"An Island. Near Los Angeles. " a Santa Catalina Island Travel Page by gilescorey

Actually, Catalina Island is a fascinating outpost to Southern California; sitting just twenty six miles from the port of Long Beach. The Island has a unique history, having been the domain of the Wrigley Empire, spring training camp for the Chicago Cubs, WWII Defense Site, and continuous vacation getaway, all wrapped up in one.

The tiny village of Avalon is the only town on the island, as most of the land is a nature preserve. In fact, Catalina is the southern terminus of The Channel Islands; often referred to as "Galapagos North". This submerged mountain range has unique species and ecosystems not found on the mainland, and Catalina attracts as many adventure trekkers as it does martini toting socialites.

So, do yourself a favor and pass a night or two on Catalina. Only, if you travel on a summer weekend, you might think you fell into a Bel Air mixer; and that's never a good thing. Is it?