Say Gudday to Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island, the proper name for the more commonly called Catalina, is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southern California and for good reason. Aside from being the only offshore resort destination in all of California, this island offers a bewildering array of fun activities for singles, couples, families and people of all ages.

There's the amazing and beautiful casino opened in 1929 for an elegant experience or a romantic night. For the nature lovers there's hiking trails and for animal lovers there's plenty of wildlife to enjoy. There's the Catalina Island Fox, bald eagles, horses, mules, wild pigs and even bison to name just a few.

If you're into water sports then Catalina is a veritable paradise for you, offering many enjoyable options including kayaking, snorkeling, boating, swimming, whale watching, dolphin excursions and more.

Come with me as we Say Gudday to this magical island just twenty-two miles off the Pacific coast of the United States.

Roughing it

Campers love Catalina because it has some of the best campsites available. Secluded and picturesque, there are eleven shore-side campgrounds for the public to enjoy and they are all owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy. These sites are primitive, meaning that they don't have fresh water or toilet facilities and no campfires are allowed but, what they lack in amenities they more than make up for with natural beauty.

There are no roads into these campsites and they can only be reached by water, which is why they are called Boat-In camping areas. A popular way to reach these areas is by kayak and, if you've never been kayak-camping, then I strongly encourage you to try it because, once you do, you will be hooked.

Regular Camping

If you're looking for something a little more 'civilized' there are also campgrounds like Two Harbors where showers, toilets, fresh water, BBQ pits and even lockers are available to campers.

For those who enjoy walking Catalina has miles of spectacular hiking trails that stretch all the way from the east end of the island to the west end. The Trans Catalina Trail (TCT) for example will take you from one stunning vista to the next, along canyons, down mountain passes and to beautiful, quiet beaches. There's a hiking experience for people of all athletic capacities and you can even take a guided hike if you prefer.

Located on Descanso Beach the casino, opened in 1929, is an architectural spectacle. Fully restored just a few years ago it is stunningly beautiful and is a favorite place for many couples to host their wedding. In addition to the casino itself the building also boasts a magnificent ballroom, a museum, an art gallery and even a movie theater.