Catalina Island Discovery

Location coordinates:
33°20'37"N, 118°19'32"W
Avalon, Catalina Island,
California

It is mid-winter, a time when we Northerners usually seek refuge from the grips of the winter doldrums in any place south of the snow line (which this crazy winter seems a bit more difficult to find!). Last week Chrys and I combined a family visit with a pure "thaw-out" vacation by heading back to southern California. At departure, the temperature in Minneapolis was zero degrees, which believe it or not was a huge improvement from the double-digit negative temps the day before. When we stepped off the plane in Orange County it was a blissful 72 degrees with no clouds in sight. Now that makes even a die-hard winter lover smile. We had arranged to stay along Orange County's Newport Coast in a great resort where on more than one occasion we enjoyed spectacular sunsets from our balcony with a nice glass of red wine. Toward the end of the week we decided to take a cruise over to Catalina Island, leaving out of nearby Balboa.



Avalon harbor and beach

 I had been to Catalina Island once before when I was about nine years old, and I don't recall that I was overly impressed. Understanding that my nine-year-old self should not really be held as an authority regarding travel destinations, I still did not hold out much hope that Catalina would be anything more than a cheesy tourist spot full of vendors looking to separate me from my money. However, what is unappealing to a nine-year-old is apparently quite pleasing to a . . . well, to a somewhat older person.

Catalina charm

The first thing we noticed upon leaving the boat was the lack of noise and an overall feeling of serenity. Now, I must place this caveat on that statement: our visit took place in late January, definitely the slow season. Obviously, summer high season would be another story. We had the beach practically to ourselves as we strolled down Crescent Avenue in the heart of Avalon. The next thing we found quite interesting was the fact the primary mode of transportation for residents are golf carts. Regular cars are on the island to be sure, but golf carts are certainly in the majority.

"Via Casino" walk and Catalina Casino

We walked toward the Catalina Casino, which we were surprised to find is not a casino at all but a theatre and ballroom. Feeling hungry, we then doubled back toward the town center and found a tiny walk-up restaurant called Katie's Kitchen, where we had, by far, the best chicken tacos I've ever eaten. After lunch we set off on a hike up Avalon Canyon Road in search of the Wrigley Botanical Gardens. We kept walking, and walking, but we never did come across the gardens and eventually gave up. Oh well, at least we worked off those fabulous chicken tacos.



Sunset over Catalina

 Back in the town center we wandered through a few of the shops, sat in the sun along the pristine beach, and then capped off our visit with a glass of wine at an outside table. We toasted our very pleasant island day and my new and different perspective on Catalina. No longer do I perceive the island as a dry, brown, past-its-prime destination. Now I understand that it is a clean, lush island getaway full of palms, eucalyptus trees, flowering plants, and gracious and welcoming residents. The laid-back small town feel is great for those wanting to drop out and recharge. But if you decide to go seeking your day of calm, make sure you go on a weekday in January. You'll be glad you did.