Catalina Islands CA

Since the Island is only 1 hour away from Los Angeles, many people, perhaps the majority of the inhabitants of the island in the summertime, are just there on a day trip. The island itself never gets too crowded, but sometimes the ferry can get quite full and occasionally sells out in peak season.

To make the most of your dollar while having the greatest adventure, you really should look into staying for a whole weekend. The hotels are luxurious and usually well priced, and there's no other way to see and do nearly as much as you'll be tempted to while there. In fact, you could spend a whole week or more taking the different tours and seeing the most important landmarks and beaches, but a two or three day weekend is enough to get your mind fully away from the daily life you've come to escape.

A personal note about Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island

I lived on Catalina Island for 3 years until I became pregnant, and had to move to San Diego because it is too expensive to give birth on the island. I plan to move back there when my son is out of school, however, as there is simply no other place like it to make a home.

I love my son dearly, but I tell him often how it is like torture for me to live on the mainland. In fact, we've already planned a huge send-off to college party for him, and the next day he'll start University while I move into my condo in Hamilton Cove. It is four years until that day arrives, but he's already looking forward to spending spring break with his mother!

In conclusion, now that you're familiar with all there is to see and do on Catalina Island, what exactly are you waiting for? There is no place else so close but still so far away from the mainland.

I hope to see you there!

Nancy C. Brown is a travel industry professional who has lived and worked on Catalina Island for several years.