Twenty-two miles across the sea, separated from the mainland, by the gray waters that lie in hand, is a jewel of an island by the name of Catalina, or more romantically, Santa Catalina. If you arrive at sunset you may be treated and teased by nature's wonderful display of color and light. If you arrive after dark for the first time, the sparkling diamonds of Avalon will beckon you with their mysterious, yet at the same time energizing … [Read more...]
About Dave
http://www.davestravelcorner.com
Dave is an international travel writer and founder of Dave’s Travel Corner, a premier travel resource since 1996. He is well traveled (180 countries & territories); while on the road he enjoys the outdoors, backpacking, mountain climbing, meeting people, and experiencing other cultures.
Combining these interests with his expertise in technology, photography and writing, he shares his adventures on Dave’s Travel Corner and in select media outlets. Dave is most at home in Bangkok, Los Angeles, the Napa Valley or California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
In 2006, he conceived the Napa Wine Project., a challenging endeavor to visit, taste with and extensively write about every winery in Napa Valley, California. He has now completed 1,200+ visits and written reviews of Napa wineries & producers.
His first book titled 'The Freeways of Los Angeles' was published in 2010.
He is a big proponent of experiential travel, valuing experiences far above "things".
Catalina, CA – History
Human history on Catalina Island dates from about 7000 BC. The Gabrielino Indians were the first humans to live on the island. Soapstone was plentiful on the island and the natives created bowls and other implements from this rock (and then traded with natives living on the mainland). Juan R. Cabrillo became the first European to set eyes on the island in 1542. In the 1790's the sea otter population suffered tremendously due to the over … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – Transportation
There are several ways to reach Catalina from the mainland including ferry, helicopter and private boat or plane. While Catalina has one airport (Airport in the Sky), this airport is not setup for commercial service. There are currently four mainland ports serviced by ferry to Avalon: San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach and Dana Point Catalina Express is the primary shuttle ferry operating out of three locations: Long Beach (the … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – Avalon
Avalon is the urban center of Catalina. It is a mix of day trippers, at times - cruise ship passengers and locals. The town is centered around the beautiful waterfront and for good reason - most passengers arrive here and it is a visually stunning part of town that at times almost looks European. The town spreads out into the surrounding hills - featuring older and often colorful wooden buildings. Brightly colored flowering flowing … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – The Casino, Avalon
The casino is one of Avalon's most recognizable and famous landmarks. It sits on a point at the edge of the harbor on on the way to the Descanso Beach Club. It is not a casino as in gambling but rather refers to an Italian term as a 'place of gathering'. Two tiny rock hills, called Sugarloaf originally stood on this site - the larger one was removed to make way for the original casino and later the second one was also removed as it hindered … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – Scuba Diving
Catalina has some incredible diving opportunities ranging from beginning to advanced. The Catalina Dive Park is an excellent area to dive or to learn diving. This park is located out on the small point almost at the base of the Casino. You can access the water via a walkway with slippery steps (very slippery!) that lead down to the water. This dive park is enclosed with floating buoys connected to each other by rope. Be careful not to leave the … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – Attractions
Airport in the Sky One has to be creative when there is a not a lot of flat space on the island. Such was the case when building the runway for the Airport in the Sky - two mountaintops were flattened and then the resulting debris was pushed together to create a flat 3,000+ foot runway. Not open to commercial aircraft, the airport services private planes and handles the mail delivery for the island. Sometimes an old DC-3 World War II vintage … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – Activities
Cape Canyon Expedition offers a unique eco-adventure experience into the interior of the island. Tour offered once daily in the morning - guests meet at the Tour Plaza (next to the Golf Gardens). The tour is conducted using an eco friendly H1 Hummer (with a covered roof yet open/breezy experience. This vehicle runs on bio fuel from recycled vegetable oil collected from local restaurants in Avalon. The tour itself is rugged at times accessing … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – Shopping
Shops in Avalon are scattered for the most part along the waterfront. There are a few art galleries but on the whole, Avalon is not an artist's colony. There are some excellent boutique clothing stores. Also several souvenir stores are available for visitors. Visit the following website for a list of shopping experiences and stores on Catalina: www.visitcatalinaisland.com/activities-adventures/shopping … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – Lodging
Lodging on Catalina varies in price depending on the time of year you visit the island. High season typically runs April through October. November through March sees less visitors although the weather can still be quite nice during these 'winter' months. You can often find greatly reduced prices during January and February - especially mid week. Most visitor's to the island stay in Avalon - the town boats a variety of boutique lodging … [Read more...]
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