Catalina Island is also known as Saint Catalina Island. It is one of the Channel Islands, 22 miles off California's Pacific Coast. Catalina is 22 miles in length and at its widest point is 8 miles. It has all the elements you want in an island retreat, such as tempting seafood restaurants, family-friendly water sports, appealing lodgings, beachy splendor, exotic gardens, a star-studded history, and even a wine estate. Catalina Island is for you if you love outdoor activities and water sports. Cruises to Catalina Island allow you to see California as it once was – from the two tiny harbors and seaside town Avalon to the undeveloped parkland of Catalina's interior.
Two Harbors on Catalina Island's west end are full of exciting activities and adventures ready to explore. The Two Harbors are named after the defining Isthmus Cove and Catalina Harbor. But in comparison to Avalon, it is less touristy. Still, it offers a wealth of rustic village vibes and excellent outdoor activities. People like mountain bikers, campers, divers, and hikers visit these two Harbors to explore nature on the more quiet side of the Island.
There is only one city on Catalina Island. However, it is still relatively small - which means you can easily walk throughout the entire city! Along Avalon's sunny streets, you'll find many local shops and restaurants. Many of the activities on Catalina Island are available in downtown Avalon, such as Jet Ski rentals, and golf cart rentals, among others. The city has many excellent restaurants to choose from and the famous Catalina Casino. Try fishing off the Green Pleasure Pier and grabbing drinks at the Marlin Club. Have fun and games with the kids at the Three Palms Avalon Arcade.
The bison Expedition tour is one of the best things on Catalina Island. It is possible to see wildlife around the Island in a convertible hummer including a variety of fantastic creatures and views. You can see bison herds while driving, touring, hiking, or biking within Catalina Island's interior. They were brought to the Island in the 1920s for a movie, and after the film was completed, the bison stayed on the Island and now roam the Island. Currently, those bison have been maintained and cared for by The Catalina Island Conservancy. In addition to your bison expedition, you'll enjoy some fantastic coastal views and might even come across Catalina Island foxes.
The Green Pleasure Pier is a Catalina Island Staple and a good vantage point. Extending out 407 feet, the Pier is packed with the Island's history. Initially built to ease the congestion of incoming boats and anglers, the Pier is now a hub for activities and excitement. It is home to Avalon's official weigh station for sports anglers. Visitors can consider it the hub of activity. You can find several sightseeing tours and great places to eat on the 407-foot pleasure pier.
Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden are just two miles south of the bay and home to many plants native only to Southern California and the Channel Islands. It's a 30-minutes walk up Avalon Canyon from downtown Avalon. Currently, the museum has five different sections with rare Catalina mahogany and Catalina ironwood. A Spanish-style mausoleum inlaid with colorful Catalina tiles adorns the garden built by the Wrigley family. During World War II, Wrigley Jr.'s remains were removed from this site and laid to rest in Glendale, CA.
The weather on the Island stays warm throughout the year, with a climate considered mild subtropical. The water usually hits an average of 70-degrees in August, the warmest off of California's coast. Still, the weather remains best in spring and fall. Autumn's perfect weather and wealth of events make it the favorite time of many visitors.
