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Get your fun-in-the-sun time in before summer sun slips away
Santa Catalina Island
Just a high-speed ferry ride from the California coast, fabled Santa Catalina Island (known more commonly just as Catalina Island), makes a perfect end-of-summer Pacific retreat. West Coasters have easy access to this little gem, once owned by chewing-gum mogul, William Wrigley Jr., which boasts a charming town, beautiful beaches, and abundant wildlife. The island’s Avalon Bay is dotted with yachts and fishing boats while the town of Avalon itself is a haven for romantic B&Bs, delightful restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. With a limited number of cars allowed on the island, most everything is within walking distance of town, but if you want to explore and drive through the rugged hills, you can rent an “autoette” – a cross between a golf cart and a jeep. If you’re feeling seaworthy, hop on a glass-bottom boat ride and marvel at the colorful marine life.
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