22 miles off the coast of Southern California lies a sweet, magical little island. Where dolphins play and sea lions snooze on the shore, Catalina is a destination all SoCal's need to see. The quaint island is an hour's boat ride from Long Beach but is also a common stop for many cruise lines. Catalina has a long and intriguing history and the beautiful port of Avalon adds to the charm. After personally visiting multiple times to visit family on the island I have come to the realization that if I had the opportunity, I would be living on the island myself in a heartbeat. These are just a few specific times I have considered moving to the happy island of Catalina!
1. When sitting in traffic.
Golf carts. Golf carts as far as the eye can see! Avalon's residents use golf carts instead of cars to get around mainly because gas is extremely expensive, but the streets are very narrow as well. And the cherry on top, there's a waiting list to get a car on the island... that list is 20 YEARS LONG! I'll take my little golf cart now, please.
2. When dying from 100+ degree heat.
Catalina's weather is beautiful any time of the year. Being an island, they have mild winters and perfect summers. The temperatures rarely, if ever, gets higher than 80 degrees or lower than 45 degrees. The wind can sometimes be brutal but most often the light breeze is a sweet reminder that you're in the middle of the ocean.
3. When I'm bored sitting at home.
There seems to always be something to do or see on Catalina! There are hiking trails, scuba diving, boating, fishing, golfing, snorkeling, or even just walking the scenic streets of downtown Avalon. The community always has something going on whether it be for residents or tourists, it's always a good time!
4. When feeling "landlocked".
Like mentioned earlier, you're 22 miles off the coast of California. Only an hour boat ride. It's just enough to feel free from all the struggle of living on the mainland. With boats running daily, the island is close enough to Long Beach that doctor's appointments, COSTCO runs, and important meet-ups are all doable.
5. When I'm sick from fast food.
There is only one franchised restaurant in Avalon. Every other food place is family run, "Mom & Pop" type places! And they are all delicious. From tacos and burgers to Italian and the best seafood you might ever have, Avalon is the place to eat. I can't think of anything better than eating $1 tacos on the beach every night. That's a dream I regularly have.
6. When commuting to work/school/fun.
Everything you may need is right within walking distance when you live in Avalon. But like I said, for an hour boat trip, you can literally get anything you need from the mainland. Oh, and did I mention that Amazon Prime still applies on Catalina ;)
7. When the seafood just isn't that fresh.
*My brother went lobster hooping with my uncle and brought in this bad boy! He was delicious I might add...
Catalina has some of the best seafood around. There are also many restaurants that will cook what you personally caught that day! Indulge in fresh fish, lobster, shellfish, or anything your heart desires!
8. When the locals are too much.
*Every year the city of Avalon holds a 4th of July Golf Cart Parade! Locals decorate their carts and toss candy and toys to kids watching from the curb. It's always a blast!
The locals of Avalon are some of the nicest people you will ever meet, hands down. After visiting the island just a few times, many of the waitresses, stewards, and cashiers remembered me! The community is tight-knit and is always supporting each other and coming together to celebrate the island's history and holidays.
9. When I just need some quiet.
No highways. No honking. Just the subtle sound of waves on the shore and the breeze through the canyons. The island is so serene. Star gazing is the best way to spend any night on Catalina.
10. When I miss waking up to the ocean breeze.
I regularly miss simply waking up to the birds chirping and the breeze blowing through my window, knowing it was going to be another beautiful day on the island, knowing there is so much I could do or see, but I also wouldn't mind sitting on a porch with a good book listening to the sounds of the island.
