Catalina Island-Close to home, yet light years away from everyday life in the big city

November 4, 7:49 PMLA Getaways ExaminerLana Sandoval

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Located just 22 miles outside the bustling city streets of Los Angeles lays Santa Catalina Island, a perfect place to soften the pace and make a quick getaway. As soon as you step off the short hour long boat ride onto Avalon, which is the island’s only city, you immediately feel like you’re in a whole new world. Bicycles and golf carts easily seem to outnumber cars on the small streets of this quaint town. The unique and colorful architecture of buildings by the harbor give a warm and welcoming feel for guests. Flying fish and seals occupy the beautiful beaches during the summer months, and Bald Eagle sightings are pretty common all year round.  With all of these great features as well as 7,000 years of rich history and culture, Catalina Island definitely has a distinct personality of its own that’s worth exploring.

From kids to couples, the island has something to offer everyone. So, it’s no surprise that nearly one million tourists visit every year.

Here are some things to consider doing while visiting:

 For the Families:

Explore the city’s underside and take a tour on the Nautilus, a semi-submersible similar to a submarine that proves to be both educational and entertaining for parents and kids alike.  Open windows provide a panorama view of undersea life while a guide identifies seals, rockfish, bat rays and much more.  Forty-five minute day and night tours are available year round.                                                                                                                                                                    

Details:  Cost-     Day Tours               Night Tours

               Adult      $35.50                        $28.00

               Child      $26.75                        $21.00

               Senior     $32.00                        $25.25

            Phone-   310-510-TOUR to book

                             800-626-7489 for more  information

 For the Adventure Seekers:

Anyone for Scuba? Check out the Casino Point Marine Park located near the Catalina Island casino. Great for beginners, the area provides stair access into the under water park, which is filled with fish, giant kelp, shipwrecks, and more.

Scuba Luv offers more of a variety to divers of all skill levels ranging from first time diver to seasoned veteran. You can also decide whether you want to explore the sea on or offshore.

 Details:    
Casino Point Park website:             http://www.pacificwilderness.com/Dive%20Sites/Catalina/Casino%20Point/Casin o%20Point.htm#top

 Scuba Luv website:
http://www.scubaluv.biz/

Phone-310-510-2350 to book

 Prices vary.

For the Couples:

Take a ride on the wild side at Catalina Stables. Operating for nearly 60 years, the historic horseback riding concession offers routes traveled by Native Americans, wildlife sightings, and spectacular views of the island.  See the fun and romantic part of Catalina.

Details:
Catalina Stables Website:
 http://www.ecatalina.com/pdf/stables.pdf

Phone-310-510-0478

Cost- Ranges from $42-$82 depending on time and route

 For all to enjoy:

Don’t miss the Cape Canyon Tour. Discover the island’s outback and go off-roading in a 12 passenger Mercedes Unimog. The tour takes you up 1300 feet to the American Bald Eagle and Catalina Island Fox Habitats. You also pay a visit to the Airport in the Sky and enjoy a complimentary lunch.

Details:  Cost-

             Adults-$98.50

             Kids-$88.75

             Senior-$88.75

Phone: 310-510-TOUR to make reservations

You can also learn the culture and 7,000 years of Native American History on exhibit at the Catalina Island Museum. The museum includes 100,000 items, 10,000 photos, lecture classes, and even an insight on the celebrities that lived on the island.

Details:

Catalina Island Museum Website:
http://www.catalinamuseum.org/

 Phone: 310-510-2414

Trying to fit in time between busy work schedules, Catalina Island was the perfect place to get away and celebrate my three year anniversary. Considering we only had one full day of fun, we definitely made the most of it.

Our journey began aboard the Catalina Express. Views of the Long Beach Harbor and Queen Mary were spectacular, but if you tend to get seasick like me, make sure you either bring some Dramamine or to take a helicopter. I learned my lesson 10 minutes into the ride, but the staff was comforting, providing me with my very own brown paper bag and escorting me outside to get some fresh air, which definitely did the trick!

Once we arrived, we decided to spend the afternoon horseback riding at Catalina Stables. There were three different routes to choose from ranging in price from $42-$82.  We took the scenic route, and boy was it breathtaking! Once we reached the top of the hill, you could see the whole island; the scenery was a picture of perfection.  Our guide was also very experienced and knowledgeable, giving us some history and background of the island while we rode. We then played a quick game of miniature golf at Golf Gardens before heading off to a romantic dinner overlooking the beautiful beaches of Avalon.  The experience was unforgettable.

Additional Details: 

Catalina Express Website:
http://www.catalinaexpress.com/

  Cost: Ranges between $50.00-$70.00 round trip

 Golf Gardens Website:
http://www.balboapavilion.com/miniature_golf_catalina_island.html

Cost: Adult- $7.00

Child- $4.00 8yrs and under

Phone: 310-510-1200