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.
Santa Catalina Island, Los Angeles County, CA, United States