"Santa Catalina Island" Top 5 Page for this destination Santa Catalina Island by annk

Santa Catalina Island Travel Guide: 208 reviews and 462 photos

The Harbor & Casino, Avalon

This island is considered to be one of the leading resorts in the Los Angeles area. It's located 22 miles from the mainland and is 21 miles long and 8 miles wide. Avalon is the principal town and can get quite crowded especially during the summer and weekends. There always seems to be something going on during the weekends. The day we visited there was a jazz festival and music could be heard everywhere. It was very relaxing sipping on a beer overlooking the harbor and boats.

Avalon Harbor

Photo taken from the Ferry Terminal. The harbor and casino are always a popular photo spot. The City of Avalon sits above the harbor and is a short easy walk from one end to the other.

Homes with a view

All the homes pictured have a views of the harbor and a lot of steep stairs to climb.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Close to Los Angeles, picturesque, great for boating, diving, kayaking
Cons:Can be touristy and crowded especially in the summer
In a nutshell:A beautiful and relaxing get-a-way

Last visit to Santa Catalina Island: Oct 2003
Intro Updated Oct 19, 2003
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Reviews (15)

You might see the real thing...... - Santa Catalina Island

You might see the real thing...... Favorites (7)

It's possible to see buffalo herds if you take the Inland Motor Tour (32 miles) or Skyline Drive (10 miles) into the... more travel advice

Discovery Tours Things to Do (3)

A variety of tours are available. Tickets can be purchased at the mainland boat terminals, Avalon Ferry Terminal and 4... more travel advice

A busy Harbor on a sunny day Favorites (7)

A popular destination for boaters from the mainland. There are moorings out in the harbor and a boaters taxi service... more travel advice

Underwater Scene - Santa Catalina Island

Underwater Scene Favorites (7)

Along walkway walls leading to the casino are beautiful tiles depicting scenery and wildlife of and around Catalina... more travel advice

Transportation (4)
See All You will pass the Queen Mary

Sports & Outdoors (1)
Scuba diving

Travelogues (1)

Written Oct 27, 2002

7 photos

Undersea Tour

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Comments (15)

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Stephen-KarenConn Oct 21, 2004 at 6:59 PM

When I was a teenager there was a popular song about Santa Catalina, I think by the Kingston Trio. Whoever sang it, the song is going through my head right now. Some day we've gotta get there.
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dshinkle Aug 20, 2004 at 11:04 AM

Very beautiful!
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sim1 Feb 21, 2004 at 3:51 AM

Great page Ann! I never would expect to see buffalo here!
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Geoff_Wright Jan 29, 2004 at 9:59 AM

Looks an attractive place. Didn't know the Queen Mary was parked there, LOL. Liket the Buffalo. Great steaks! Haha
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mtncorg Nov 24, 2003 at 11:20 AM

HEre's the buffs :-) Actually, you can see walk through them when you go camp up island by the Isthmus. You tend to walk very quietly when going through a herd :-/
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keeweechic Jul 14, 2003 at 11:32 AM

I did one of those glass bottom boat tours... really fascinating view. Great photos. Gosh I wouldn't have thought of seeing buffalo there. Sounds a great day trip - great info on the tours.
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b1bob Apr 19, 2003 at 6:56 AM

Nice job!
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jenn_d Mar 25, 2003 at 9:02 PM

Always a great getaway, even as a day trip. I never knew about the Cubs connection. Terrific page Ann.
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dabuwan Feb 16, 2003 at 1:48 PM

Excellent page with lots of useful, accurate tips. Next time in California I'll try to visit the island.
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truus_s Feb 8, 2003 at 10:23 AM

Great page!!one day i will visit California!!