Cactus, buffalo, golf carts and the beach: Catalina Island

Catalina Island is just a ferry ride from Long Beach and other points on the coast of Southern California, but it feels like it's a world away. Go for a swim, try a buffalo milk cocktail and maybe even take a tour to catch a glimpse of real buffalo in the island's scrubby hills. Rent a golf cart to tool around in and visit the botanical garden. Whether you're there for a day, an overnight or longer, there's plenty to do. Or just lie on the beach, enjoy the scenery and do nothing at all.

Island history

Also called Santa Catalina, the island was developed in the early 20th century as a resort by William Wrigley Jr., who made his fortune in Wrigley chewing gum and owned the Chicago Cubs baseball team. He even brought the players to Catalina for spring training for a number of years.