On Catalina Island, in Los Angeles County, locals drive golf carts down the narrow streets. Tourists meander down the quaint, shop-lined streets of the island's main town while cruise ships wait at sea.
Catalina Island is 21 miles long and eight miles wide at its widest point. The entire island covers 76 square miles and offers 54 miles of coastline. The main town of Avalon covers just one square mile.
Traveling the 20 miles to Santa Catalina Island from mainland California requires hopping on a boat, plane or ferry. Several companies operate ferries on a regular schedule that leave from ports like Newport Beach and Long Beach. Visitors can also take a 15-minute helicopter ride from San Pedro or Long Beach.
Visitors to Santa Catalina Island can play golf, kayak, parasail or enjoy world-class scuba diving. "Scuba Diving Magazine" voted the Two Harbors area of the island the world's healthiest marine environment. The island also hosts festivals throughout the year featuring wine, art and jazz.
To travel around the island, you can walk or rent a golf cart from one of several companies. Bringing an automobile onto the island is impractical, as it requires adding your name to a 14-year-long waiting list. However, you can walk most places while staying in Avalon.
