Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Catalina Island
Mediterranean-flavored Catalina Island is a popular getaway for harried Angelenos, but
sinks under the weight of day-trippers in summer. Stay overnight, though, and feel the am-
bience go from frantic to romantic.
It's a nice stroll along the Avalon waterfront to the 1929 art-deco
Casino
(
ceiling and a fabulous upstairs ballroom; the last can only be seen on guided one-hour
tours ($23). There's good snorkeling at
Lovers' Cove
and at
Casino Point Marine Park
,
a marine reserve that's also the best shore dive.
Descanso Beach Ocean Sports
(
www.kayakcatalinaisland.com
; kayak rentals per hr/day from $22/52, SUP rentals per hr/day $24/
60)
rents snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboard kits and kayaks.
About 1.5 miles inland from Avalon harbor is the peaceful
Wrigley Memorial &
Botanical Gardens
( 310-510-2595; 1400 Avalon Canyon Rd; adult/senior/child $7/5/free;
8am-5pm)
, where you'll enjoy sweeping garden views from a monument awash in colorful
local tile.
To get into the protected backcountry, hop on the
Safari Bus
( 310-510-2800; tickets
$10-32; mid-Jun-early Sep)
, which goes all the way to Two Harbors. You must book in ad-
vance and get a permit (and maps) from the
Catalina Conservancy
( 310-510-2595;
www.catalinaconservancy.org
; 125 Claressa Ave, Avalon; biking/hiking $35/free)
if you're going to
be hiking or mountain biking.
Cove; per trip $99-129)
to glimpse local shipwrecks and kelp forests. It rents snorkel gear
dive trips $100-140)
accesses pristine dive sites off the island's less-developed coast.
In Avalon nest at the laid-back
Pavilion Hotel
( 877-778-8322;
www.visitcatalinaisland.com/hotels-packages/avalon/pavilion-hotel
; 513 Crescent Ave; r from $185)
from $175)
. In Two Harbors, it's all about the
Banning House Lodge
( 877-778-8322;
Rd; r from $129)
, a 1910 California Craftsman classic. For camping information, see
