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An island paradise turned into a Roaring ‘20s hot spot by chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., Santa Catalina Island has long been popular. In fact, during the summer months, it’s been perhaps too popular. But with spring barely sprung and tourism depressed after the May wildfires, there’s never been a better time to visit: Waits are shorter, prices lower. Moreover, as bad as the blaze was -- gutting 4,000 acres of chaparral -- the main town of Avalon, pictured, was virtually unscathed.

On the Cheap

26 MILES ACROSS THE SEA, EH?

For folks on a budget, Catalina Express ([800] 481-3470) makes day trips feasible: $30 each way for the 60-minute trip out of Long Beach or San Pedro -- or $31 for the 90-minute version from Dana Point. The boat rides can be choppy, however, so bring Dramamine or request the relatively smooth catamaran service available from Long Beach. $37.50 will also buy a one-way fare on the Marina del Rey Flyer (13737 Fiji Way, C2, [310] 305-7250).

SIGHTS FOR SORE EYES

Simply strolling Avalon’s main promenade and visiting the iconic Casino -- which also features daily tours, pictured far right -- makes for a full day. For $16 though, Discovery Tours ([800] 322-3434) packs magnificent views and lots of island history into its hourlong Avalon Scenic Tour, just one of 10 excursions available by land and sea. If you prefer a relaxed day at the beach, however, the Descanso Beach Club ([310] 510-7410) has the best real estate in town and great amenities. Only $2 a day, it opens April 4.

DRINK IT IN

A day in Avalon wouldn’t be complete without at least one drink along the waterfront. The Castilian-decorated restaurant El Galleon (411 Crescent Ave., [310] 510-1188), pictured, provides one of the best happy-hour deals around from 3 to 5 p.m. -- $5 for a margarita or a half-liter of German beer -- and the burgers aren’t bad either. If you’re a seafood fan, head to Armstrong’s (306 Crescent Ave., [310] 510-0113). At $13 to $15, the fresh fish entrees are a steal.

On the Run

FOR VENTURESOME HEARTS

With adventurously themed rooms available for $80 to $110 a night during spring, the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel (199 Chimes Tower Road, [800] 378-3256) -- named for the sporting novelist who built it as his vacation home -- is a fun retreat. And from there, it’s a short walk downhill to Descanso Beach Club, where aquatic gear is available for rent; $16 an hour for kayaks and $3.50 an hour for a mask and snorkel. Offering chartered boats, scuba gear and instructors, Catalina Divers Supply (Pier or Casino Point, [800] 353-0330) will take your marine adventure deeper.

PERMISSION TO ROAM FREE

Serious adventurers may want to abandon Avalon altogether, of course, and rough it in Catalina’s rugged interior or along the less-visited coast. Permits are required for hiking (free), bicycling ($20 per two days) and camping ($12 per night) there, but thanks to the monopoly the Santa Catalina Island Co. (visitcatalinaisland.com, [800] 322-3434) enjoys, you can order them all in one place.

On the Ritzy Side

CHOPPY WATER? THINK ‘CHOPPER’ INSTEAD

Vacationers with money to burn can always charter a plane into central Catalina’s Airport in the Sky. But at $84 one-way per person, Island Express’ (1175 Queens Highway, Long Beach or Berth 95, San Pedro, [800] 228-2566) helicopter flights are surprisingly affordable, only 14 minutes long and can drop you off right at Avalon’s doorstep.

NOW THIS IS LIVING . . .

The charming bed-and-breakfast The Inn on Mt. Ada (398 Wrigley Terrace Road, [800] 608-7669) has luxurious hilltop rooms with sweeping views of the harbor, for $360 to $625 a night now. Alternatively, Catalina Canyon Resort (888 Country Club Drive, [310] 510-0325) has fairly unremarkable rooms but boasts the largest hotel pool in town, plus a full-service spa. And it’s just down the street from the Catalina Country Club (1 Country Club Drive, [310] 510-0530), which offers a nine-hole golf course with $31-$36 greens fees and fine dining. If proximity to the water or busy boardwalk is key, the recently renovated Hotel Villa Portofino (111 Crescent Ave., [888] 510-0555) has rooms with ocean-view balconies plus great Italian food.

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-- Liam.G[email protected]