Bargain Island Escapes

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http://viamagazine.com/top_stories/articles/island_escapes09.asp

March/April 2009 [1]

For an affordable island getaway try these four destinations.

For an affordable island getaway try these: Santa Catalina, Calif.; San Juan Island, Wash.; Sauvie Island, Ore.; and Kodiak Island, Alaska.

ANGEL ISLAND, SAN FRANCISCO BAY

GO
Hop on a ferryboat in San Francisco (25 minutes; $14.50; www.blueandgold [2] fleet.com) or Tiburon (20 minutes; $10.20; www.angelislandferry.com [3]).

STAY
Load a pack and hike two miles to one of nine state park camping sites. Book a few months ahead. $27.50. (800) 444-7275, www.reserveamerica.com [4].

EAT
Before boarding the Tiburon ferry, head to Shark's Deli in town for picnic fixings including chicken salad sandwiches ($6) and cookies (two for $1). (415) 435-9130.

PLAY
On a docent-led bike tour, explore the island's former military installations such as Camp Reynolds and the Nike missile site. Tour $2, bike rental $30. (415) 435-3522, www.angelisland.org [5].

CATALINA ISLAND, LONG BEACH, CALIF.

GO
Boats leave from three Southern California ports: Long Beach, Dana Point, and San Pedro. About an hour; from $54. www.catalinaexpress.com [6].

STAY
Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel—the novelist's former home—offers unmatched views of Avalon Bay. From $135. (310) 510-0966, www.zanegreypueblohotel.com [7].

EAT
The enticing lunch menu at Armstrong's Seafood is identical to the dinner one, but with lower prices. Red snapper: $11 at lunch, $16 at dinner. (310) 510-0113.

PLAY
Take a guided tour of the Catalina Casino, the island's 1929 art deco landmark, and get free admission to the Catalina Island Museum. $15.25. (800) 626-5440, www.visitcatalinaisland.com [8].

SAN JUAN ISLAND, ANACORTES, WASH.

GO
Walk or drive aboard the Washington State Ferry about 80 miles north of Seattle in Anacortes. One to two hours; $10–$13. www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries [9].

STAY
The Wayfarer's Rest, a ranch-style hostel located four blocks from the ferry terminal, offers coed and private rooms. From $30. (360) 378-6428.

EAT
Check the blackboard at the Backdoor Kitchen for the Curry of the Day, which might be a Thai, Indian, or Moroccan dish. $9. (360) 378-9540.

PLAY
At Lime Kiln Point State Park, hike the Lighthouse Trail overlooking the water and scan for orcas along the way. No admission or parking fees. (360) 378-2044, www.parks.wa.gov [10].

Photography courtesy Washington State Ferries

This article was first published in March 2009. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.