Yesterday, I was researching the cavernous La Monica Ballroom on Santa Monica pier (that’s the place with the ten turrets in the background) when I came across this photo. That’s when I learned that there was something called the Catalina Steamer, which took people to Santa Catalina Island, which as the popular song taught us, was “Twenty-six miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is a-waitin’ for me.” This photo is from 1936, and from hordes of day-trippers, I’m guessing it was summer, and a VERY popular destination.
I found this photo with a caption that read: “S.S. Catalina, aka “The Great White Steamer” arrives at Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, in 1966.”
It would be great to bring back an even more dramatic Santa Monica pier that would allow for ocean going liners to dock, but only one at a time.
I’d probably go to Catalina more if the boat left from Santa Monica.
I know! It’s been years since I’ve been over.
I like to imagine a 21st Century. SS Catalina and Avalon, maybe a bit bigger, but glamorous, and a real treat to get over there.
Too many people just respond with, “You must be crazy, a big ship coming into Santa Monica?”
It would really expand our tourism opportunities as well as add an attraction to SM.
I agree! My dad used to tell me about the gambling ship that was anchored off shore back in the day. Don’t think they’ll be bringing that one back!
Not if Vegas has anything to say about it. My dad was a customer too.