By Lorraine Newberry
Facts About Catalina Island
Beautiful Catalina Island has long been a favorite destination of Southern California's residents and visitors. Activities include fishing, boating, hiking, camping and shopping.
Name
The true name of the island is Santa Catalina Island, but it is commonly referred to as Catalina Island.
Location
Catalina Island is off the coast of California, near Los Angeles.
Size
The island is about 8 miles across at its widest point and 21 miles long. The highest point on the island can be found on Mount Orizaba, which rises to an elevation of 2,069 feet.
Temperature
Average high temperatures are around 76 degrees Fahrenheit from June to October and 63 degrees from November to May.
Campgrounds
There are several campgrounds on Catalina. See Resources for more information about camping on Catalina Island.
Getting There
It takes about an hour to reach Catalina Island by boat when coming from the mainland, 15 minutes by helicopter. Several companies, such as the Catalina-Marina del Rey Flyer, which departs from Marina del Rey, provide ferry service to the island.
Resources
About the Author:
Lorraine Newberry graduated from the University of Michigan and worked in the field of technical writing for several years before turning to freelance writing. Since then she has written for print publications and websites like Go World Travel and Collector's Quest, as well as her own website, Traveling Latin America.