Description
California travel expert Veronica Hill of www.CaliforniaTravelExpert.com tours Catalina Island in this episode of "California Travel Tips." The second largest of the Channel Islands, just 22 miles from California's coast, Catalina makes a great family weekend. Our kids had a blast on the hour-long ferry from Dana Point to the island, where we spotted sailboats, kayakers, and a pod of frolicking dolphins. Once you disembark in Avalon Bay, grab a golf cart for a tour around the island, and then take a stroll along Crescent Drive, Catalina's main boardwalk. Here, kids can enjoy a treat of spun taffy, ice cream or caramel apples at the old-fashioned confectionary Lloyds of Avalon — — or enjoy a few video games and skee ball at the Metropole Marketplace arcade. A trip to the island isn't complete without a stroll along the Green Pleasure Pier, where you can grab some fish and chips at Eric's restaurant and then go for a cruise on the bay. The Undersea Tour aboard the Starlight and Emerald semi-submersible vessels is a must-see. During the voyage, you'll explore the clear waters of Lover's Cove and a protected kelp forest where you'll come face to face with bright orange garibaldi, spotted calico bass, and opaleyes — among many other types of marine life. The 45-minute tour is also offered at night. To explore Catalina's rugged interior and native wildlife, hop aboard the Classic Inland Motor Tour, which follows the 1800s stagecoach route. In Middle Ranch, you'll meet Tachi, an <b>...</b> |
