Santa Catalina - of the 1958 pop hit "26 Miles" by the Four Preps - is a small rocky island served by ferries from Long Beach and San Pedro in Los Angeles County and Newport Beach and Dana Point in Orange County. Nearly a million people visit each year, drawn by its natural beauty and mellow pace. Outdoorsy types will relish kayaking, parasailing, hiking, biking, zip lining and diving in Avalon Underwater Park, a marine preserve. The reefs can also be explored by glass-bottom boats. The island has charming cafes and boutiques, art galleries, hotels and spas. Getting there takes about an hour with frequent sailings.

catalinachamber.com