SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Planning your trip to Catalina Island
THE BEST WAY TO CATALINA
Catalina Express ([310] 519-1212, catalinaexpress.com) offers daily ferry service to Avalon from ports in Long Beach,
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).
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