For a slice of Greece in Southern California, take a ferry or a helicopter out to Catalina Island (www.catalina.com). You can see Catalina from the shore of Long Beach on a clear day, but for a better view you’ve got to get out onto the island.

The port town of Avalon welcomes visitors with plenty of European-inspired hotels, restaurants, and shops. But the main draw of Catalina lies outside the walls of its buildings. With its Mediterranean summer climate, Catalina draws hikers, horseback riders, and ecotourists. Most of all, it beckons to water-lovers of all kinds, from scuba divers and snorkelers to kayakers and anglers.

The climate on Catalina tends toward the temperate, with beautiful, warm, sunny summer days that make getting out into the ocean a pleasure. Even in the winter, you’ll find pleasantly warmish days and cool nights. But every once in a while, when the Santa Ana winds come billowing down from the mainland, life in Avalon harbor gets exciting.

Storms and winds can whip up the seas, which then come crashing up onto and over the beaches and walkways of Avalon. When you see the yellow sandbags, be aware that the locals are serious. Even on a non-flooding morning, the Pacific can completely engulf the harborside beaches, hit the retaining walls, and spray dozens of feet into the air.

If you’re lucky enough to be around, take a walk down toward the waterside and enjoy the show!

Getting There

There are two ways to get to Catalina: by boat and by air.

By Boat: Most folks take the ferry over from the mainland coast. The Catalina Express (310/519-1212, www.catalinaexpress.com, adults $60–62/round-trip, children $46–48) serves as the major carrier, with multiple departures every day, even in the off-season. During high season, you can choose to leave from two docks in Long Beach, one dock in San Pedro, and another in Dana Point.

Most ferries dock at Avalon, but you can arrange to travel directly to Two Harbors if you prefer. You can bring your bike, your luggage, and your camping gear aboard for a comfortable hour-long ride on one of eight ferries. Bars on both levels offer snacks and drinks, and TVs help make the cruise go by a little bit faster. Though on the way it’s worth looking out the window—you might spot seals or sea lions, different varieties of pelicans, or even a pod of dolphins playing in the swells. Catalina Express also offers plenty of return cruises to the mainland each day.

An alternate ferry service, the Catalina Flyer (400 Main St., Newport Beach, 949/673-5245, www.catalinainfo.com, adults $61/round-trip, children $46) offers one trip out and one trip back each day. The Flyer operates primarily from March through November.

By Air: You can also get to Catalina by air. A helicopter pad sits just northwest of Avalon harbor. Island Express Helicopter Service (1175 Queens Highway S., Long Beach, 310/510-2525, www.islandexpress.com, $160/round trip) can fly you from Long Beach or San Pedro to Catalina in about 15 minutes. You can get a cab into town from the helipad. Island Express also offers aerial tours of the island and various travel packages. Or if you prefer to fly your own small plane into Catalina, the Airport-in-the-Sky (310/510-2196, Apr.–Oct. daily 8 a.m.–7 p.m., Nov.–Mar. daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) offers general aviators a 3,000-plus-foot runway and $5 tie-downs—no gas, though, so fuel up for a round-trip before you head out.