Weekend in Catalina Island, Calif.

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For the AJC

BUDGET

Getting there

Catalina Island (21 miles long; 8 miles wide) is 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. Catalina Express offers frequent ferry departures to Avalon from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. Round-trip fares for the one-hour trip are $66.50 adults; $51 children ages 2-11; www.catalinaexpress.com. One-way airfares to Long Beach start from $129 with a three-day advance notice of travel; valid on Delta.

Stay

The recently renovated Edgewater is steps to the waterfront, shops, restaurants and tours. Patio-view rooms start from $140, including continental breakfast; www.theedgewater-hotel.com, 415 Crescent Ave., 310-510-8484.

Eat

Mr. Ning’s Chinese Garden is a local favorite for the affordable choices of Mandarin and Szechwan cuisine. Selections from $6; 127 Sumner Ave., 310-510-1161.

Experience

Take a day to enjoy Casino Point, a designated dive park within walking distance of Avalon. Also near Avalon is Lover’s Cove, ideal for snorkeling in a protected marine preserve (no scuba allowed). Rent equipment and buy fish food at Cove Cooler. Nearby Descanso Beach is also a great snorkeling area.

MODERATE

Getting there

Walk-up, one-way Economy class rates to Long Beach start from $204; valid on Delta.

Stay

Lovely Hotel Vista Del Mar, 10 steps from the Avalon Bay beach, features courtyard guest rooms from $225 per night, June to September. Continental breakfast and fresh baked cookies and milk in the evenings are complimentary; www.hotel-vistadelmar.com, 417 Crescent Ave., 800-601-3836.

Eat

Enjoy a local spiny California lobster at The Lobster Trap ($35 charbroiled). Other local fresh seafood entrees and selections from the land range from $16-$27. It’s neither fancy nor on the tourist map. Patrons can expect a fresh catch and friendly service; www.catalinalobstertrap.com, 128 Catalina St., 310-510-8585.

Experience

Catalina Island Museum tells the story of the island’s 7,000-year history from native Indian residents to the glamour days of Hollywood with award-winning exhibits; $4 adults; www.catalina.com/museum.html, 1 Casino Way, 310-510-2414. Take a 50-minute guided tour of the island; $19 adults; 
 www.visitcatalinaisland.com, 310-510-8687. Avalon is about 1 square mile — small enough to navigate by foot, trolley, shuttle bus or rental bicycle or golf cart.

SPLURGE

Getting there

Walk-up, one-way Business Class rates to Los Angeles start from $570; valid on nonstop Air Tran or Delta flights. Take a fun 15-minute helicopter flight from Long Beach or San Pedro; $164 per person, round trip; www.islandexpress.com, 800-228-2566.

Stay

The stylish and charming Hotel Metropole in the heart of Avalon is steps to the beach. Guest rooms range from courtyard view ($199) to ocean view with a fireplace and balcony ($340). More expensive suites also available; www.hotel-metropole.com, 205 Crescent Ave., 800-541-8528.

Eat

Possibly the most romantic island restaurant is the Catalina Country Club, a pleasant 10-minute walk from downtown. The restaurant features mostly organic cuisine with fine presentation and service. Entrees $16 to $24; www.visitcatalinaisland.com, 1 Country Club Drive, 310-510-7404.

Experience

Take a guided Outback Tour with a beach picnic to other side of the island — an area so remote that buffalo roam the hills (88 percent of the island is protected). After three hours of free time in Little Harbor, the tour takes a unique route back to Avalon via the Middle Canyon; $139 per person; www.catalinakayaks.com, 310-510-2229.