SANTA CATALINA ISLAND
LOCATED JUST SOUTHWEST OF LOS ANGELES, SANTA
CATALINA ISLAND IS A POPULAR DESTINATION IN CAL-
IFORNIA WHEN LOOKING FOR A PARADISE VACATION.
SANTA CATALINA HAS A LOT TO OFFER VISITORS,
FROM WILDLIFE AND NATURAL WONDERS, SUCH AS
THE ISLAND’S HIGHEST PEAK, MT. ORIZABA, TO DIVING
SITES AND THE RESORT TOWN OF TWO HARBORS.
Planning your escape from the chaos of the mainland has
never been easier, with Santa Catalina Island. Known by
the locals simply as Catalina, the island boasts about not
even having a single street light to stop you from getting
to the shorelines. This type of style gives you the authentic
island feel, without having to take a long trip overseas.
Simply hop into a boat and sail from the mainland of Cal-
ifornia, and you’ll soon be in Catalina, which will make you
feel like you need to stamp your passport!
The foodie in you will have met their match when they ar-
rive on “Island Time.” Take your pick from street foods that
line the walkways, like handmade ice cream in a freshly-
baked waffle cone or a cookie from the Catalina Coffee
& Cookie Co. For dinner, try an elegant waterfront setting
where you can taste the juiciest surf and turf around, and
wash it all down with the island’s signature cocktail: Buffalo
{
SANTA
CATALINA
ISLAND
Milk. Buffalo Milk is similar to a White Russian or a Mud-
slide, with Kahlúa, vodka, crème de banana, crème de
cocoa, and a few other secret ingredients.
Head to Avalon, where all the fun and nightlife is, and
you’ll never have a dull moment. If you’re not sure what
you’d like to eat or what you want to do, take the 3-hour
walking tour for samples, as well as interesting facts and
background information about the island and its history.
After you’ve eaten your fill, head to Chi Chi Club, where
you can party, play pool, and listen to live bands or music
from the DJ until two in the morning.
As you stroll down the streets of Avalon, you’ll notice the
harbors that are decorated with boats bobbing in the calm
water. Take in the sun and island breeze and you shop,
savor, and play in Santa Catalina!
Food Traveler | Summer 2017 | 19