Do you want to escape to the islands without ever leaving Southern California? Come with me to Santa Catalina Island, the second largest of the channel islands and only 22 miles from Southern California's coast. Hop aboard the Catalina Island Ferry and enjoy the quick hourlong ride out of San Pedro, Long Beach or Dana Point aboard the Catalina Express — the largest and most comfortable way to travel.
The boat make a killer bloody Mary and there are flat screen televisions in every cabin.
All three boats go to Avalon, the main tourist destination.
If you want to reach the rugged and beautiful west side of the island, known as Two Harbors, you'll have to depart from San Pedro, or take the guided bus tour out of Avalon.
Ferries are also available on the Marina del Rey Flyer out of Marina del Rey, and the Catalina Flyer out of Newport Beach.
If money is no object, folks like Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford fly into the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy's Airport in the Sky, located 1,602 feet above sea level.
While you're there, grab a bite at the Runway Cafe, or check out the island's nature center and cactus center.
All of the ferries disembark in Avalon Harbor along Pebbly Beach Road, just steps from the best Catalina hotels and attractions.
Once you're in Avalon, head down the Boardwalk and enjoy the many quaint tile shops and restaurants. Or head out onto the Green Pleasure Pier where you can catch an Undersea Tour through the kelp forest or grab a seal rocks cruise or flying fish boat trip.
A must see in Avalon is the iconic Catalina Casino, A Moorish style structure built in 1929 by baseball and chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. The family still owns much of the island. Here you can enjoy the ornate Art Dec tile murals, then head inside to the beautiful theater where the original Page pipe organ will serenade you to a Buster Keaton film.
Next, head upstairs to the majestic ballroom where Big Band was once King. Today it's home to smooth jazz concerts and grand military balls. If you're in the mood to watch a new flick, the theater also plays new releases every weekend.
Overlooking the bluff in Avalon you'll notice a white cottage with a green and orange turret known as the Holly Hill House. Built in 1890, it's the third oldest home in Catalina.
Ready to see more of the island? Book the half-day, 28-mile long Inland Motor Tour through Discovery Tours. Next, hop aboard a 1953 flexible bus for a glimpse of Catalina's back country. A steep and winding old road that takes you through Middle Ranch past Eagle's Nest lodge, one of the West's oldest surviving stagecoach stops.
More than 80 acres of Catalina Island are virtually untouched, thanks to the Wrigley Family and the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy. Here, you'll also see roaming bison descneded from a herd brought here in 1924 to film Zane Grey's Western, the Vanishing American.
One of the Interior's greatest attractions is El Rancho Escondido, meaning the Hidden Ranch, where the Wrigley family raised Arabian horses. Today you can spend about 45 minutes walking through the ranch, where you can enjoy an Arabian horse demonstration, check out the stables, watch a short film on the ranch's history, or admire the displays of Bowlin saddles, carriages and family memorabilia in the museum.
For a quiet evening out, head to the Catalina Country Club for a gourmet dinner. The honey smoked salmon blinis served with creme fraiche were the best i've tried.
The West side of the island is rugged and virtually untouched, much like California's mainland looked hundreds of years ago. The quieter, laid-back town of Two Harbors is home to a few campgrounds, or you can stay at the turn of the century Banning House Lodge, an 11-room bed and breakfast overlooking the harbor.
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