Misc

Catalina’s airport was built near a historic soapstone quarry Catalina Island has been inhabited for thousands of years. Long before the first Europeans crossed the Atlantic, Pimu, as it was known, hosted generations of islanders, who created an Island based lifestyle and culture. The island...

Removing non-native plants is a key element in preserving the island’s native ecology Catalina Island is home to an array of species found nowhere else on earth. Island ecosystems foster isolation, which in turn fosters specialization. Catalina Island Mahogany, St. Catherine’s Lace and Santa Catalina...

Catalina’s reputation as the Island of Romance was cemented by the Four Preps’ hit song Santa Catalina Island has inspired artists and musicians for generations. The Channel Island’s natural beauty and serenity as well as the fact that it’s, well, an island seems to motivate...

Golf carts are a common choice for Catalina transportation One of the first things that visitors to Catalina Island notice is the prevalence of golf carts. Normally seen only on the links, these petite vehicles serve as primary transportation in Avalon, with families and individuals...

Catalina Island’s natural beauty and proximity to Southern California have long made it a popular getaway for gay and lesbian travelers. With dramatic natural beauty, extreme sports and one-of-a-kind environmental wonders, the island appeals to a diverse array of travelers and Avalon’s Mediterranean atmosphere, quaint...

The Catalina Casino will host the Silent Film Benefit on May 16. One of Catalina Island’s most enduring events has been enjoying renewed popularity. The Catalina Island Museum’s annual Silent Film Benefit combines the power of a live orchestra with the nostalgia of silent films...

Photo courtesy Catalina Island Conservancy Each February for more than three decades, hundreds of scuba divers plunge beneath the surface of Avalon Harbor to collect trash, debris – and a few treasures. The Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup is the only time of the year that...

The Catalina Art Gallery recently opened. Surrounded by the sea and the blessed by an abundance of natural beauty, Santa Catalina Island has been a muse for artists for thousands of years. Native islanders carved totems, plein air artists captured natural vistas and photographers pushed...

Hiking is just one of many ways to stay in shape on the island Staying in shape while on vacation can sometimes be a challenge. New restaurants invite culinary indulgence, signature cocktails tempt with extra calories and comfortable accommodations welcome sleeping in rather than getting...

Catalina’s terrain challenges runners Catalina Island has become a world-class destination for long-distance athletes. With rugged terrain and spectacular vistas, the island is a perfect alternative to city-based marathons across flat, asphalt –finished roads. Spanning the traditional marathon length of 26 miles, the Catalina Marathon...