Only 22 miles off the coast of California lies Santa Catalina Island, an interesting destination -- part retro resort town and part unspoiled nature preserve. Families will have the opportunity to kayak through the crystal clear waters that surround the island and paddle into secluded coves and reefs teeming with marine life.

With all ages, you can explore the underwater world aboard the famous Glass Bottom Boat in the clear waters of the Lover's Cove Marine Sanctuary where bright orange garibaldi, huge schools of bait fish, leopard sharks, barracudas and lobsters abound, and even challenge each other to a round of miniature golf at Avalon's Golf Gardens (310/510-1200).

For those who prefer the beach, the water is calm and protected by the harbor, so it’s safe for younger children to swim and play. For others, it’s horseback riding, exploring charming shops and galleries, visiting the museum, or going on a sightseeing tour of the island’s interior.

Nature lovers will appreciate the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy that has tended the flora and fauna, returning it to mint conditions. Some native plants are Toyon holly, Lemonade berry, Catalina currant, Coastal prickly pear cactus and St. Catherine's lace. It’s a favorite haunt for bald eagles that soar freely above Catalina’s unspoiled reserve and countryside, and buffalo (bison) that roam its rolling hills. Hike the backcountry where you can catch sight of deer, fox, wild pigs, razorback boar and mountain goats. For the less athletic, golf carts are another way to go.

Another attraction for animal enthusiasts occurs every year from May to September, when Catalina Island welcomes the famed flying fish. This spectacular fish soars out of the water at heights of up to 30 feet and glides for distances as long as a fourth of a mile. The flying fish visits the island for a few months a year and best shows itself  at night when lured with light.

For an evening excursion the whole family will enjoy, hop aboard the Blanche W, a 64-foot, 98-passenger solid wood vessel built in 1924, specifically to look out for the Flying Fish.  The ship's vintage candlepower searchlights entice the fish to fly out of the water, much to the delight of all the passengers. For information and reservations, phone (800/626-1496) in advance of arrival.

Rising from its perch on the edge of the sea, the Casino Building, (310/510-2414) -- which has nothing to do with gambling -- has become Catalina Island’s most recognizable landmark. Senior family members will especially enjoy the round Art Deco structure with its terracotta decoration that played host to dozens of Big Bands. A few generations ago, they filled the dance floor of the Casino Ballroom (310/510-7497) with swinging jitterbugs and lindy-hoppers. Inside the white walls, musical festivals now take place and on the ground floor, fabulous Art Deco murals cover the Avalon Theatre (310/510-0179) that shows feature movies.

Details, Details

Catalina Express (800/464-4228) offers over 30 daily departures for a smooth one-hour boat ride from Long Beach’s Downtown Landing to Avalon Harbor on Santa Catalina Island. Keep your eyes out for dolphins and whales! For a 15-minute helicopter ride contact Island Express Helicopters (800/2-AVALON).

Once you're there, the town of Avalon is only one square mile, so it's easy to navigate on foot, shuttle bus, bicycle or taxi. The commercial Santa Catalina Island Company (800/626-7489) promotes the island and can arrange a guided "Classic Inland Motor Tour" that follows an 1800's stagecoach route through Middle Ranch and the interior's fox habitat.

If you are lulled by the calm and the charm into staying overnight, there are many resources for finding the small but expensive B&Bs that make up most of the rental pool. The Santa Catalina Island Company is one of the best. Families who own the seafront cottages that dot the hills tend to return to them each season, but you can sometimes find a week-long rental at the last minute. The Catalina Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau also provides information about the island's attractions and lodging options. A pretty new hotel near the port is the Hotel Villa Portofino (888/510-0555, 310/510-0555) located by the port at 111 Crescent Avenue, Avalon, CA 90704. The public areas with their broad white canvas sun umbrellas recall the Italian coast. Contact them about midweek packages and spa specials.

Award-winning travel writers and photo journalists, Mel and Ronnie Greenberg are based in Woodland Hills, California. Their articles and columns (including travel with grandchildren, and intergenerational) cover local, national, and international destinations, and appear regularly on both coasts.