Private Island Paradise

Don’t tell the Hollywood A-listers and eccentric moguls who forked over crazy cash to buy their own island: Turns out, they already had one. Southern California’s very own island paradise is as good as any private perch – better, in fact, what with all the roaming buffalo, water sports, stunning scenery, a thrilling zipline and a travel time shorter than many mainland traffic jams.

And now that spring is here, in-the-know Southlanders are hearing the siren song of a picture-perfect island where fish fly and golf carts are the conveyance of choice.

Catalina Island, just 22 miles across the sea from Los Angeles, is Southern California’s very own island paradise. Part of the Channel Islands archipelago, Catalina offers an escape to suit every travel style.

The small city of Avalon exudes Mediterranean charm as it winds along the water’s edge. Here, gridlock seems worlds away, thanks to a policy that so limits cars on the island there’s now 15-year waitlist to bring one over. That suits Catalina fans just fine, as golf carts, bicycles and good old-fashioned strolls are more enjoyable, anyway. Avalon’s side streets, extending from the main waterfront promenade, lead past simple beach bungalows, old-fashioned businesses, charming shops, quaint hotels and inns, and delightful gardens and plazas.

Further inland, the island’s mostly untouched interior is packed with natural beauty, native plants and hundreds of bird and animal species. Wild buffalo whose roots trace to the 1924 filming of “The Vanishing American” roam here as they please.

A hop, skip and a jump

Catalina is a breeze to get to and the adventure begins at the terminal. Catalina Express has a fleet of high-speed catamarans with daily service to Avalon from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Or depart from Newport Beach on the large 650-passenger Catalina Flyer. Kick back in the comfortable main cabin with big picture windows, or breathe in the sea air on the outside upper deck. Cocktails and light snacks are available for purchase on all vessels. It’ll take about an hour to an hour and a half to get to Catalina. Or take the Island Express helicopter to get there in 14 minutes.

Accommodations are plentiful

Wondering where you’ll hang your hat? Well, there’s tent-site camping at an easy-to-get-to campground just outside Avalon and an elegant and historic four-star country inn, with plenty to choose from in between — cozy beachfront hotels, relaxing bed and breakfasts, family-friendly inns, well-appointed condos, charming in-town vacation rentals and stately hillside homes. For a romantic escape, many lodgings offer in-room amenities like fireplaces, whirlpool Jacuzzi tubs, private balconies and incomparable ocean views.

Lots to do

The range of activities in Catalina is nothing short of astonishing. Water adventures include snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fishing and parasailing. For something new, try snuba or Sea Trekking. Visitors who want to enjoy an underwater world without getting wet can board a glass-bottom boat or join a semi-submersible tour to view the bright orange Garibaldi fish and other marine life that teems in the undersea kelp forests.

On land, shopping, dining, hiking, biking and renting a golf cart to tour the city are some of the most popular activities. But the most thrilling adventure on Catalina is the adrenaline-pumping Zip Line Eco Tour. Thrill-seekers strap in to zip from the mountain to the sea on five consecutive zip lines, nearly 4,000 feet long, sailing 300 feet above the canyon floor at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Each zip ends at a specially designed eco-station platform that offers presentations of the area’s unique ecology along with spectacular views of the island interior and ocean. (Be sure to call in advance for reservations.) Adrenaline junkies who have already zipped find an entirely new thrill in zipping in the moonlight: Night zips on Catalina are offered every single night.

The island’s pristine, unspoiled interior lures travelers via an open-air 12-passenger bio-fuel Hummer or a chartered taxi van to its numerous hiking trails, opportunities to see the roaming buffalo, a visit with Middle Ranch’s resident bald eagle, or a stop at the spectacular 1,600-foot-high Airport in the Sky.

This spring, Catalina Island is offering over 40 Catalina Hot Deals on island lodging, attractions, tours, services, transportation restaurants and shopping. Visit www.CatalinaChamber.com and look under Specials and Packages, where you’ll also get a chance to win a trip to Catalina Island for spring break in April.

For additional information about Catalina Island accommodations, attractions, activities and events, or to receive a free copy of the new 2013 Catalina Island Visitors Guide, contact the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau at (866) 228-1204 or visit www.CatalinaChamber.com.