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One Day on Santa Catalina Island California
It is difficult to determine how to best use 24 hours on Santa Catalina Island, there are so many fun things to see, do, and eat. Catalina Island was popular with Old Hollywood. William Wrigley purchased control of the island in 1919 and the Chicago Cubs called it home for spring training from 1921-1951. Marilyn Monroe once lived here and Natalie Wood’s mysterious death occurred here. Catalina was once a popular filming location. Over 300 motion pictures have been filmed on the island, including Jaws. Fun fact, 14 bison were brought to the island for a film in 1924. They were left behind by the crew and there are now around 150 freely roaming. This day trip itinerary is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions, including, Avalon, Wrigley Mansion, a golf cart skyline tour, Catalina’s Casino, Descanso Beach Club, and more. A day trip to Santa Catalina Island is not complete without having Catalina’s signature cocktail Buffalo Milk at Luau Larry’s. Here is how to see the best of Catalina Island in one day. Enjoy your time out of the office!
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Day Trip to Santa Catalina Island
Getting to Santa Catalina Island
A day trip to Santa Catalina Island involves a simple one-hour ferry ride from Los Angeles traveling 22 miles across the San Pedro Channel to the resort town of Avalon. Catalina is a small island, it is only 22 miles long and 8 miles wide with a population of 4,100. Avalon is set on a seaside cliff full of colorful homes with a harbor of anchored boats below. Its clear blue water is full of colorful fish, dolphins, seals, and leopard sharks. The climate is sunny and 75° with a laid-back beach vibe. Avalon is known for its mosaic tiles, watch for them as you wander the town. There are few cars in Avalon but no worries, the town is only one square mile.
Things to Do on Santa Catalina Island
Take the skyline tour or rent a golf cart for a two-hour DIY ride around the island. The rental comes with a map and incredible views. Be sure to stop at Buena Vista Point for a photo of Avalon and the harbor. Enjoy a 1922 three-course lunch at the Mansion on the Hill; the Inn at Mount Ida was once William Wrigley’s home and the patio has great views of the island. Then, hop on the trolley to Wrigley Garden and Memorial. Ada Wrigley’s garden is now 37 acres of extremely rare plants. Take the path leading to some amazing views of the ocean before walking back down the hill. Consider stopping for a game of mini-golf along the way.
Walk along the harbor to Catalina’s Casino (this is a gathering place, not a gambling hall). Step back in time with a tour of the ballroom, theater, and museum; imagine Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire gliding across the ballroom floor. Continue walking along the water to the Descanso Beach Club’s secluded cove. Rent a chair and lie in the sun or have lunch seaside and sip on one of their signature cocktails.
Check out the shops along Crescent Ave for souvenirs. Be sure to stop at Lloyd’s to watch the saltwater taffy being pulled. Walk across the street for lunch at Eric’s on the Pier, and try the mango daiquiri. Then, walk to the end of the pier and purchase a cup of fish to feed the seals, and watch them play in the water below you.
Catalina is well known for its kelp forest. Scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking are all popular activities. Not prepared to get wet? No problem, go on a dolphin-watching cruise, take a glass-bottom boat, or semi-submersible tour. Adrenaline junkies can go zip-lining across Catalina’s canyons or off-roading in search of bison.
Consider spending the night and taking the Cyclone shuttle over to Two Harbors. Spend the afternoon lounging next to the water at Harbor Sands or rent a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or mountain bike.
Be sure to check the Santa Catalina Island California Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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