#3 Catalina Island: Top 10 California Adventures

 Catalina Island, Channel Islands (Offshore Los Angeles)

          "Wastin' away again in Margaritaville"

      Located 26 miles on the ocean from Long Beach, Catalina Island is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Step off the boat and you are on island time. Parts of Catalina feel like a Jimmy Buffett song and others offer the best adventures in Southern California. Catalina is a SCUBA mecca- massive kelp forests treat the diver to an unspoiled underwater ecosystem. One could spend decades diving its coasts and never get bored. In fact, I have friends who have been consistently diving Catalina upwards of 15 years. Its not all about the diving though, topside adventures are limitless. A well maintained network of trails makes the island one of my personal favorite mountain biking destinations. You can also explore the rugged coastline by kayak or canoe and chances are, you'll find yourself on your own private beach. Last but not least, Two Harbors has the greatest bar on earth AND its the only place in California where you can legally drink your own alcohol on the beach. Nuff said'



Mountain Biking on Catalina's West End

      Catalina can be reached from Dana Point, Long Beach, San Pedro, and Marina Del Rey. The Catalina Flyer and Marina Del Rey flyer offer round trip tickets for about $65. This may sound a little pricey, but it is worth it to get out on the island. My recommendation is to go into Two Harbors for a more rugged and adventurous time. Avalon, the most cosmopolitan place on the island, but its really just a glorified tourist trap to me. If you really want to get out there, backpack out to Parson's Beach 7 miles away from Two Harbors. Just want a nice place to camp? A bus service on the island can drop you off at Little Harbor Campground from Two Harbors.  Little Harbor is a pleasant cove on the sea side of the island with great surfing and hiking.

Welcome to Catalina Island, please adjust your watch to "Island Time"