Mt. Ada

Formerly the mansion of chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., and named for his wife, this is probably my favorite vacation ever. For my wife's 40th birthday, she wanted to stay there. I had never even been to Catalina. I groused at how expensive it was.

We went to stay for a few days, and I found my most favorite place on Earth.

They pick you up and drop you off at the ferry. They feed you two meals a day, and if you need dinner (unlikely), there's a whole town down below. If you stay they lend you a golf cart. (They're electric now -- the gasoline ones used to suffocate you on the way down the hill, so that's nice.) The rooms have incredible views of Avalon and the ocean (and Orange County in the distance).

Hike to the Wrigley Monument, walk around town or to the Casino, see the New Vons. Listen to the chimes on the hour. Sit out on your balcony and read.

Life goal: Get there by helicopter.

(Edit: On November 1 2026, Mt Ada will close for a renovation project through May 2027!)