Catalina Adventure!

Located just an hour off the SoCal coast, Catalina Island offers the best summer escape for those who are sick of urban living. From beautiful crystal blue oceans, adventurous extreme activities, scenic sunsets, marine exploration, and great relaxation, Catalina has it all. This family friendly island welcomes over a million visitors each year from all around the world. If you are considering a day or overnight trip with family or lovers over this summer, Catalina Island would be the right spot for you.

 

Catalina Express provides a year-round ferry service from ports in San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. The commute system is awesome, boasting its faster ferries that depart the harbors every half an hour. This California’s only resort island is full of fun available for travelers of all types. 

 

For those dreaming of relaxing away from the stresses of life, scenic drives around the island is the ideal summer vacation. Transportation around the island is very convenient with readily available private rental golf carts ($40 per hour) and segways. Driving around the breathtaking scenic hillsides allow travelers to experience the best of the island. The dazzling views of the canyons and transparent emerald blue ocean makes you feel like you’re in paradise. 

 

The completion of a perfect vacation comes to food. Dining on Catalina Island has diverse options, beginning with luxurious steakhouses, flamboyant seaside lobster and seafood restaurants, burgerhouses and even grocery stores for cheap eats such as Vons. What can be more beautiful than watching the open sunsets of the island while savoring the food.

Catalina Island won’t disappoint the nature enthusiasts as well. According to the Catalina Island Conservancy website, more than 165 miles of hiking trails and roads beckon all levels of hikers. Camping is another option to fully immerse into the naive beauty of the Catalina; campgrounds located in secluded beaches and canyons give a full glimpse into the wildlife. 

 

In addition, overnight astronomy tours are one of the tourists’ top choices. The sheer darkness of the night sky teeming with luminous stars aloof of all the worldly business impresses tourists from all around the world. Catalina Island is home to more than 60 plant and animal species including the Catalina Island fox, Catalina quail, and bald eagles found nowhere else in the world. 

If you want to delve deeper into the wildlife habitats, hopping on a eco-tour led by Catalina Island conservancy, a nonprofit organization whose goal is solely aimed at protection and restoration of the island, may be a great option for you. Journey to the nature apart from the busy metropolitan urban jungle is surely a unique and fun experience to many. 

 

Lastly, but most importantly, Catalina is full of spectacular activities and adventures for all ages. Ziplining through the canyons and forests while enjoying the striking view of the ocean has always been the top rated activities of the Catalina. The zigzag journey at 35 miles per hour is definitely something to never miss there. 

 

Besides the land based segway and bike tours, there is a vast variety of sea activities for life time memories. Just to name a few, snorkeling, parasailing, fishing, paddle boating, kayaking, and scuba diving are very popular. Catalina’s crystal blue clean oceans encompass a wide range of different sea life living in the coast. The undersea marvelous marine life guides you to an encounter of colorful fish at its all time favorite snorkeling spot, Lover’s Cove. 

 

As a famous quote says, “Jobs fill your pockets but adventures fill your soul”. This summer, indulge yourself with the summer fun at Catalina Island! It is far and away the superb summer vacation spot located just 22 miles away from Los Angeles. 

 

Goeun Lee, Grade 10

Larchmont Charter School