Just 25 miles southwest of Los Angeles, Catalina Island offers a serene escape with its mix of mountains, canyons, and beaches. The charming port town of Avalon, with its Mediterranean flair, feels worlds away from the city's hustle. Sailboats dot the crystal-clear bay, and the main street is alive with colorful boutiques and restaurants.
Avalon is easily explored in a few hours, leaving time to discover the rest of the island. Purchased by William Wrigley, Jr. in 1919, Catalina once hosted the Chicago Cubs' spring training. Today, the Catalina Island Conservancy protects its unique wildlife, including the Catalina Island fox and vibrant Garibaldi fish.