Santa Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island is 22 miles off the coast of southern California. The main town, Avalon, wraps around a small harbour with pastel buildings and palm trees. Ships anchor offshore and passengers tender to the Avalon Landing. Cars are restricted on the island, so golf carts and walking are the main ways to move around. The population is about 3,000, and the pace is noticeably slower than the mainland. The Catalina Island Conservancy manages most of the island's interior as a protected wilderness. Bison, introduced for a film shoot in the 1920s, still roam the hills. The Catalina Casino, despite the name, is a round Art Deco theatre and ballroom from 1929 and has never been a gambling hall. Snorkelling at Lovers Cove and glass-bottom boat tours are popular. Descanso Beach Club has loungers and a beachside bar. US dollars are the currency. The zip line across Descanso Canyon draws visitors who want a view with some speed.