Island getaways in southern California

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July 8th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Just a short ferry ride from Long Beach or Newport Beach in southern California, Santa Catalina Island is the only island in the Channel Islands archipelago that is developed for tourism. If you live in California, then chances are – you’ve heard about it, but have never known just how accessible it really is. If you are visiting Southern California, then you should consider adding a day trip to Santa Catalina Island to your itinerary.

Catalina Island has a distinctly different feel and vibe than the rest of California, often compared to small coastal villages areas in the Mediterranean. Residents of the island are concentrated in the coastal villages of Two Harbors and Avalon, and are friendly and enjoy the calm pace of island life. Gas, food, building materials and pretty much everything else must be brought in by boat or supply barge making the prices for residents and tourists more expensive than the mainland. Alimited number of vehicles are permitted on the island so locals use modified gof-carts to get around, which adds to the charm, and provides a dramatic change from the congested Los Angeles streets.

Upon arriving, visitors will begin to discover a wide array of activities and a rich history and island culture. The island is not well known for some of its most interesting claims, including being home to the first golf course in California, the birthplace of modern sport fishing, home to the famous Wrigley Estate, and for its famous Bison herds, which now roam the beaches after being imported and left behind by a film production back in the 1950’s.

Catalina island’s land and inshore waters is protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy, are comitted to preserving the original flora and fauna, as well as protecting the bison herds. Catalina’s rich waters foster a bio-diverse abundance of marine life, making it a prime destination for biologists, eco-tourists, and scuba divers.

The logistics of getting to the island are very easy and require minimal effort. Getting to the island is possible by ferry, helicopter, or private charter boat. The catalina ferry service is the most convenient, with many departure/return trips and is inexpensive. There are several Catalina ferries which run regularly year-round with extra trips during the summer months.

The Catalina Express is a high-speed catamaran, which departs from Long Beach and completes the trip in about an hour. The Catalina Flyer also makes the same trip offering service from Newport Beach. Whichever Catalina Ferry you choose, the ride is usually smooth and comfortable with beautiful views of the southern California coast and frequent schools of dolphins, and migrating whales to make your voyage exciting and memorable!

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