Catalina Island-A Little Bit of Europe in Southern California

Looking for a romantic and picturesque island close to home? You should check out Catalina Island.

Easily accessible by ferry from either Dana Point or Long Beach/San Pedro, Catalina is a world away from the bustle of San Diego or LA. One of the things this rocky island lacks, and that you are not likely to miss, is a single stop light. Cars are strictly limited and golf carts and walking are the usual modes of getting around. Catalina Island offers much in terms of outdoor activities, pretty vistas and summer fun. While it lacks gay nightlife, it has long been a place where all kinds of people, including LGBT community members go to get away from it all. It was a favorite destination of Rock Hudson in his day. Avalon is the main city on the Island and the place that the ferries dock. It a charming Mediterranean style seaport village whose main drag Crescent Avenue is easy to navigate.

There are things to do on the island, whether you are looking to be active or simply kick back and relax. Two of our favorite places to relax on the island are in a private cabana at the private Descanso Beach Club, or being pampered at the Island Spa. For those seeking to be more active, Catalina is known for a variety of water activities including boating, snuba,  and snorkeling at Lover’s cove. On land, one can hike the Trans-Catalina Trail, take an East End Adventure or Cape Canyon Expedition Hummer tour, take the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour (a relatively new addition to the Island) or tour the Wrigley Memorial Botanic Gardens. After all that activity you will likely have an appetite and may want to check out the many good restaurants Catalina has to offer. Our contacts tell us that Steve’s Steakhouse (try for a window seat) and Buffalo Nickel (with a varied menu including Mexican dishes, seafood, meats and even pizza) are two restaurants worth checking out.

Our other favorite Catalina attractions include the Inn on Mount Ada and the Avalon Theatre. This impressive mansion that now is the hotel called Inn on Mount Ada, was once the private home of the chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley, Jr. It offers amazing views and its restaurant now serves lunch (by reservation only). The Avalon Theatre and the connected Casino Ballroom and Catalina Island Museum and Art Gallery offer a view of the glamorous past  both of the Island and of the Theatre which hosted such big-band musicians as Jimmy Dorsey. Check out its impressive Art Deco murals.

Thank you to Marjorie F. for her insights and contributions to this article.