Throughout its history, the 76-square-mile island of Catalina has played host to Native Americans, smugglers, otter hunters, ranchers, miners, entrepreneurs, vacationers, movie stars, and nature enthusiasts. William Wrigley Jr. (of chewing-gum fame) bought the island in 1919 and later constructed the recognizable casino building, which was never used for gambling but did become one of the best-known ballrooms in America. In the 1970s, the Wrigley family deeded 88 percent of the island to the Catalina Island Conservancy, which protects the natural state of the island and her inhabitants. Today nearly one million tourists visit annually to take in the fishing, parasailing, glass-bottomed tour boating, scuba diving, cycling, camping, galleries, shopping, and dining.

A fancy flight of lyrics specifies that Santa Catalina Island is "26 miles across the sea." But mapmakers put the distance at 19.7 miles from the closest island point, Doctor's Cove (near Arrow Point), to the closest mainland locale, Point Fermin at San Pedro. Today boats and helicopters operating out of the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Dana Point transport musing songwriters and everyone else to Catalina for the song's much-promised "romance, romance, romance, romance," as well as fishing, sightseeing, and gainful employment. But the history of getting to and from the island's ports of Avalon and Two Harbors has been an epic across centuries of business and pleasure, involving a collective flotilla of side-wheelers, yachts, lumber schooners, steamships, water taxis, converted military vessels, crew boats, and today's fast and convenient jet boats.

A fancy flight of lyrics specifies that Santa Catalina Island is "26 miles across the sea." But mapmakers put the distance at 19.7 miles from the closest island point, Doctor's Cove (near Arrow Point), to the closest mainland locale, Point Fermin at San Pedro. Today boats and helicopters operating out of the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Dana Point transport musing songwriters and everyone else to Catalina for the song's much-promised "romance, romance, romance, romance," as well as fishing, sightseeing, and gainful employment. But the history of getting to and from the island's ports of Avalon and Two Harbors has been an epic across centuries of business and pleasure, involving a collective flotilla of side-wheelers, yachts, lumber schooners, steamships, water taxis, converted military vessels, crew boats, and today's fast and convenient jet boats.

Prepare to be fascinated by the alluring blend of natural beauty, bucolic charm, and limitless delights as you step foot on this stunning island paradise. Imagine yourself wandering along palm-fringed beaches, where soft sand touches your toes and calm waves soothe your senses. The azure seas spread as far as the eye can view, enticing you to dive into their cool embrace and discover a vivid underwater world filled with bright marine life. Further inland, you'll find a magnificent tapestry of undulating hills, verdant valleys, and craggy canyons beckoning the brave explorer within you. Explore meandering hiking routes that lead to stunning vistas with panoramic views of the island and its surrounding majesty. Catalina Island is home to a rich range of animals, including lively dolphins leaping in the waters and majestic bald eagles soaring overhead. Immerse yourself in nature's symphony as you see bison quietly grazing on the grassy plains or catch a glimpse of the secretive Catalina Island fox scurrying through the underbrush. Avalon, the island's charming town, is a beautiful combination of old-world charm and modern attractiveness. Explore its charming streets, which are dotted with tiny boutiques, art galleries, and pleasant cafes, all of which invite you to indulge in a leisurely exploration. Take a stroll through the legendary Catalina Casino, a breathtaking architectural marvel that has served as a beacon of entertainment since its creation in the 1920s. Catalina Island has a plethora of exciting activities for the daring. Zip through the treetops, kayak along the craggy coastline, or take an exciting boat excursion to see the breathtaking splendour of the island's sea caves. Divers will find themselves in an underwater paradise, discovering bright coral reefs and encountering playful sea turtles. As the sun begins to set, spreading a golden tint over the island, experience the aromas of freshly caught seafood while being serenaded by the soft melodies of the ocean. Catalina Island presents its mysterious side as night falls, with a sky blazing with glittering stars, a reminder of the endless wonders that lie beyond. Catalina Island is more than a vacation spot; it's a spiritual haven, a place where time stands still and every moment is laced with magic. So come, immerse yourself in this gorgeous paradise's gentle embrace, and let Catalina Island weave its spell on your heart, creating memories that will last a lifetime.