Catalina Island

Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island lies 21mi off the California coast south of Los Angeles. Passenger ferries link Avalon with Long Beach, Dana Point, San Pedro and Newport Beach. Automobiles are not allowed. Catalina Island Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce is located at 1 Green Pleasure Pier, Avalon.

With its 54mi of rugged coastline, this magical, mountainous isle (pop. 3,000) is a great place to get away from the city streets. Hugging the hillsides surrounding the bay, Avalon - Catalina's only town - is a tightly packed assortment of pastel-colored bungalows, hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. Inland you'll find some excellent natural areas. The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden (1400 Avalon Canyon Rd) highlights the island's native plants. A quarter-mile below the garden is the Santa Catalina Island Interpretive Center, which examines the island's ecology and provides hiking permits (free), maps and trail information. Check out the excellent boat trips and harbor cruises.

Casino Building

1 Casino Way, Avalon. $12.75 (includes museum admission).

The 140ft-tall circular Art Deco landmark (1929) had its heyday in the 1930s and 40s, when big band legends such as Benny Goodman played here to legions of music lovers from the mainland.

CheapTickets