Planning your trip to Catalina Island

By Jordane Rane
06:07 PM PST, February 17, 2009

Santa Catalina Island

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Catalina Island becomes more like a secret getaway in winter

THE BEST WAY TO CATALINA

Catalina Express ([310] 519-1212, catalinaexpress.com) offers daily ferry service to Avalon from ports in Long Beach, Dana Point and (February to October) San Pedro. From the Catalina Landing at downtown Long Beach, hour-long crossings cost $33.25 one way and are subject to cancellation depending on weather and ocean conditions. Add $14 a day for parking at the port. Get there in 15 minutes from Long Beach or San Pedro with Island Express Helicopter Service ($86 one-way, [800] 228-2566, islandexpress.com).

OFF-SEASON DEALS

Catalina weekends aren't cheap any time of year (ferries and parking alone will set you back nearly $100), but the best bargains are happening now when crowds are thin, especially midweek. Hunt for off-season specials in the Catalina Chamber's "Island Inspirations" Web listings (www.catalinachamber.com/inspirations), an updated page of slashed room rates, spa packages, restaurant deals and two-for-one tour offers.

BEYOND AVALON

Explore Catalina's 42,135 acres of rugged outback the easy way, in an open-air Mercedes Unimog or a 1950s Flxible bus ([310] 510-8687, www.visitcatalinaisland.com). Hiking in the backcountry requires a permit (free) from the Catalina Island Conservancy ([310] 510-2595, www.catalinaconservancy.org).