Catalina Island, California
(Population: 4,000)
Catalina Island is part of the Channel Islands archipelago off the coast of Southern California. Pirates once hid among its quiet coves, and the entire island was owned by California’s wealthiest man. Then a real estate developer established Avalon in 1887, and a new resort destination was born. The famous Tuna Club, opened in 1898, hosted members like Bing Crosby and Charlie Chaplin. After a 1915 fire burned half the town, William Wrigley Jr. (of chewing gum fame) bought most of the shares from the island’s owners, investing millions in infrastructure and attractions. In 1975, Philip Wrigley deeded 90 percent of the island to the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Take a cruise on a glass-bottom boat to see reefs and shipwrecks, or explore the Island from your home base on the historic Queen Mary. Scuba dive, snorkel, fly fish, parasail, or visit the Catalina Island Museum in the historic 1920 Catalina Casino to learn about the history of the island.