Catalina Island Vacation

A Catalina Island Vacation is a unique experience, one you will want to experience again and again. Catalina Island is rocky island off the coast of California. It's about 22 miles south-southwest of L. A. There is only one city , Avaion, on the entire island. The island is serviced by ferries and the airport in the sky, helicopters available from Long Beach or San Pedro.

There are glass bottom boat tours of the reefs and shipwrecks of the area and scuba diving and snorkeling are popular in the clear water. Lover's Cove to the east of town and Descanso Beach to the west of the casino, no longer a working casino, are popular to visit. The area is famous for the schools of flying fish and the orange Garibaldi.

Catalina Island Museum located in the Catalina Casino, built many years before, now houses the islands cultural heritage. The collection numbers over 100,000 items and including over 7000 years of Native American history , over 10,000 photographs and images, large collection of Catalina made pottery and tile, ship models and much more. Programs include walking tours of Avalon, classes for students, gallery, lectures and an annual silent film benefit and more.

There are many public camps. All campgrounds require reservations and permits. There are 9 primitive boat-in only campgrounds. Day hiking and mountain biking require a permit be purchased at the conservation office. Hiking permits are free; bicycle permits are available for a fee of $20 per person for 2 consecutive days. Motor vehicles on the island are restricted. There is a limit on the number of registered cars. Most residents move around via golf carts. Only city of Avalon is open to the public without restrictions.

A Catalina Island Vacation will very seldom offer the opportunity to surf. There are just 2 beaches on the "backside" of Catalina offer good waves, Shark Harbor and Ben Weston Beach. Two harbors is the second and much smaller, resort village on the island. It is located at the isthmus of the island, north of Avalon. It is the primary landing spot for those who wish to tour the western half of the island. It is accessible by boat for San Pedro and by bus or boat from Avalon. Art Good, host of Jazztrax Showcase of the Absolute Newest, holds Catalina Island Jazztrax Festival each year.

The island is very remote and not a lot of people know there are several things to do. There are all inclusive packages to get a really good deal on a few days getaway. For the outdoor enthusiast, it is like a goldmine. It is so much undeveloped land and surrounded by beautiful crystal clear water. A lot of people love to cruise around the island in their boats to just enjoy the beautiful and relaxing area.

If you like a fast paced, crowded destination for your vacation, Catalina is not the place for you. But if you love to just explore, hike, swim, bike or just lay on the beach at Catalina Island vacation is for you.