One of my readers commented on Monday’s post and asked if we went to Catalina during our California trip.
Oh, yes indeed. If you’re in the area, you must visit Catalina. Today, I’ll share a little information about the island, along with some pictures from our day there, but this link will give you more.
Catalina is about 22 miles off the coast of California, and can be reached by boat or by helicopter. We chose to go by boat. Upon arriving, this is your first view of the island. The white building to the right is known as the Casino, built in 1929, but it’s used as a theater and ballroom and can be rented for special events; no gambling.
The seaside town on Catalina is Avalon. About 3500 people live there, and golf carts are the preferred method of travel, because the number of vehicles allowed on the island is limited. The remainder of Catalina Island is left in its natural state.
There are many shops in Avalon, so my friend, Bev and I did a lot of shopping. Our husbands did a lot of waiting for us. The four of us took a bus tour, then rented a golf cart and did a bit of touring on our own. We had a delicious al fresco lunch, more shopping, and later, ice cream.
We found Desconso Beach, right there in Avalon. No, we didn’t get a “massage by the sea”.
This is one of the most beautiful views on the island.
We spent the entire day on Catalina, and the harbor was even more beautiful as sunset approached.
Two words: golden hour.
“Our” boat, the Catalina Express, arriving to take us back to the mainland.
Good night, Catalina.
these days of mine 
Oh my – Catalina looks like a wonderful spot to visit for an entire day…..that harbor shot is spectacular with all the sailboats lined up so nicely….It appears that you had a gorgeous day for a little trip to the island and back. Great photos Dianna!
Pam (and Sam)
Oh my dear — Mr. Mother Goose and I went to Catalina on our honeymoon! You’ve brought back some wonderful memories — thank you thank you. Did you by any chance have a fish taco right there by the harbor, by the casino?
I knew you wouldn’t go to CA without visiting your favorite
island. Photos are beautiful as all of yours are.
Diane, I’ve been to Catalina and I agree with you that it is very beautiful. However you should have helicoptered over. The view from the sky is wonderful!
Beautiful photos. What a view from #3.
Absolutely beautiful! Would be fun to live there for a summer!
What gorgeous photos! I especially liked the view of the ship coming back to get you! All of them beautiful, as always. Thanks for sharing some of your trip with us. I haven’t been to California in many, many years, and not sure I will ever get back again.
Wow! Those shots are spectacular ~ very fun to see the progression of your day, right up to the golden hour! Would have loved to share in some of that shopping!
Oh how you make me long for the ocean and an island getaway. Lovely. Glad you enjoyed yourself.
looks like a lovely place…
Lovely place and beautiful photos!
Beautiful pictures of the island but we sure had different experiences! I’ll tell you about it someday!
how gorgeous. i would love to see Catalina
I know you were very much looking forward to this particular part of the trip.. .. The shot of the boats is awesome, and now : to Google Earth to find “the Casino” !
Lovely scenery! I’ve been to California a couple of times but never to Catalina, so I enjoyed getting this peek at the views.
Oh what a gorgeous place to visit. Looks idyllic – that’s another place I would like to see – the list is growing longer :))
So it’s basically a little piece of heaven. The next time I make it out to California, you can bet your bottom dollar that I will be visiting Catalina! Thanks for the great virtual trip.
Looks like someplace perfect for my retirement.
I have to say … what a beautiful part of the country; your photos make me want to pack a bag and go traipse around there!
MJ
Thanks for sharing, Dianna. It looks beautiful.
I am now putting Catalina on my “dream places to visit” list. Oh my gosh, how beautiful. A massage by the sea, that sounds like heaven on earth!
Beautiful pictures of Catalina you have shared with us Dianna! All the boats are awesome. The Catalina Express would sure float my boat!
Yeah! You did go. I figured you might since the boat leaves right out there where you were (Balboa?). Your pictures brought back more than a few memories for me…Thank you!
Oh…and “Casino” meant back then anyway, a gathering place for entertainment. They never did gamble there. Did you see the theater at the bottom and the ball room at the top?! Amazing! We saw a movie in the theater one time. I spent so much time looking around at all the cool Art Deco I had no idea what the movie was about and didn’t really care. Oh to dance back in the 30’s and 40’s in that ball room over looking the Pacific . I bet they had a blast. Looks like you guys did too!
What a gorgeous place. 🙂
What a breath taking Island!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!