Catalina Island

People have been dwelling in Santa Catalina Island for at least 7,000 years. Excavators find evidence of increasingly multifaceted material cultures with a strong marine adaptation. Being an ancient place, Catalina Island is a famous tourist destination. Just a bit far from the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is an island that looks much like California did two hundred years ago, a wasteland of oak, cactus, and sage, with isolated bay encircled by ocean with verdant kelp jungle and plentiful marine life.

While the city of Avalon is a little over 2 2/3 square miles in size, this gorgeous island of Catalina comprises 76 square miles. 85% of this place is in a conservancy area maintained in its natural state in perpetuity. Catalina Island and Avalon's policy of limiting the number of cars equates with no pollution and crystal clear water to snorkel, swim and sail in. Brutal crimes are almost absent on this tropical heaven.


On the beach young children with moms and dads, grandparents, retired folks, students, business groups and overseas tourists all flock to Catalina Island to enjoy the sand, sun and fun. It is a sociable place that respects tourism most. From the boats that arrive daily to the cruise ships that provide tender to the island, Catalina residents provide the look and feel of a Fantasy Island.

There are golf carts to rent, tours to take and enjoyment that never ends. Restaurants, shopping, museums, a golf course, horse stables, museum tours, kayaks, glass bottom boat tours and so much more await you on Catalina Island.