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Introduction

Catalina Island may be only 22 miles away from mainland LosAngeles, but you'll feel as if you've entered another world as soon as youstep ashore. Whether you fancy a stroll through Avalon, Catalina's main city,or a more adventurous hike through Catalina's Isthmus at Two Harbors, theisland offers a breadth of diverse activities.The island is only 21 miles long and 8 miles wide. Unlikeanywhere else in California, automobiles are looked upon with disdain. As amatter of fact, there are restrictions for the amount of vehicles allowed on theisland at any one time.For at least 7,000 years, Catalina has been inhabited. Theoriginal residents of what was then known as the island of Pimu were thePimungan Indians. Because the island's climate was not conducive to plant lifediversity, the Pimungans set up a vast trading network with tribes on themainland. After the Spanish colonization of Catalina, the Pimungans began todisappear due to disease and disruption of trade.Catalina enjoyed a brief time as a booming mining town whensilver was discovered in the mid-19^th century. Squatters and minersfrom all over the country made their way here, and their names are foreveretched in the island's history as geographical points (Ben Weston Beach,Johnson's Landing, and so on).The feel of the island could not be more different than itsneighbor 22 miles away. Catalina's mountain views are reminiscent of thepanoramic views of Villefranche-sur-Mer on the French Riviera. The quaint,village type atmosphere is seemingly worlds apart from the hustle and bustle ofLos Angeles.Catalina offers a wide variety of activities in a smallamount of space, the perfect place to take a day trip. Bird watching,snorkeling, all manner of water sports, and fine dining are just some of yourmyriad options on the island of Catalina. The bike trails afford beautifulvistas,if you're willing to sweat a little on the uphill climb. Crime is not even anissue here, so feel free to walk anywhere you please.