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Daycations: A Tale of Two Cities – Catalina Island, California
By Aly Wagonseller
There’s nothing quite like an island vacation. Sandy beaches, tranquil breezes and the majestic expanse of ocean blue summons us to relax and exhale the troubles of daily life. Living in the desert, we often think that getting our island fix requires at least a week’s vacation time, not to mention a bankroll of Franklins to fund the pricey necessities of airfare, lodging and car rental. But an easy four hour road trip on the I-15, coupled with a scenic one hour boat ride off the Pacific waters of Long Beach, lands us a doable weekend island retreat with amenities, scenery and attractions that rival those of other popular tropical destinations. Catalina Island, California delivers all that an island resort has to offer, with the added charm of small town local flair.
Take a Walk on the Tourist Side
Upon disembarking the Catalina Express Ferry into the island’s main city port of Avalon, you’ll find yourself on Pebbly Beach Road, where the familiar bustle of tour guide junkets and golf cart rentals (the main mode of transportation on the island) beckon. Here you’ll find information on dolphin and sea lion excursions, parasailing, island jeep tours, snuba, scuba and snorkeling adventures, glass bottom boat and submarine rides, and even a Taste of Catalina food tour. Zipline excursions and a rock climbing wall satisfy the need for adrenaline, while a tour of the Catalina Casino (put your chips away, there’s no gambling here) provides insight into days gone by, when big band icons such as Tommy Dorsey and Guy Lombardo played for local dancers.
Soon you’ll be meandering onto Crescent Avenue, the main drag of restaurants, retail shops and theme bars. Undergoing a transformation of sorts due to revitalization efforts by the Santa Catalina Island Company, you’ll see an eclectic mix of genres, from the upscale wine bar and polished facades of the newer Pavilion Hotel or Bluewater Grill, to rustic island mainstays like Steve’s Steakhouse, Luau Larry’s and the Catalina Cantina. If you’re lucky enough to sip a cocktail at one of the Cantina counter seats facing the beach, you’re sure to spy visitors donning identical wicker hats, a sign that one of Larry’s Wiki Whacker drink specials has just been consumed. It’s all part of the Catalina boardwalk charm! Across the way on Catalina and Crescent sits the town’s iconic Green Pleasure Pier, where a trip to Eric’s on the Pier is a must. Having served locals and tourists since the 1930s, Eric’s hotdog-atop-a-hamburger concoction known as the Harvey Burger is a Catalina institution. Fishing is a favorite pastime on the Pleasure Pier with bait and pole rentals available, while a visit to the Chamber of Commerce office across from Eric’s can help you garner info on island history and points of interest.
Strap on your sandals, then head past the Casino and around the mountainous bend to the Descanso Beach Club. Recently updated to reflect modern resort island standards, Descanso houses exclusive cabana and chaise lounges in a secluded beach setting that rocks the day away with music, food and cocktails. In the midst of a walk up bar with beachside seating, there’s wireless Internet service for those who refuse to disconnect, and paddleboard and kayak rentals for those who wouldn’t have it any other way. Regardless of where you choose to hang out, drink and eat in town, almost everything in Avalon is mom and pop (not a Bubba Gump’s in sight) – a detail that adds appeal and authenticity to what this island community is all about.
Choosing the Path Less Traveled
While there are tons of mainstream things to do on the island, venturing off the beaten path might be more your cup of tea. If so, there are a host of local purveyors willing to help you experience the Catalina they intimately respect and love. The Catalina Island Conservancy protects 90 percent of the island’s land and is your best opportunity for viewing the interior wild and plant life and discovering history associated with Catalina’s past. Offering eco jeep tours from two hours to all day, their experienced guides drive you through the back roads behind the glitter of Avalon. You’ll see majestic bison and bald eagles in the wild, learning how they got there and what’s been done to help them survive and flourish. Drive along steep mountain roads originally built for stagecoach use by the then sole owner of the island, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, as you garner folklore associated with the wealthy family and the development of the area and see modern day horse ranches and vineyards still owned by the Wrigley family. View lookout towers used during World War II, then make time for a stop at the “Airport in the Sky,” Catalina’s working airport and restaurant where celebrities who frequently visit the island can be seen eating lunch when they arrive. Visit www.catalinaconservancy.org for reservations.
If it’s a secluded beach outing you’re looking for, check out the Ultimate Beach Adventure offered by Catalina Coastal Tours (www.catalinacoastaltours.com). For only $115.00 half-day rate or $150.00 full, you’ll enjoy a scenic boat trip to the expansive, sandy beaches of White’s Landing, a sheltered spot up the coastline from Avalon. A rustic camp with a mess hall facility, bathrooms and showers, you can hike up Crow’s Nest for scenic views of the bay, paddleboard in the protected cove, or snorkel and kayak around the shoreline. You can also enjoy a lunch or dinner that’s filling and plentiful without being too fancy. For the same price as a crowded boating tour, you get a bargain private beach outing with time away from the crowds.
Staying on the island presents diverse choices, from upscale hotels and condos to home and cottage rentals. The Old Turner Inn offers a perfect bed and breakfast experience hosted by local owners with centuries-old ties to the island. A lovely, historic home that’s exceptionally clean and comfortable, the inn’s rich island history is conveyed in photos of family and celebrity friends such as June Lockhart and also by the proprietor’s ninety-six year old father, who often visits during wine and cheese hour to tell stories of Catalina folklore. They know everything there is to know about dining, excursions and the best massage therapists in town, and are willing to go the extra mile to make your stay exceptional. Be sure to try Kathleen’s homemade Catalina Granola, and remember to come hungry for their delicious breakfast. Visit www.oldturnerinn.com for reservations.
An enchanting island getaway doesn’t have to eat up valuable vacation time. Whether it’s a romantic escape with your spouse or family fun time on short notice, Catalina Island is the perfect destination to set your mind on island time.
One of a Kind – C.C. Gallagher’s
A stand out on Catalina’s Crescent Avenue, C.C. Gallagher’s Café is an eclectic eatery, wine and coffee bar with a twist. Owner Pamela Miller, who grew up on Catalina then travelled the world only to return to her beloved island, brings a special artistic flair to Gallagher’s. Serving fusion sushi, rustic grilled cheese, Panini sandwiches and focaccia pizzas made with gourmet artisanal ingredients, the café is also well known for their selection of decadent desserts and gelato. A coffee house by day, and a wine, Champagne and craft beer tasting room by night, C.C. Gallagher’s surrounds visitors with a tasteful selection of handmade jewelry, artwork and home furnishings all available for purchase. A wine and Champagne vault rounds out the space, making C.C. Gallagher’s a must visit spot on the island.
