Catalina Island: Six Degrees of Separation from Hollywood

Catalina Island, Hollywood's playground.

It stands to reason that Catalina Island would have seen a lot of Hollywood history.  Catalina Island is within easy traveling distance from Los Angeles after all.  It’s even part of Los Angeles County.  But before we toured the Catalina Island Museum I had no idea how much Hollywood history had touched Catalina Island.

Hotel Review: Catalina Island’s Pavilion Hotel

The Pavilion Hotel's tropical oasis.

Catalina Island’s accommodations come in all shapes and sizes, including luxury hotels, charming B&Bs, affordable inns, and private vacation rentals.  Since Avalon is only one square mile, space is at a premium, as is the view.  There are no huge hotel chains with buildings soaring into the sky.  Most of Catalina’s hotels are boutique hotels with coziness and charm.  For our two-night stay on the island, we enjoyed the luxury accommodations of the recently re-designed Pavilion Hotel.

Travel the World's Itinerary for an Active Catalina Island Getaway

Catalina Island is a great weekend or mid-week getaway.  Romeo and I joked while we were there that Catalina Island is Hawaii-lite; many benefits of an island getaway, but easy to visit for just a couple days.  Catalina Island appeals to many types of travelers.  Want to lie in the sand, soak up the sun, and have a cocktail or two?  You can do that on Catalina Island. Would you rather learn about Catalina’s history?   You can do that too.  But what some don’t realize is Catalina Island is the perfect destination for active travelers.  During our recent trip to Catalina Island we took the active route and were never at a loss for things to do.  I have created this sample itinerary based on our trip to help you get the most out of Catalina Island's adventure activities on your next trip.  When possible, book ahead, including transportation on the ferry, as tickets and tours can sell out.

Exploring Catalina Island’s Deep Blue Sea

Taking in the views of Avalon while preparing for our Catalina ocean activities.

Perhaps the most iconic Catalina Island activity is the Glass Bottom Boat.  There’s even a song and a movie bearing the name.  Travelers to Catalina Island can still take a ride on the tide with the Glass Bottom Boat, but there are a number of additional water activities in which visitors can partake to enjoy Catalina’s deep blue sea and view Catalina’s sea life as well.

Catalina Beyond Avalon: Touring Catalina Island’s Interior

One of Santa Catalina Island's bison.

California has an island, and its name is Santa Catalina.  Santa Catalina Island is actually part of the chain of California’s eight Channel Islands, but it is the only one that is a tourist destination.  Visitors to Santa Catalina Island can either come for the day, leaving from one of Southern California’s ports by ferry in the morning and returning in the late afternoon, or they can enjoy Catalina for a few days, staying in one of Catalina’s hotels steps away from the water. 

Both Romeo and I have lived in Southern California our entire lives, yet somehow neither of us had ever visited California’s island playground.  Some complain there is not much to do in Catalina, as the town of Avalon is only one square mile.  But I am here to tell you the Catalina we discovered has plenty of activities for thrill-seeking travelers.

Santa Catalina Island is 21 miles long and eight miles across at the widest point.  88% of the land is protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy and available for exploration.  There are quite a few inland activities from which to choose, and we got to experience two.