Only a Boat Ride Away
Santa Catalina Island Offers Wealth of Activities for Couples & Families
The Signal - Business Section, March, 2006
Just 26 miles across the sea, Santa Catalina Island is still the place for a fun weekend getaway. This vintage beach community has preserved its charm and 50s feel, while managing to move gracefully into the new century by offering upgraded amenities and services to travelers.
Golf, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, bicycling, hiking, fishing, shopping, dining and just relaxing are what draw visitors to this unique treasure off the Los Angeles coast by the ferry boat-full. Still home to the famed Art Deco Casino, now used for events like New Year’s Eve celebrations, dance competitions and the popular Catalina Island jazz Festival, the town of Avalon is alive with things to do and see.
Boasting waterfront boutiques, restaurants, spa services, quaint hotels and a strip of beach for sun bathers, Catalina is a fun family day adventure or a romantic overnight stay. A popular destination for sail boat enthusiasts, getting to Avalon is half of the fun. Ferry service is now accessible from several convenient locations, including Marina del Rey, San Pedro and Long Beach. Departure times and scheduling varies by the boat company, and reservations are required. Charter service is also available.
For special events, Catalina is a historic and romantic backdrop for a proposal, wedding, anniversary celebration or birthday party. The landmark Catalina Visitors Country Club and the Descanso Beach Club are idyllic locations for any event. The 12-story Catalina Casino is also available for occasions. Recently renovated to its original romantic style, the Casino features a lavish grand ballroom with a stage, dance floor and vintage full-service bar. The Casino also holds a movie theater offering visitors first-run movies nightly. Catering services are offered at each of these properties.
Also worth noting are the guided tours of the island, including the Wrigley Mansion and views of the natural, uninhabited side. Go on safari to the rugged interior of the island in search of the Catalina Island Buffalo. Explore canyons and visit the native plant nursery and Bald Eagle Sanctuary to learn about preservation efforts and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
When was the last time you went over to Catalina to indulge in a massage, dive in the crystal blue waters off the coast of Avalon, hike the trails to remarkable vistas, or just to spend time walking around the downtown main street? While not much has changed over the years, this historic treasure has been carefully preserved and enhanced to maintain its charm and appeal.
So close, but how often we forget about the hidden gems in our own backyard. For a day, a weekend or a summer home rental, Santa Catalina Island is an island oasis just waiting to be explored. And it’s only a 26-mile boat ride away.
For more information
contact Nicole Stinson, Public Relations
(310) 312-3368
