Catalina Island Travel

Catalina Island Travel

Catalina Island Overview

Catalina Island is near the southern end of the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. It's technically in Los Angeles County and is a popular day trip and vacation destination for locals and tourists. Many people mistakenly believe that Catalina is a tropical island but the island has a subtropical climate. The summer months, April to October, is the best time to visit the island to avoid the high winds.

Catalina Island Main Attractions

Catalina's climate and steep canyons have much to do with the vegetation characteristic to the Island. Though the plant life is similar to the mainland, its resident species are slightly different. Some plant life that thrives on the Island today existed on the mainland 20,000 years ago, but as the mainland became drier many of those plants died out. Of approximately 600 species of plants on Catalina, 396 are native trees.

Catalina is rich in diverse wildlife that sometime tends to exceed the number of the whole population in the island. The introduction of mule deer to the island in 1930 provides a periodical deer hunts to keep their population down. There are also goats in the hills of Catalina that line a network of narrow paths. Wild boar, red fox and sea lions can also be sited in Catalina.

Catalina Island Activities

Catalina is a haven for scuba divers in Los Angeles area. The main SCUBA diving site from Avalon is Casino Point, right next to the Casino building. Concrete steps have been created, so divers and snorkelers can step down a few steps and enter the water. Since Casino Point is north-pointing dive site, it is mostly protected from the heavy surf and waves most of the year. Casino Point is a protected area and nothing can be removed from the area. There is a air refill station as well as tank/weights rental right next to the entry point. Common sightings are garibaldi, bat rays, octopus, giant black sea bass, kelp bass, lobsters and horn sharks.

Catalina Island Accommodation & Dining

Catalina Island has full-service resorts making good choices for travellers seeking for comfort, ambience and value. Catalina is a convenient escape from the bustle of life on the mainland. There are also self-owned accommodations you can avail all throughout the strip of the island. Dining is a delight in Catalina Island. More than 30 restaurants offer a bill of fare from family-friendly to formal. From casual quick eats and picnic fare, to tastefully delectable restaurants, to a sweat treat ñ eat to your heart's content. Cuisines served in many restaurants include Mexican, Continental, Italian, and New American to contemporary cooking.

Catalina Island Shopping & Nightlife

Nightlife in Catalina simply means entertainment. Clubs and over nightclubs have dance floors, pool tables completed disc jockeys, live bands and shows for all ages. Every bars and clubs have a festive ambience that will sure to convince you to have a happy evening. Nestled around the waterfront, you will find tiles unique to Catalina, salt water taffy or a beautiful piece of jewellery.