Catalina from A to Z: Sentimental Santa Catalina

Hello, and welcome to the Blogging A to Z Challenge! This year my theme is Catalina from A to Z, featuring posts about the Southern California island of Catalina. With a focus on the island’s romantic side, I’ll be sharing info about where to go, what to see and do, plus a few sneak peeks from my novel in progress, Wife For A Weekend, which is set on the island!

While researching Catalina Island, I’ve discovered a few items that I wish were still in existence or operation, but which have been destroyed by fires or other natural disasters. One of these sentimental spots is the Santa Catalina Island Incline Railway.

According to Catalina A to Z, one of the funiculars used to run up to Buena Vista Point, while another ran down the opposite side of the hill to Pebbly Beach. There was also a teahouse that provided refreshments at the top of the slope. The tram was sometimes referred to as “Angel’s Flight,” echoing the name of a famous Los Angeles city tram. (p. 122)

Love Catalina says that “a cement platform and steel cables are still visible at Buena Vista Point,” for those interested in excavating a bit of Catalina history. The rest was lost in the 1915 Avalon fire. (You can also see more photos of the site, then and now, at ERHA – the Electric Railway Historical Association of Southern California.)

Modern-day sights to see

Although you won’t be able to ride a funicular on Catalina these days, you can check out two celestially named sites instead: Star Bay and Starlight Beach.

Star Bay is a small beach located approximately 1.5 miles east of Land’s End, on the south (windward) side of the island’s west end.
Starlight Beach is the official beginning and endpoint of the Trans-Catalina Trail, located on the north (leeward) side of the island’s west end.