The rising sun casts a golden surface to the rolling sea. Various styles of homes, built over the decades, sit nestled among the steep hills. Floating cities called cruise ships anchor off the bay and dispense their cargo of enthusiastic passengers to enjoy the local shops and sights. Tourists clutter the palm tree lined beaches while sipping brightly color beverages as tropical music floats through the air. If you think I'm describing Hawaii - or even Fiji - you are off by thousands of miles. The tropical wonder I describe is less than 30 miles off the California coast and is called Santa Catalina Island or, known to many, simply as Catalina. 

The boat ride to the island used to take two hours and, when the water was choppy, passengers’ faces sometimes matched their lime green windbreakers or blue eye shadow as a result of motion sickness. Now, the quick one-hour trip aboard state-of-the-art vessels, such as those operated by Catalina Express, get you to the island faster than you can say Pepto Bismol. Our boat has docked in Avalon, the only incorporated city on the island and the destination I have chosen to explore on my first visit. 

Gazing out the starboard windows my eyes are treated to the scene of a crescent shaped bay full of boats and yachts of all sizes, each stern marked with the unique names chosen by their captain. Among them, Her Majesty, Golden Pearl and my favorite, Thesis. The latter was obviously named by one who took the college money his parents gave him and purchased this sail boat to impress his girl. Framing the port are steeply rising mountains scattered with beam and pillar supported homes and hotels, many reminding me of those perched on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. Like that fog-caressed city, many homes are in a Victorian style as well as Spanish colonial, art deco and mid-century modern. 

Avalon is easily traversable by foot but for those with challenges to accomplish such a fete on foot, there are plenty of rental vehicles available. Bikes, Segways and electric carts (such as the one I am using to take a scenic drive around Avalon today) are available a short distance from the point of arrival. Yet I must point out that I, despite my difficulties recovering from being struck by a car earlier this year, have been able to navigate as a tri-ped using two feet and cane all the way from the dock to the dream-like setting of the Descanso Beach Club which was .9 miles away. Along that bay edge route are shops, hotels and restaurants with a variety of wares, services and aromas to satiate the most discerning visitor.

Crowning the north end of the crescent bay is the world famous towering art deco circle known as the Casino. No, not a gambling establishment featuring floor shows with Cher look-alikes, the Casino, an iconic Catalina image, is a multi-purpose structure housing both an exquisite movie palace and immense upper level ballroom. Unfortunately, I haven’t organized my time to take part in one of the daily tours but, luckily, a recent episode of the PBS series California's Gold with Huell Howser gave me a back stage tour of this amazing structure.

Reflective of California, Catalina is a microcosm of the natural and man-made beauty found across the Golden State. In addition to varied architecture, I have noticed representation of almost every type of foliage. The tropical landscape of palm trees are intertwined with carob and pine trees, flower yucca, eucalyptus, iceplant, and to make this Pacific paradise that more special, there are endemic plants. Species found only here and nowhere else on the planet. Catalina Ironwood, Catalina Mahogany, & St. Catherine's lace were once found on the mainland yet are now extinct beyond this Lost TV series-like environment.

I believe that many people, like me, with limited knowledge of Catalina have the assumption that there isn't much to do on the island. Reviewing magazines and brochures during the boat ride, I quickly discovered that there are so many opportunities for entertainment that if I were staying a weekend rather than my one day visit, both days may not provide time to do everything available. If outdoor activities are your desire, there are plenty to choose from. Under the aquatic theme there is kayaking, glass bottom boat tours, para sailing, snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving and even semi-submersible underwater tours. Back on dry land there is miniature and regular golf, camping, hiking, zip lining, botanical gardens, wildlife, architectural and even ghost tours. If relaxation is more your style, you can enjoy the luxury of full day spa treatments or enjoy casual dining at the seaside Descanso Beach Club.

The timeless appeal of Catalina goes back to native Americans that lived on the island and traded with mainland tribes thousands of years ago. Celebrities of Hollywood's golden era, such as Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford and Clark Gable made Avalon the Monte Carlo of the Pacific. Today, visitors from around the world add this picturesque destination to their Southern California itinerary. Yet, much like Anaheim residents who live near Disneyland and have never been to the world famous park, many Los Angeles residents have never taken advantage of the wonders found a short distance off their coast. I urge you to do your part to reduce those numbers by planning a trip to Catalina. You'll be very glad you did.