Things to do in Los Angeles - Top Dozen Sights

By Betsy Malloy, About.com Guide

It's in Los Angeles County, but it looks like it should be on the Mediterranean. Things are different on Catalina. Fish fly. People drive golf carts instead of cars, but that's only the amuse bouche. The real charm of the island is in its unpretentious, laid-back ambiance, enough to get you chilled out in no time.

Pros and Cons

Catalina feels like another country, but it's so close to LA, with a laid-back ambiance and lots of natural beauty. On the downside, you have to get on a ferry boat to get there and if the city lights excite you more than the sight of a buffalo in the wild, it may not be for you.

More About Catalina Island

If you've got the time, it can be a whole vacation. Use the Catalina Island vacation guide to plan it.

If you've only got a weekend, that works, too. Plan your escape lickety-split using this planner.

Take a photo tour

See where it is on a map. It's the red-colored push pin.

Don't Take Our Word For It

See how others rate Catalina Island