Catalina Island, also known as Santa Catalina, is just 29 miles from Long Beach. The island is 22 miles long and 8 miles wide. Catalina has a rich history– especially in Hollywood. The island has served as the location of over 500 motion pictures and television programs over the past 90 years. It’s been a Hollywood celebrity favorite since 1911 due to its close proximity to Los Angeles. In 1975, descendants of Catalina Island owner, William Wrigley (a chewing gum entrepreneur), deeded 42,000 acres of Catalina Island to the Catalina Island Conservancy with a mission to conserve the island for a balance of conservation, education, and recreation.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Most visitors use The Catalina Express. They depart from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Newport Beach. There are departures throughout the day and it’s a one-hour boat trip. The cost of a general seating set is just $37.25 each way. You can also charter a private boat or fly over by way of a helicopter (a 10-minute flight) out of Long Beach.
WHAT TO DO:
Beaches
Catalina has great beaches throughout. Perhaps the most famous is the Descanso Beach and Descanso Beach Club which offers comfortable beach chairs and beachside food and beverage service!
Water Sports
All water sports are open during this time. You can parasail, rent a jet ski, go paddleboarding, kayaking, and more!
Zip Line Eco Tour
Here you can soar above the sea while you cruise along high-speed zip lines and enjoy views of Descanso Canyon. You will also learn about Catalina’s wildlife, history, and ecology along your zip line adventure.
Boat Tours
Whether you go whale watching, take a glass-bottom boat, go for a coastal or Ecological tour, Catalina has an adventure for you!
Fishing Charters
Catalina’s coves and reefs provide a fantastic fishing habitat. Fishing is great year-round, but the summer brings warmer waters, and Yellow Tail, Tuna, and Marlin are abundant!
Golf
Would you believe that Catalina has the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi? The Catalina Island Country Club and Golf Course was originally built in 1892. This course meanders through the Catalina canyons and down to the ocean. It’s stunning views of Avalon Bay make this course a favorite! If you have the family with you, they have a local outdoor mini-golf course that is ALWAYS a hit!
Hiking and Biking
There are more than 165 miles of trails. You can go for an easy walk, or pick a difficult hike or ride. The wildlife, views, and terrain are stunning.
WHERE TO STAY:
Hotels are abundant as are private condominiums. The boutique hotels are charming, and the private condos (especially in Hamilton Cove) are stunning. Hamilton Cove feels as if you were whisked away to Santorini, Greece!
There is so much to do and see you could easily spend a week or more here, but many people also opt for the day trip. It is easy to grab the ferry from the harbor at 830AM and head home at 430PM. Whether it’s just for the day, or you’re going to recharge and spend some time enjoying the island Catalina is a must this summer.