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Catalina Island
Overlooked by many visitors, Santa Catalina Island, a mix of uncluttered beaches and wild hills 22 miles off the coast, is favored by Californians in the know.  Initially claimed by the Portuguese in 1542 as San Salvador, and renamed by the Spanish in 1602, the island has actually been privately owned since 1811. The island has become a popular destination for boaters and nature lovers, and its small marina overflows with luxury yachts and cruise ships in summer. Even so, tourism has been held largely at bay: the hotels are unobtrusive among the whimsical architecture and cars are a rarity, as there's a ten-year waiting list to bring one over from the mainland. Consequently, most of the 3,000 islanders walk, ride bikes, or drive electrically powered golf carts.
The main city and the most popular spot is Avalon.  The town itself is a series of T-shirt shops, restaurants, and boat operators, many of whom offer fishing trips or tours on glass-bottom boats. The Avalon Casino is a 1920s structure with mermaid murals, gold-leafed motifs and a large ballroom. This is really a movie palace and not meant for gambling, despite the name. A walk around the cove is a pleasant and beautiful way to spend the day. Note that the boat ride to and from the island is a two-hour trip each way.
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Writer: Lee Z.
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