Santa Catalina Island

Archive for December, 2007

Question: My husband & I want go to Catalina Island for our anniversary. Can anyone suggest a nice hotel?

We’re looking for a romantic, clean, modern (decor), hotel. I’ve been checking out reviews of different hotels and it’s just throwing me off more. From what I can tell, it’s mostly about the views and balconies. The better the view, the more expensive the room. It would be nice to have a great view, but I’m not paying an extra 2-300 dollars for that. My husband likes 5 stars only, I’m a little more flexible. I haven’t found any true 5 stars listed but I’ve narrowed it down to Hotel Metropole – which is a little pricey, or the Pavilion Lodge. Are there any others that I may be overlooking? Any other info. about Catalina would be great also.

Answer: Yeh I know what you mean, they don’t have hotels like most places. It sometimes seems like it is mandatory B+B’s for the most part. The Metropole is good. Not sure that the Pavilion is right in town. There are no “brand name” hotels like you may be used to. Check with Chamber of Commerce website, I think they have a “ROMANTIC GETAWAY” special going on right now with free massages and stuff.. They frequently have evening concerts and things…Rent a golf cart to get around –It’s a blast—Have Fun..

Pigeon on Catalina Island

In 1542 a Portuguese navigator, explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, set sail a Spanish ship, from the west coast of Mexico. Explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo ’s mission was to find a mythical northern passage between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed on the mainland near San Pedro. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo then began to explore this area and while Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was exploring, he noticed an offshore island. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo did not wait, he set sail to it immediately.

On Saturday October 7, 1542, explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed on this island about 3 miles northwest of Avalon. This area of the newly found island was perfect for Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo to repair his ship. While approaching the island, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo met local indians who were very nice and friendly.

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo named this new found island “San Salvador� after his flagship. After some exploring of San Salvador, explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo continued on northwards. Unfortunately, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo died the following January while exploring the part of the island now known as San Miguel Island.

Catalina Island