From the moment you arrive at the city of Avalon, on Catalina island, 22mi (35km) off the Southern California coast, you are greeted by white sandy beaches, colorful houses built into the hillside and boats floating in clear blue waters. It’s just over a one-hour ferry ride to get here, with departures from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. Of course, there’s also the option to splurge and arrive via helicopter, private boat or private plane. The island itself is full of outdoor adventures, including kayaking and glass-bottomed boat tours. With diverse marine life, Catalina is also ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors aren’t allowed to rent cars, but it’s easy to explore Catalina by foot, bike or golf cart. Avalon is on the resort side of the island, with luxurious hotels, fine dining, a golf course and a historic art-deco theater that’s housed within the casino. However, over 88 percent of Catalina isn’t developed, and the backcountry and other harbors are ideal for camping and hiking off-grid. For more ideas on what to do, check out our Ultimate Guide to Catalina Island.
Source link : https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/the-best-islands-to-visit-off-the-california-coast
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Publish date : 2021-06-25 03:00:00
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