Santa Catalina Island – Wandering Page

It is the southernmost island of California’s Channel Islands, and the trip from Long Beach to Catalina Island is 22 miles (one hour ride via high speed ferry).

Brief History of the Island:

The first settlers of this island were Native Americans (Tongva tribe) and called the island Pimu or Pimugna and referred to themselves as the Pimuvit or Pimugnans and their biggest villages are located at the Isthmus and present-day Avalon.

It was then discovered by Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo an Iberian explorer, who is also known as the discoverer of California. He named the island San Salvador.

It was the Spanish explorer, Sebastián Vizcaíno who rediscovered the island half a century later on the feast day of St. Catherine of Alexandria that the island was renamed, Santa Catalina Island, honoring the saint.

The island had a very diverse history consisting of gold mining, ranch industry, smuggling, otter hunting, and being a wartime fort until William Wrigley Jr. bought it and turned it into the island we now get to enjoy.

There are two companies that offer boat transportation from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point and Newport Beach to Catalina Island.

Catalina Express

Aside from the drink and snacks included in the commodore lounge, you are given priority check-in and boarding.

Things You Can Do on the Island

Rent a Golf Cart

Explore the Beaches

Rent a Boat

Where to eat in Catalina Island:

Bluewater Grill

This is my most favorite restaurant in Catalina Island!

Love how fresh the scallops were and it has the right amount of ponzu sauce!

Lobster Trap

Locals love this restaurant and it’s not hard to see why. The food is good and isn’t pricey, the vibe is warm and friendly.

NDMK Fish House

On our last night on Catalina Island, I was craving sushi and found this restaurant. The food here did not disappoint, they served super fresh seafood and lots of locally caught options too.

The lobster was delish!!!