Catalina Island is one of the California Channel Islands and lies southwest of the home of Hollywood Los Angeles. It’s known for its wildlife, dive sites, and Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak. The resort town of two Harbors lies to the north. To the south, in the city of Avalon, palm trees and cabanas line Descanso Beach.
1. Introduction to the Island
The island is 35km long and 13km across its width. The island is popularly called the “Hidden Paradise in Southern California”. The island is the perfect place for fun and relaxation. Purchased in 1919 by William Wrigley Jr., the purpose of Santa Cataline Island was a means to create a unique travel destination for all.
Carrying this legacy into the 21st century Catalinas Island remains one of the luxurious and tourist-loved places to visit in California. Well, there are a lot of fun and wonderful things to do on Catalinas Island, there are also a lot of fun facts that go along with the island’s history.
Ronald Reagan, the mister president spent most of his younger years living on Santa Catalinas Island, before moving to LA and later becoming President. Another interesting thing about the island is that William Wrigley Jr. built a casino on Catalinas Island that was never meant to gamble instead it has been utilized as a Dance Hall and full-fledged Movie Theater since its inception and is said to have featured the first motion picture with sound.
With an average temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year long, you can find yourself doing several activities near or around the main Catalinas Island attractions. And no need to worry about your budget there are a lot of fancy places to visit, and you will have no problem finding cheap things to do on Catalinas Island or even free things to do when venturing around the mainland.
So Sit back while reading this article as I am about to take you on an adventurous journey through a historic, playful, and cultural island known as the Santa Catalina Island.’
2. Things to Do on Catalinas Island
2.1 Descanso Beach Club
If you are looking for one of the most relaxing activities Santa Catalina Island has to offer, then look no further than the Descanso Beach Club. It is a private beach that features a plethora of relaxing and romantic things. The club is known for its incredible grade of nightlife and enjoying the sun. when visiting the club one of the coolest things to do is participate in outdoor activities like Snorkeling, scuba Diving, and their famous Zip Line Tour.
Descanso Beach Club is located in that part of the island where you can have the best relaxing views and world-class massage experience. If you are boarding into the beach club in the pavilion hotel you are getting into a combination of modern Luxury and a quaint island style.
Don’t forget about their cabanas and massages they will be ready wherever you are.
Address: 1 St Catherine Way, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
2.2 Catalinas Island Golf Carts
Want to do some adventure that looks more appealing than having the ability to hop in a four-passenger Golf cart and pursue across the island? Even if you need to upgrade your cart, this must-do if you are looking to find a preferred section of the island, or simply looking forward to killing a few hours this weekend.
There are many activities to do on the island but considering a gold option instead of others is a more traditional form of transportation. Trust me this is the perfect activity for dads or we shall refer to them as “golf dad”.
Address: 625 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
2.3 Catalinas Island Casino
This generation has passed and the Catalina Island Casino continues to shine as it was years ago with the same grace and beauty. Opening its doors in 1929, the Catalina Island Casino is the primary location and one of the main points of interest for any traveler.
Not only does the island casino embrace you with fun activities via social gatherings but it is also one of the most romantic things to do if you are visiting with a significant other. Upon entering the Catalinas Island casino you are greeted with high walls and artful architecture from tiled murals. Belonging to the Wrigley family the casino has an awesome view of the ocean, which is very impressive during a clear sunny day.
If you are lucky enough or you plan accordingly you might be able to attend one of the main events the casino throws in their Grand Ballroom.
Address: 1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
2.4 Parasail Catalina
Ranging anywhere from $25 to $80 the Catalina Island Parasailing Adventure is another one of the best things to do on Catalina Island. Soaring between 600 and 800 feet above the California grasslands is an aderilanine rush of its own, but there are many things to see when looking across the Santa Catalina Island attractions from an aerial view. That experience is like any other.
Not for the feeble-minded but worth it for the thrill If you don’t risk it you don’t get it, The parasail experience is the same you will be required to fill up a life-risking form but the experience will serve the worth.
But if you are a heart patient or have trouble breathing avoid this experience.
Address: 105 Pebbly Beach Rd, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
2.5. Bison Expedition
There is no shortage of places to go or stuff to do when you are visiting California, let alone Santa Catalina Island. Of course, hitting the beach and bars may forever be on the list, but when was the last time you were on a Bison Expedition?
While it is one of the most popular tourist attractions around the island, it is usually one of the best choices you didn’t know you needed to make while visiting. A convertible hummer takes you around the natural wildlife of the island and grants you the opportunity to see amazing creatures and amazing views. having the ability to travel around the winding hills of the drier parts of Catalina Island will help you to appreciate the natural elements of California a bit more as well.
Address: Avalon, CA 90704, United States
2.6. Catalinas Island Helicopter Tour
So, yes almost every city around California will offer some sort of helicopter tour. However, the Santa Catalina Island landscape will leave you in awe every time. During the Catalina island helicopter tour, you will be able to mercy of some of the most incredible sights California has to offer.
You will be able to spot dolphins and whales that inhabit the protected waters of Channel Island as well as soar over mountain terrain while hearing the remarkable story of the island’s history. The helicopter tour is one of the most fun things to do in Catalina Island and should be a top priority if you are simply looking for stuff to do or trying to find different points of interest for your vacation schedule
Address: Avalon, CA, United States
2.7. Mt Ada
Another one of the iconic tourist attractions is Mt Ada as it used to be William Wringley Jr’s mansion. This is now a six-bedroom and breakfast place for travelers and it is the perfect place for those who like a luxurious atmosphere and stayovers. If you are looking to book a stay at Mt Ada, make sure to book the mansion a few months before your actual travel dates, as the mansion is always booked especially during the summer and winter break.
However, if you have not booked the place you can still have a tour of the ex mansion and admire the beauty of the mansion. During weekends, the Inn invites island goers to a special brunch or lunch for a great dining experience for everyone by opening doors to all the public who are there to enjoy the island.
Address: 398 Wrigley Rd, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
2.8. Bluewater Grill
With over 25 years worth of food and dining experience on the island the Bluewater Grill has now become a staple on Santa Catalina Island. The menu of the dining restaurant is full of delicious seafood items and the restaurant also follows ethical and sustainable methods when it comes to its fishing practices.
The restaurant is a classic place on the island to dine in. They even have other food options for those who don’t prefer seafood food. While the restaurant prides itself on classic preparation, they do add somewhat of an aesthetic to the overall cooking and style of the restaurant.
You may find the food prices a bit overpriced but trust me the food is worth the price and experience.
Address: 306 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
2.9.The Lobster Trap
Finding a place in California that sells $4 pints and daily food specials is already a rarity, but between 2 pm and 5 pm, The Lobster Trap has a home away from home atmosphere that welcomes you with open arms.
One of the greatest things about the lobster trap is that you can enjoy good eats in the middle of the day, or during the early morning hours as well. If you are traveling to Catalina Island for fun sometime after Labor Day but before July 1st, you can grab a burger and a beer for $11. And without a selection of Lost Coast and Craft Beers, it is worth the time and money to check out another great Catalina Island Establishment.
Address: 128 Catalina Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
3. Question & Answers
1) Why was Catalina Island named?
A) In 1602, the island was rediscovered by Spanish explorer, Viscaino, who landed here on Saint Catherine’s Feast Day (St. Catherine of Alexandria). He named it Santa Catalina Island in her honor.
2) What is Santa Catalina Island known for?
A) Santa Catalina Island (most commonly referred to just as Catalina Island), is best known for its wildlife, scuba diving, charming coastal towns, and Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak.
3) What is the capital of Catalina Island?
A) The Capital of the Island is Avalon, California
4) What is the famous building on Catalina Island?
A) The Catalina Casino is a large gathering facility located in Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, off the coast of Los Angeles in California.
5) How deep is Catalina Island?
A) The Catalina Island ocean water is 3,000 feet deeper than the mainland.
6) Is Catalina Island salt water?
A) As of now Catalina has two desalination plants that strip salt from seawater, providing up to 230,400 gallons per day—roughly 40% of the island’s drinking water
7) Can you drink water in Catalina?
A)Southern California Edison provides power, water, and gas to the island. They have a desalination system that turns ocean water into drinking water.
8) How many nights should you stay on Catalina Island?
A) Well you can stay on the island as long as you want but I’d say that two to three nights is plenty of time to stay in Catalina. It’s perfect for a weekend or long weekend getaway, and since it’s only a short boat ride away, you can always come back!
9)What is the best season on Catalina Island?
A) While the high tourist season falls between June and August when the island is lively with activities and warm weather, those looking for a more budget-friendly and serene vacation should consider visiting from September to May
10) What climate does Catalina Island have?
A) There’s a reason Catalina Island is said to have “the perfect climate.” Catalina Island boasts a year-round Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny days and cool evening breezes
11) Is Santa Catalina Island privately owned?
A) The Santa Catalina Island Company, founded by William Wrigley, owns another 11% of the island, and only a skimpy 1% of the real estate is independently owned.
12) What kind of wildlife is on Catalina Island?
A) Animals in Catalina are bats, canines, felines, crickets, birds, frogs, butterflies, rodents, salamanders, seals, sea lions, lizards, shrews, snails, snakes, swine, and ungulates. The Island Fox is one of the most common animals in Catalina.
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