Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/458344
ed isthmus village of Two Harbors. The weather on Catalina Island in late summer and early fall is warm and sunny, with water temperatures warm enough to enjoy boating, snorkeling and relaxing at the beach. It's an attractive, welcoming island that features a number of restaurants, quaint shops and first class accommodations. Visitors can walk from the Catalina Express mooring dock to Descanso Beach, which is a mile away. Along the way are numerous places to eat, drink, shop, or just stroll along the waterfront. Catalina, which has minimal development, has a wealth of natural and cultural resources, as well as unique animals and plants found nowhere else on earth. Most visitors get around the island via golf carts as there are very few cars allowed on the island. Divers flock to Catalina since the island is recognized as one of the best dive sites in the world. There are several tours on the island. On a tour to the inte- rior it's possible to see buffalo grazing on the hillsides. In 1924, 14 American bison were brought to the island for the filming of a movie. They remained, and are like island mas- cots today. HIGHLIGHTS There is so much to do on Catalina Island that you literally don't have time to get bored. There are escorted tours around town, adventure rides into the interior, jeep eco tours, hummer rides, zip lines, rock climbing and undersea adventures. BY DARLENE DONLOE atalina Island is a little more than 47 miles from Los Angeles and 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, but once visitors arrive on the intimate and casual islet, that short distance feels more like it's a million miles away. A quick boat ride from the ports of San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point via Catalina Express, Catalina Island is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The bright lights and chaos of city life are nowhere to be found. They are substituted for peace, quiet and a small-town atmosphere that has become the island's brand. Catalina is a laidback place where visitors can reboot, rejuvenate and above all, relax. It's the perfect setting for a meeting. The home of the delightful town of Avalon with a popu- lation of 3,736, Catalina, which is reminiscent of a seaside vil- lage, is only one square mile in size and is surrounded by rugged hillsides and clear, blue water. While most residents live in the quaint city of Avalon, others reside in the seclud- CATALINA ISLAND THE PERFECT MEETING PLACE B M & T ••• November/December 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 20 SITE REVIEW C Photo Credit: Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce