Santa Catalina Island
Island · Los Angeles County ·
Island paradise for diving, wildlife, and relaxation.
Information
California 90704 Get directions
Island paradise for diving, wildlife, and relaxation.
California 90704 Get directions
"If you crave Mediterranean-like weather, Santa Catalina’s balmy 50–70°F climate pairs verdant hills, craggy canyons, rugged cliffs, and white-sand beaches—Avalon is the island’s resort hub and worth a stop for its historic Art Deco architecture and seaside vibe." - Caitlin Morton
"Named the best place to scuba dive in the United States by PADI, this island is prized for its towering kelp forests (reaching about 100 feet), protected marine areas, and spectacular wreck dives. Divers commonly encounter a wide variety of wildlife — from giant sea bass (notably large and critically endangered) and the bright orange garibaldi to horn sharks, sea urchins, spiny lobsters, sea cucumbers, seals, and elusive moray eels — and underwater visibility and behavior are aided by the area's conservation protections. The locale was popularized by Jacques Cousteau, who is commemorated with a plaque 40 feet below the surface, and visitors can join organized cleanups that contribute data to global conservation efforts." - Acacia Gabriel
"A passing glance at this property’s photos might suggest somewhere in the Mediterranean, yet this striking, whitewashed cliffside condo is actually 22 miles off the Southern California coast. The arched walkways and Spanish tile are evocative enough, but it’s the glorious vistas overlooking Catalina’s azure coastline that could double for the Amalfi Coast." - Meredith Carey,Garrick Ramirez
"Visible from Los Angeles on a clear day, Catalina Island feels both historic and relentlessly inviting: I think of its deep history stretching back more than 8,000 years with Tongva habitation and then through visits by Spanish and Portuguese sailors and even ties to the Civil War, while its subtropical climate (more than 260 sunny days a year) makes it an idyllic weekend getaway for sipping mai tais, eating fish tacos, renting golf carts, hiking the island’s length, or backpacking to remote campsites; the Wrigley family’s conservancy stewardship and the Catalina Island Company’s ongoing hospitality projects shape much of the visitor experience, Avalon serves as the primary walkable harbor town, and Two Harbors functions as a smaller seasonal stop for campers and boaters, all combining to draw about a million tourists annually." - Farley Elliott
"Planned for 2021 on Catalina Island, this tented resort will follow the company's safari-inspired lodging model, offering family-size tents with king beds and wood-burning stoves plus amenities such as daily housekeeping, hot water, and low-flow flushing toilets. Like the other new California locations, it aims to deliver an authentic outdoor experience with a smaller environmental footprint than comparable hotels and a push toward eliminating plastics and achieving zero waste." - Katherine LaGrave