One of my favorite spots to visit in Southern California is Catalina Island.  The island is a world way from the hustle and bustle of the Los Angeles area even though it is only about twenty miles off the coast and accesible within an hour by ferry.  Once on the island, it is advised to rent a golf cart to drive around the main road to see the Wrigley Mansion and Memorial and end up back by the coast again.  I highly recommend making reservations in advance for the ferry service since it fills up fast during the summer months.