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Catalina Island Without the Crowds: A Perfect Southern California Winter Holiday Destination
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Catalina Island, located a mere 22 miles off the Southern California coast, is a perfect winter travel destination. The summer crowds are gone, the atmosphere is crisp and clear, romance is in the air, and there are plenty of activities available. Do as much (or as little) as you like during a winter visit to this historic island paradise.
Hollywood's Playground
The city of Avalon has served as a favorite retreat for Hollywood stars for decades, owing no doubt to its convenient-yet-remote location, charming Old World ambiance and the striking natural beauty surrounding it. A short hike from the town’s center will take you to this iconic view of Avalon Harbor, which features the historic, Art Deco-styled Catalina Casino at its entrance.
Let It Snow
While you can’t ski on Catalina Island, you certainly can enjoy the views of the snow-covered San Bernardino mountain range looming in the distance from Avalon’s colorful shoreline.
Explore Catalina Backcountry
Venture into Catalina Island’s backcountry, by foot, bike, or jeep, and soak in magnificent views along the way. The Trans-Catalina Trail runs 37 miles from Avalon and will lead you along the rugged coast, through spectacular canyons, along mountain ridges with breath-taking panoramas to pristine beaches of incredible beauty.
Find Your Zen
Nurture your mind, body and soul at any one of the many spas that operate in Avalon. The Island Spa Catalina offers an extensive palette of unique treatments based on herbs indigenous to the island.
Fly High on a Zip Line
Soar over five consecutive zip lines to enjoy these spectacular views of the lush canyons and the blue Pacific Ocean. The runs will delight thrill-seekers, covering nearly 4,000 feet and including dizzying drops of nearly 300 feet - with speeds that sometimes hit 40 mph.
Eclectic Cuisine to Satisfy Any Taste
Avalon may be a small town, but it boasts a big city foodie scene. Some 30 restaurants offer up a wide variety of cuisines to satisfy any taste. For seafood lovers, this is nirvana. Surf-to-table is the culinary mantra here.
No Bull! Bison Roam Free on Catalina Island
Catalina Island is famous for its majestic bison herds, supposedly brought to Catalina in 1924 for a Hollywood film shoot. They roam free today in the island’s backcountry, and while scarce, they can still be spotted along jeep, bike and hiking trails.
Go Back in Time: Catalina Casino Theatre
Winter is the perfect time to attend a concert at the famous Catalina Casino Theatre. The intricate Art Deco design and impeccable acoustics of this theatre enhance the enjoyment of any performance in this classic venue. The Catalina Casino hosts a yearly New Year's Eve gala that brings back the romance of yesteryear, featuring dance-worthy Big Band music as well as classic decor and cuisine reminiscent of another era.
Snorkeler Heaven
Catalina’s crystal-clear waters and wide variety of sea life (including the rare, bright orange Garibaldi fish) make this a snorkeler’s and kayaker’s paradise. The healthy kelp beds surrounding the island draw a wide variety of sea creatures that are unique to this island paradise.
Famous Vintage Tiles
U.S. chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. built a tile and pottery factory on a beach near Avalon in 1927, and the rest is history. The famous Catalina tiles and pottery can be admired in the Catalina Island Museum, as well as on the fountains and architecture that make Avalon such a magical and romantic destination.
Local Culture
Catalina Island prides itself on a multicultural population that can be traced over thousands of years. Colorful festivals that highlight various ethnic and social groups are held regularly throughout the year, and are popular with island residents and visitors alike.
Pedal Pushers
Whether you're an active backcountry mountain biker or a leisurely downtown cruiser, Catalina Island is truly a biker’s heaven. Their famous backcountry trails will delight and challenge you, and their picturesque downtown avenues will soothe and charm you. You're in for a treat either way.
Raise a Glass
When the sun goes down, visitors can enjoy raising a glass in any one of the town’s many pubs and restaurant bars.
All Decked Out
Not only the famous casino, but the entire town, gets decked out in colorful lights during the holiday season. It's a winter wonderland without the snow!
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About Joanne DiBona
You'll never see Joanne without a camera or two strapped around her neck as she travels around the world, together with her photographer husband Tony, to unearth new and exciting destinations to share with her readers.
Her professional career includes a long tenure in communications with the San Diego Tourism Authority, where she gained expertise with both the camera and the descriptive word.
When she’s not adding fresh images to her SCENIC PHOTOGRAPHY website, she's posting her current adventures on her popular TRAVEL BLOG .
Joanne is a member of the esteemed Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).
Read more about Joanne DiBona here.
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