Top 10 Interesting Facts about Catalina Island

“Catalina island photo D Ramey Logan.jpg from Wikimedia Commons by D Ramey Logan, CC-BY 4.0″

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Catalina Island

Twenty-something miles off the coast of Southern California lies an island famous for glass-bottom boats, epic scuba and snorkelling spots like Lovers Cove, and panoramic views of the Pacific.

Santa Catalina Island is its official name, though any local will call it Catalina. Those fleeing the city tend to land right here, and it’s easy to see why.

A ferry ride of about an hour gets you to Catalina’s beaches, relaxing cabana-side with a drink in hand or prepping for a hike from ocean to sky.

But before you go, look beyond the seaside exterior — you’ll see there’s plenty more to discover about this little watery oasis.

In 1602, the island was rediscovered by Spanish explorer, Viscaino, who landed here on Saint Catherine’s Feast Day (St. Catherine of Alexandria). He named it Santa Catalina Island in her honor.

Catalina Island is part of Los Angeles County, and Avalon, incorporated in 1913, was the 13th city in the county. The Chicago Cubs trained on Catalina Island from 1921 to 1951.

Avalon’s golf course was first built in 1892, making it the oldest course in southern California. Here are 10 more interesting facts about Catalina Island.

1.  Wrigley Family Own a Huge Per Centage of Catalina Island

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

William Wrigley Jr. acquired the majority of the Catalina Island Company in 1919 and descendants of the Wrigley family are still involved with the company today.

Wrigley, whose name you know from Big Red, Juicy Fruit, and Doublemint chewing gums, invested millions of dollars in the island.

He made it the spring training location for the Chicago Cubs (Wrigley Field making more sense now?) and built the Casino in 1929.

The Wrigleys later donated 42,000 acres of land to the Catalina Island Conservancy for preservation.

The Catalina Island Company is still very much Wrigley-run, specializing in some pretty epic vacation packages from boating to zip-lining to camping.

2. Catalina Island Conservancy is the Largest Private Land Trust in Southern California

Spotting of  native animals e.g Catalina fox  Image by Kiloueka from Wikimedia

The island is also home to Southern California’s largest private land trust, established in the early 1970s by the son of William Wrigley Jr. and his family.

They wanted to preserve Catalina’s natural beauty and set aside more than 88 % of the island’s land as forever wild.

It includes miles of unspoiled beaches, secluded coves, and the habitats of several unique plants, animal, and insect species.

It’s open to the public for hiking, camping and exploring.

Outdoor enthusiasts can start their adventures at the Conservancy’s Trailhead in Avalon, where they can find information on where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of their journey.

3. Private Beaches Open to the Public

Image by Mstyslav Chernov from Wikimedia

But what makes Catalina’s beaches truly special is the unique white sand and crystal-clear waters, reminiscent of a South Pacific paradise.

Beach-goers can choose from a variety of public and private beaches across the island, including the iconic Descanso Beach Club, South Beach, Middle Beach, and the beaches of Two Harbors, a more isolated area on the island’s west side where you can relax under a palapa.

The east-facing beach on Descanso Bay is calm in the morning but by midday, it’s the most happening spot on the island.

Descanso Beach Club has the rights to this beach, but all are welcome, and it has become the place to kick back and catch some sun.

Drinks and food are available from the Descanso Beach Club restaurant and bar and will be delivered to your private cabana or beach chair.

Come by on Saturdays in the summer and there’ll be a DJ on site.

The club also offers a number of onsite adrenalin-packed activities like the 3,700-foot long zip line tour, 32-foot climbing wall, or the Catalina Aerial Adventure and Descanso Drop Tower.

All these options are probably better to do before digging your toes in the sand and ordering a drink or two.

Water activities abound everywhere too, offering visitors the option to do more than just relax on the beach.

4.  Catalina Island was Once “Hijacked”

Image by Mai Ling Thomas from Pixabay

In 1972, the Brown Berets, a group of Latino activists, Chicanos and Mexican residents took Santa Catalina Island, invoking the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which has no mention of the islands.

After the incident on February 15, 1975, Philip Wrigley deeded 42,135 acres (17,051 hectares) of the island from the Santa Catalina Island Company to the Catalina Island Conservancy that he had helped to establish in 1972.

This gave the Conservancy control of nearly 90% of the island.

The balance of the Santa Catalina Island Company that was not deeded to the Conservancy maintains control of much of its resort properties and operations on the island.

5.  Unwind with a Glass of Buffalo Milk in Catalina

Photo by Ambitious Creative Co. – Rick Barrett on Unsplash

It is a cocktail.

The speciality drink, which is absolutely not made from the milk of a buffalo, was developed during a quiet winter by an experimental bartender in Two Harbors, according to island legend.

Crème de cacao, Kahlua, crème de Banana, and vodka are mixed, poured over ice, topped with half and half, and finished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Catalina’s signature beverage can be ordered at just about any watering hole on the island.

Try the original at the Harbor Reef Restaurant in Two Harbors.

6. US Military Took Over Catalina Islands During World War II

Photo by Joel Rivera-Camacho on Unsplash

During World War II, the island was closed to tourists and used for military training facilities.

Catalina’s steamships were expropriated for use as troop transports and a number of military camps were established.

The U.S. Maritime Service set up a training facility in Avalon, the Coast Guard had training at Two Harbors.

The Army Signal Corp maintained a radar station in the interior.

The Office of Strategic Services did training at Toyon Bay, and the Navy did underwater demolition training at Emerald Bay.

Everybody got their piece of action here.

7. Catalina Island’s  Over 20 Year  Car Importation Waiting List

Photo by Ralph (Ravi) Kayden on Unsplash

There’s a 20-year waiting list to own a car on Catalina Island, according to the Catalina Chamber of Commerce, but you don’t need one to get around.

There’s not a lot of incentive to bring a car to Catalina Island when you have to wait two decades or more to import a vehicle to an island just 21 miles long and 8 miles wide.

Residents and businesses can apply for a permit for a car or autoette – a small golf cart type vehicle.

The city of Avalon, which is only one square mile, allows golf carts on the roads.

Plenty of taxis and hotel shuttles will be awaiting your arrival from the Catalina Express, or you can rent a golf cart to get around town on your own.

But with so many other options for getting around, visitors, and many residents won’t even need their own wheels.

8. Santa Catalina Island hosts California’s Oldest Trail Marathon

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

California’s Oldest Trail Marathon will be celebrating its 45th anniversary at the Catalina Island Marathon on Saturday, March 12, 2022.

For more info: catalinaislandmarathon.com

runcatalina.com  also strives to provide you with an extraordinary running experience that you’ll never forget.

Get hooked on Catalina and return for all of our Run Catalina events as you navigate through the interior featuring untouched landscapes, bald eagles, foxes, and the occasional bison sighting.

The Catalina Island Half Marathon is the hardest race you will ever love! Experience the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the island’s wildlife.

Sign up to run some of the most beautiful, rugged and breathtaking trails you will ever experience

9. Catalina the Presidents’ Island

The ballroom of the casino in Avalon, Catalina Island Image by Sean McCulley from Wikimedia

AVALON—Catalina Island has been a hot destination for celebrities through the years, but some might not be aware of how many officials the island has hosted including presidents.

 Just a few of the POTUS that visited Catalina were Richard Nixon, a young Ronald Reagan (when he was a radio announcer and had yet to enter into politics) and Calvin Coolidge.

Coolidge was the 30th President of the U.S. and was in office from 1923 until 1929. He visited Avalon during the same time period as the Wrigley age.

Coolidge is met William Wrigley Jr. and his wife, Ada, at their beloved home (the home currently carries her namesake).

 One of the most impressive tourist attractions on Catalina, Mt. Ada still offers room and board and delicious gourmet meals.

Mt. Ada is also the premier spot to overlook the harbour and Front Street.

President Warren G. Harding died just one week before his scheduled visit to the island.

10.  Catalina Island is Home to the Oldest Golf Course in Southern California

Photo by Catharina Short Sundberg on Unsplash

Avalon’s golf course was first built in 1892, making it the oldest course in southern California.

Originally built as a three-hole course in 1892, Catalina Island Golf Course would expand to nine, then 18 holes under its second owner, gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., before eventually reverting back to nine holes of play.

Course and island historians believe the track to be one of the oldest in the U.S.

It’s definitely the oldest course in California and maybe the oldest west of the Rockies, if not the oldest west of the Mississippi

Its historic guests include the former Bobby Jones Golf Invitational from 1931 to 1958 (check out the legend’s bronze likeness in the clubhouse).

The Santa Catalina Island Junior Championship has welcomed the likes of SoCal golf luminaries such as Tiger Woods (twice), John Cook, Corey Pavin, Amy Alcott and Craig Stadler.

Santa Catalina Island or Catalina to those in the know is one of California’s best-unkept secrets.

It’s a hidden gem in plain sight. Day-trippers, cruise lines, vacationers, and A-listers alike have flocked to this small-town island paradise for decades to take in all that it has to offer.

White sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and water sports abound for those interested in relaxing and having family-friendly fun.

Fresh seafood, wine, and island-brewed beer and coffee entice foodies. And history buffs will find no shortage of entertainment on Catalina, where old Hollywood has left a deep imprint.