the day in hot weather as there is very little shade on the trail — and
remember to tip your wrangler.
CATALINA ISLAND
Less than 30 miles southwest of Long Beach, Santa Catalina Island is
a world away from the hustle of Hollywood and looks more like the
Southern Mediterranean than Southern California. Just 22 miles long,
the island’s main hub is Avalon and much of the infrastructure and
attractions were brought there by chewing gum magnate and former
Chicago Cubs owner, William Wrigley Jr. Today, it attracts over a million
people a year, including Angelenos wanting a tropical staycation.
Ferries leave regularly from Long Beach and San Pedro, you can take a
helicopter for a faster, more exciting route, or many locals sail across
the patch of the Pacific. Once on dry land, there are countless things
The celebrities at Malibu Wine Safari are the long-necked or striped
kind, as guests taste local vintages while going on an off-road
adventure in a custom-built, open air Safari vehicle around Saddlerock
Ranch. Meet zebras, alpacas, bison, alpacas, camels and Stanley the
Giraffe — many of whom have played animal roles in hit Hollywood
movies. The Malibu Safari is on Mulholland Highway off Kanan Dume
Road deep in the canyons, so it gives you the perfect excuse to drive
north up the Pacific Coast Highway on the way there. Traffic gets heavy
on sunny weekends, so either suck it up and soak in the view — or stop
at Nobu, Gladstones, Duke’s, the Sunset Bar & Grill or Neptune’s Net to
break up the drive and enjoy fresh seafood while soaking in the sun.
MAGIC CASTLE
The Magic Castle is one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets and a once-in-
a-lifetime experience. It is a private club for members of the Academy
of the Magical Arts so you either have to be the guest of a member, or
book dinner/brunch to visit. It also has a strict dress code — no casual
attire, denim, outdoor jackets or flip flops. As the website advises,
“when in doubt, overdress.” But believe us, it is worth it. Once inside,
you’ll get to experience some of the world’s best magicians set in a
historical and magical mansion. The winding corridors, secret doorways
and hidden rooms lead to private performances, intimate acts or larger
theatres — but beware, there’s always the chance of becoming part
of the show. Even waiting for a drink at the W.C. Fields bar offers the
opportunity to witness a slick card trick.
HOLLYWOOD BOWL
to do, from zip-lining, rock climbing, electric bikes, kayaking, paddle-
boarding, scuba diving through kelp forests, camping and parasailing.
The Catalina Island Company’s newly launched Catalina Aerial
Adventure is an exciting new aerial ropes course suspended through
the trees in Descanso Canyon. For something at a more leisurely pace,
you can explore the historic Casino at night with the Twilight at the
Casino Tour, hop on a glass-bottomed boat, take a jeep tour or simply
get a massage on the beach. The Catalina Island Museum showcases
film memorabilia, artwork, pottery and plenty of Cubs artifacts. While
you can easily enjoy the island on a day trip, there’s a wide range of
hotels, B&Bs and AirBNBs, plus abundant camping around the northern
town of Two Harbors. Fans of the screwball comedy Step Brothers will
want to visit in September for the real life Catalina Wine Mixer, but the
best day to go is on your birthday — when you automatically get a free
round-trip on the Catalina Express ferry, plus discounts at restaurants,
hotels, gift shops, activities, spas, and even free ice cream.
Set on a backdrop of the Hollywood Hills and the Hollywood sign, there
is nothing more Hollywood than the Hollywood Bowl. Over its 95-year
history, the amphitheater has hosted Judy Garland, Louis Armstrong,
Elton John, The Beatles, the Doors, the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga and
even Monty Python. The summer concert series — including themed
Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra performances and stunning 4th
of July fireworks — is a seasonal must-do for trendy Angelenos, but
there are worthwhile concerts all year around. The adjacent public
park boasts 14 picnic grounds or the marketplaces sells food and wine
worthy of a fine-dining eatery. The pricey box seats even have waiter
service. Just like with many places in the city, traffic and parking can be
a hassle so an easier option is taking the Bowl Shuttle or doing a Park
and Ride. Highlights coming this fall include Steve Winwood and Mavis
Staples, Solange, Janet Jackson, and Zac Brown Band.
Catalina Island
MALIBU WINE SAFARI
What can be better than sipping wine and hanging out with exotic
animals amid the beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains? Not much.
AUTUMN 2017 35 FLYWASHINGTON.COM