Road trip: Catalina island

The challenge of landing at Catalina (AVX) off the coast of California has many rewards, starting with the landing itself. It’s been said that flying is the second-best thing in the world, and landing is first. That might enter your mind as you approach one of general aviation’s most famous runways, built on a manmade plateau created by topping two mountain peaks and filling in the gaps with the debris.

The “Airport in the Sky” will test your ability to fly the correct attitudes and altitudes on approach, and not let the absence of typical visual cues fool you. The approach end of 3,000-foot-long Runway 22 is perched atop a 1,500-foot cliff, with downdrafts likely on short final. Also worth knowing in advance: Pilots at one end of the runway cannot see aircraft at the other end.

The rewards: an on-field restaurant and gift shop, and easy access to more than 200 miles of hiking trails that crisscross Santa Catalina Island (commonly called Catalina Island, or simply Catalina), offering breathtaking views and a range of ecosystems and wildlife. Just 20 miles from California’s southern coast, Catalina is both a great day trip and terrific vacation destination, with a range of attractions and activities on land and sea—all connected to the airport by shuttle bus.

We’re talking golf, water sports, an eco-tour zipline, concerts, more than 30 restaurants offering everything from family fare to formal dining, and the famous Art Deco Casino—it’s not a gambling hall, but a music and entertainment venue that has hosted legendary acts since 1929 (the ballroom accommodated 6,200 people dancing to Kay Kyser’s music on May 8, 1940). Take in a movie in the Avalon Theater, on the lower level along with the Casino Art Gallery, and Catalina Island Museum. With so much to see and do around the island, you might want to rent a golf cart from one of several providers and plan to spend a night (or a few) in a campground, bed and breakfast, or boutique hotel.