Island Paradise

About 20 miles off the coast of Southern California lies an island that almost belies description. It is an area almost as pristine as the day it was developed. Chain businesses are forbidden so Vons and Coldstone are the only names you would recognize. Mom and Pop places abound and many have been there for decades. Families come back year after year, often with children and grandchildren in tow.

Welcome to Catalina Island and the tiny town of Avalon. This is the place my friends and I come back to year after year for fun in the sun relaxation. Everything is scaled down here. Smart cars are the only vehicles on the island outside of golf carts. Even FedEx has to scale down. Check out this tiny truck:



Catalina is a quaint village that can be exactly what you make of it. You can have a margarita at the bar:



Or on a beach:



It isn't all drinking and shopping. One of the coolest things to do is to rent a golf cart and tour the outskirts of Avalon. On one such journey, we encountered some locals! They were very calm and photogenic:



We love Catalina! My roommate took me there for the first time 8 years ago and I fell in love with the place. It is romantic, tropical and a wonderful place to get away. I look forward to this trip all year!