Activities in Newport Beach – Visit Catalina Island
Catalina Island is an island which is located off the Southern California coast and is approximately 22 miles long, and 8 miles wide. William Wrigley, Junior was instrumental in the development of Catalina Island. Wrigley bought the island in 1919 and the Casino was built which was used as a hotel. It still stands, however it is being used now as a movie theather.
The Casino is a ver prominent landmark of Avalon on Catalina Island .
Catalina Island is located approximately 32 miles from Newport Beach. You can see it in the distance in the photo below. There are some days in Newport Beach when you don’t see it at all due to fog and onshore flow. This photo was taken from the condos at Newport Crest in Newport Beach looking towards the island. In the winter months, the sun sets over the island, and in the summer months, it sets more towards the west.
It was particularly clear and you could also see San Clemente Island in the distance. San Clemente island is located approximately 60 miles from Newport Beach. It is uninhabited and owned by the US Navy.
You can see San Clemente Island in the photo below towards the left in the distance.
To get to Catalina Island from Newport Beach, The Catalina Flyer is an option however it is currently closed until March 1, 2015. There are other options out of Long Beach and San Pedro and Dana Point to get across. Of course private yachts also make this journey and there are moorings which can be purchased or rented for the weekend (if they are available). Usually inside the harbor is much calmer and less rocky.
The harbor in Avalon is gorgeous with the boats and the homes with views of the harbor.
Walking around Avalon is charming and enjoy the dining and shopping.
Once you are in Avalon, it is such a charming area. Avalon in Catalina is a pedestrian village with dining and shopping. Rent golf carts, horse back riding is available and there is now zip lining and para-sailing. SCUBA diving is very popular because the water is so clear and other enjoy snorkeling.
There are fishing tournaments during the year, and you see both sport fishers and luxury yachts as well. There are also sail boats.
It was amazing to see these California Gray Whales on the way back to the California coast.
If I can provide any more information for you about Catalina Island, or activities in Newport Beach, please contact me.
Phone or Text: 949.280.0681
