By Greg ARAGON

Catalina is not just an island paradise; it’s a very close island paradise, making it a perfect getaway for Southern California residents. In fact, at only 22 nautical miles from Long Beach across the sea, the island can be reached by boat in one hour. With this in mind, the family and I recently escaped to the island for a memorable getaway. 

Our journey began in downtown Long Beach at Catalina Express (www.catalinaexpress.com) where we boarded one of the company’s sleek, catamaran-styled vessels for a one-hour trek across the Catalina Channel. 

Featuring comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, lots of big windows and a full bar and snack shop, the boat makes for a fun trip. Highlights of the crossing included incredible views of the legendary Queen Mary; the giant white geodesic cruise ship dome (former home to the Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose); the beautiful Long Beach cityscape; and a few playful dolphins following the boat. 

For our crossing we upgraded our seats to the Commodore Lounge where passengers enjoy priority boarding and check-in privileges, roomier and more intimate seating areas and a complimentary beverage and snack. 

When we reached the island, the captain anchored in the harbor at Avalon. Here we were greeted by schools of bright orange Garibaldi – the California state fish – along with a bustling little town full of colorful boats and yachts, boutique hotels and shops, and scores of vacationers.  

We then walked a few minutes to the Avalon Hotel (www.theavalonhotel.com) where we would spend the next three days.

The Avalon Hotel offers boutique luxury with incredible views Located on a hill overlooking the ocean, The Avalon Hotel offers 15 luxurious boutique rooms, all uniquely configured with an assortment of balconies offering sweeping views of town and the harbor. All rooms include comfortable beds, premium linens, flat-screen TVs, a desk, microwave, refrigerator and private bathrooms. Select rooms include a wet bar and an option of a Murphy bed.

We stayed in Room 101 and the first thing we saw when opening the door was a gorgeous view of Avalon Harbor coming from a large window. The scene was so beautiful and colorful that it looked fake. But it was as real as the rest of this charming hotel. 

Our room also came with a huge open balcony with comfortable chairs and still more impressive views. Other highlights included a Murphy bed, handmade natural soaps, fully lined bathrobes for guests to use and a stately bathroom with tub and shower. 

Our room was next to the lobby and the lush, peaceful courtyard. Adorned with plants and trees, a trickling fountain and a koi fishpond, the courtyard is where complimentary breakfast is held each morning. 

Once acquainted with the hotel, we walked a couple of minutes for a delicious lunch at Bluewater Avalon (https://www.bluewatergrill.com/location/catalina-island/). Located on big wooden piers overlooking the water, the restaurant boasts a tantalizing menu specializing in fresh seafood and tender meats. 

Our lunch began with freshly baked bread and a tasty jumbo shrimp cocktail appetizer. I then enjoyed a delicious bowl of cioppino with clams, shrimp, calamari, local fish and vegetables in a rich tomato broth. Next we shared a plate of light and crispy fish and chips while the kids had chicken tenders and a hamburger. 

After lunch we walked next door to tiny Avalon Beach where we played in the water and made sand castles, and watched people swim back and forth to their boats that are anchored in the harbor about 50 yards offshore. We then headed back to the Avalon Hotel and relaxed on the rooftop deck, admiring expansive views of the beach, hillside homes and the iconic Catalina Casino. 

The next morning we enjoyed a healthy and hearty complimentary breakfast in the serene courtyard at the Avalon Hotel. The breakfast included hardboiled eggs, toast and muffins, cereals, coffee and juices. 

After breakfast we walked to Catalina Golf Cart Rentals (www.catalinaislandgolfcart.com) for an unforgettable 90-minute golf cart ride around the island. 

Beginning from across the beach, our journey took us up a steep hill where we encountered spectacular views of the ocean and coastline. We then wound through the island’s beautiful, rugged interior, passing hidden homes and numerous tiny vans and cars. Because the island is so small, golf carts and tiny imported cars are what locals use for transportation. 

At one point in our adventure we came to the base of a hill where a group of deer walked up to our cart to share our sunflower seeds. If you want to see the island, a golf cart is one of the best and most fun ways to do it. 

After touring in the golf cart, we had lunch at Lobster Trap (www.catalinalobstertrap.com). The restaurant is owned by commercial fisherman Caleb Lins who searches the fertile waters off the Channel in his 40-foot boat, looking for the freshest local fish and California spiny lobster.

Our lunch began with fresh Hawaiian poke with tuna sashimi on a bed of salad. Next we shared a creamy bowl of clam chowder with lots of tasty clams and potatoes. We then sampled fish and chips and a delicious lobster sandwich while the kids had a burger and chicken tenders. 

After lunch we grabbed ice cream at Lloyd’s of Avalon, a Catalina tradition for more than 80 years that is famous for its saltwater taffy and one-time patron Marilyn Monroe, who used to live on the island. We then spent the afternoon relaxing on the beach. 

For dinner, we got sandwich stuff at the local market and enjoyed a lovely meal on our balcony at the Avalon Hotel. As the sun went down, we watched boats bob in the harbor and waves crash on the shore. 

For more information on visiting Catalina Island and taking the Catalina Express, visit https://catalinaexpress.com/ or call (800) 613-1212. For more info on staying at Avalon Hotel, visit: www.theavalonhotel.com or call (310) 510-7070.