce you to boating, fishing, sailing, parasailing, diving and nightlife. While you’re there, check out “Fun for Kids.” And click on “Shopping” for a map of places where you can stock up on souvenirs.
Remember that permit for bicycling outside town? Much of the island is owned by the Catalina Conservancy, a nonprofit conservation group. Look for the “Visitors Guide” and “Recreation” to see what you’ll need to know about permits and other information for hiking, biking and camping. The guide also has a “Destination” section, where you can learn more about the natural side of the island. Take a look at “Island Ecology” for more details on the outdoors.
The Catalina Chamber of Commerce has several more Web cams to give you an advance look, and clicking on “Things to See &Do” will get you handy maps of Avalon and Two Harbors, plus more tips on things to fill your time. If you’re planning a visit in the near future, consult “Hotel Availability.”
In case you expect to have more time in the area, think about going a little farther off the coast to Channel Islands National Park, comprising the islands of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara.
Roger Petterson, Associated Press
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