Catalina’s New Wave

Written by Randall Tierney

If you haven't been to Catalina lately, I must report that after two days there with my teen son, Shane, last month, just weeks after the completion of an $11 million revitalization, Catalina today is probably the best overall weekend getaway for OC families.

It's lodging, dining and activities have stepped up toward the level of the island's spectacular natural beauty.

Evidence from the money spent by the Santa Catalina Island Company was everywhere: the tastefully revamped Pavilion Hotel on the beach where we stayed, the luxurious Descanso Beach Club, and of course the spectacular zipline. Meanwhile, the island still offers as many activities as a Hawaiian resort—just too numerous to list. The favorites from our two-day trip include…

The Zipline Eco Tour

Not for the timid, but surprisingly accessible to those as young as 5. Yes, it's true: Rules allow for even kindergartners to experience flying over the Descanso Canyon floor, down through five platform stops, nearly 4,000 feet of zipline from the top to the shore, and (here's the hairy part) as much as 300 feet above the ground (picture the street below from a 30-story building). Little zippers age 5 to 9 years must fly in tandem with an adult, and from 10 up, children can go solo. Located just pasta the Casino building, at Descanso Beach Club. The price is $92.50 per person. The zipline tour is approximately two hours. Weight limit: 245 lbs. Not for expectant moms. Reservations highly recommended. 800-322-3434.

In and On the Water

When it comes to observing marine life, Maui has nothing on Catalina, except maybe those green sea turtles. But does Maui have flying fish? Hey, I don't know, I'm not a ichthyologist, but I do know that Catalina does, and you can see them on an evening tour from a boat made for the task, equipped with World War One-era, 40-million candlepower searchlights that attract the two-foot-long fish with wings. Watch these magnificent creatures glitter and fly in the moonlight. Other ways to see marine life without getting wet include the famous Glass-Bottom Boat and the Undersea Tour (a semi-submersible). Tours range from $13.75 to $41.75. All ages. Reservations recommended, 310-510-TOUR.

Kayaking is our favorite way to explore the shoreline, so Shane and I each rented a kayak and paddled to a little private cove for a snack, where we watched the brown pelicans fly in perfect V formation. Our nature observations on the return leg of the paddle was interrupted by no less than five spontaneous racing challenges thrown down by my son, who is so quick with the paddle, he could give the Catalina Express a run for its money. I lost every race, but I did feel victorious because it got the kayaks back within the two-hour rental period. Places to get kayaks include Joes Boat Rental, on the Green Pier and Descanso Beach Ocean Sports, just past the Casino Building and near the boat landing on Pebbly Beach Road. Half-day single-person kayak, about $35; Double kayak, about $60.

If, as I claim, Catalina is Southern California's best getaway above water, then it is world-class beneath the surface, where visibility averages 65 feet and can be as great as 100 feet. What separates the diving and snorkeling here from anywhere in the world are the cathedral-like giant kelp columns that rise as much as 90 feet from the ocean floor, where octopus and bat rays roam. Most of the world's great resort dives are all in warm water—the Hawaiian Islands, the Caribbean, Cozumel, Belize—and giant kelp does not like warm water. You do need to wear a thicker suit and a hood when diving in the kelp of Catalina, not a swimsuit. 

Snorkelers lose little of the dive experience, as the best stuff to see is near the surface anyway. Outstanding walk-to places to snorkel: Casino Dive Park near Avalon Casino and Lover's Cove just southeast of the harbor. Snorklers, wear gloves if you plan to feed the fish peas or bread, as they can get excited when nibbling. Mask, fins and snorkels available on the island.

The Mild Side

For milder adventure, take your little one miniature golfing at Golf Garden, a beautifully laid-out 18-hole course that is set on a one-acre manicured garden. No hokey windmills or clown's mouth targets, just a garden surrounding the challenging holes, lots of shade trees and a cool breeze. This little oasis is tucked away off the beaten shoreline stretch. Golf Gardens, 10 Island Plaza, 310-510-1200.
Other not-to-miss activities: Touring the island by golf cart or bicycle, taking in the early history on a tour of the Casino, parasailing, snuba, Sea Trek Undersea Adventure. For more on these and many other activities, go to www.catalinaislandchanber.com or www.visitcatalinaisland.com.

Recommended Lodging

Catalina Island Vacation Rentals For about the cost of a room at a lodge, a family can rent a small house or condo, money-saving kitchen included! A great way to go for families of four or more, or share with another family. Catalina Island Vacation Rentals offers the largest selection of vacation lodging on the island with over 200 properties to choose from. Go luxury with a villa at fabulous Hamilton Cove or stay close to Avalon in a quaint cottage. Summer special: through August 31, 2010, book your “home away” for six nights and get the seventh night free, call 800-631-5280, or go to www.catalinavacations.com.

Pavilion Hotel Just steps from the main beach off Avalon, the newly upgraded Pavilion Hotel, formerly the Pavilion Lodge, couldn't be better located. Casually swanky, fun and retro in style, the Pavilion has many rooms with ocean views, and all surround a large garden courtyard, where kids play, and a fire pit, where the grownups sip complementary wine. Complementary breakfast is also included. New flat-screen TVs and free use of Apple i-Pads in each room. Get the two-night Unlimited Package for a mid-week special, which gives over 15 different activities for free and half off the zipline. Rates start at $275 per night. Specials offered through mid-October. Call 877-778-8411, or go to www.visitcatalina.com for details.

Recommended Dining

Avalon Grille Just opened in May, the Avalon Grille brings to the beachfront fine dining in a casual elegant atmosphere. General manager, Ricardo Cubias greeted us like we were old friends reuniting, sharing his favorite dishes and proudly pointing out the world-class wine. We wanted to return for brunch the next day just to visit with Ricardo once more. The dishes, under chef Rob Dalzell, are American pub-style cuisine to match the selection micro-brews and fine wines­—a dining experience par with that of any of Southern California's top resorts. 423 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, 310-510-7494 or go to visitcatalinaisland.com.

Getting there: Catalina Express, $51 roundtrip for children; $66.50 roundtrip for adult, 800-481-3470, or go to www.catalinaexpress.com.

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