Santa Catalina Island Favorites

Favorite thing: If I had to do it again, which I will, I would stay overnight on this island as opposed to going back to the hotel on the mainland. There is a lot to see and do for nature lovers of both land and sea. From the airport go here first and stay maybe 2 days then go to the mainland.

For those of you who do not heed my advice please note that there are more sailings to the island on Saturdays and Sundays from and to Long Beach. You want to arrive very early in order to take advantage most of the tours and other activities that are there. Please note that the earliest boat from the mainland to the island my not reach on time for you to make your trip.

Favorite thing: In Avalon there are plenty of places to stay. It's been awhile since I was there so Google "Catalina Island" for hotels. There is everything from B&B's to small hotels or you might be able to find a time share here if you look. Price ranges very and outside of the holidays they won't break the bank. If you stay at the Isthmus I think there is one hotel there and a few campgounds with showers and bathrooms

Fondest memory: Going to Catilina on my buddy Rick's 24' Searay ( a motor boat)and having to spend the night since the fuel dock closed 30 min prior to us getting there. We got drunk at a Pizza joint and sang karaoke (Gilligan's Island theme song of course). Girls in the bar thought we were gay...my buddy ended up sleeping with one and woke up the next morning to this fuggly creature wishing he was gay. Oh and I almost got thrown out of a bar by a S"he"la bartender for wrapping on her bar while she was bs'ing some cretin......hey, I had empty beer glass in front of me..

Favorite thing: There is a lot to see on the island, and the day goes by very fast. If you are in good physical shape, and you intend to go snorkeling, boating, or parasailing, I would suggest you stay on Avalon for the entire day. I would recommend getting to the island by 10am, and don't leave until 9pm in the summer months. You'll be tired when you get home, but you'll be able to see everything. If you leave at 5pm, you wont be able to see everything, and you'll feel rushed. Also, Avalon is very pretty at night, so try to stay at least until the sun goes down.

Favorite thing: The Wrigley family has been raising champion Arabian horses on Catalina Island for decades. To see these horses just go down Avalon Canyon Road (the only road going deep into the canyon to the Botanical Garden). A couple of miles before you reach the Botanical Garden at the end of the road you'll see Catalina Staple, as shown in photo. To see the real good ones, join the "Inland Safari" tours to visit El Rancho Escondido and see the horse show put out by the trainers from the Wrigley family.

Favorite thing: If you are planning to stay the entire day, which is what I would recommend, dress comfortably. Good walking shoes are a must. If you plan to snorkel, bring a clean, dry change of clothes, and even some shampoo. There are public showers you can use in Avalon. Don't forget to bring a hat and sunblock, very important during the summer months. Check out my packing tip for Avalon.

Favorite thing: To learn the history and the places to visit on the island, you should visit the museum in the Casino. It was founded in 1953 and exhibits the unique cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island. There are Native American artifiacts beside a collection of the local tile and pottery. They have photos of the island from the 1880's and a reseach library with over 10,000 photographs, postcards, books and maps.

The entrance fee is $10.

Favorite thing: Catalina is not the Riviera, but it's a great weekend trip with enough to keep you busy with water sports and a couple of historical places to visit. Everytime I've been there the weather is much better than the California coast. No smog, few cars, and if you don't go in the middle of the summer, less congestion. The Wrigley family of Wrigley chewing gum dynasty, did much to preserve the ecology on the island and this can be appreciated by visiting the Memorial Garden.

The indigenous clay has played a large part in making the tile and pottery an art form distinctive to the Island. Catalina tile is much sought after for adorning homes and has over time has become a collector's item. You can see the pottery and tiles in the gift shops and in the art deco interior of the Casino.

Fondest memory: The Casino has always fascinated me. It's a beautiful building and the art deco interior is outstanding. It must have been great fun during the 30's and 40's watching the hundreds of people dancing the Charleston or jitterbug. Don't miss the tour when you're there.

Favorite thing: Surprisingly the water in Avalon beach is relatively clean. However there's not much water activities here. The beach is full of people, and the water is full of mooring boats. But it's a great place to people-watch.