At OC Designworks, we are explorers at heart. In our Hidden Places Revealed series, we share the spots we've visited and fallen in love with—from the shoreline to the backcountry. We sprinkle these inspirations into our designs, hoping you'll discover and love these places too.
Following our recent trek through the Mojave Road, our next stop takes us 22 miles across the Pacific to a place that feels worlds away: Santa Catalina Island. To reach this island escape, most adventurers hop on a high-speed ferry from the mainland coast or take a short, scenic helicopter flight, arriving at a destination where the rugged wilderness meets the sea. With its sun-drenched ridges and secret coves, Catalina is a pocket-sized paradise that captures the wild, untamed spirit we love to share.
The Legend of the Island Bison
The most unexpected sight on Catalina is the herd of American Bison roaming the interior. Left behind by a film crew in 1924 after a silent movie shoot, these island buffalos thrived in the golden hills. They have since become an iconic symbol of the island's untamed spirit, a vibe we capture in our rugged apparel.
The wild bison roaming Catalina's golden hills aren't just a quirky piece of island history—they're a symbol of untamed freedom that perfectly captures the spirit we chase. We designed our Catalina Island California Bison T-Shirt to celebrate that same rugged, adventurous energy: a wearable reminder that the best stories come from the places that refuse to be tamed.
From the Backcountry to the Glass
The bison inspired the island's most famous tradition: a creamy, boozy cocktail known as Buffalo Milk. This blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and banana is the ultimate reward after a long day of trekking. Our featured Catalina Island California Buffalo Milk T-Shirt is directly inspired by this local staple, celebrating the laid-back, adventurous culture of the island.
Fun fact! While many call them 'buffalo', Catalina's herd are actually American bison. True buffalo live in Africa and Asia, while bison are native to North America with their signature shoulder humps and shaggy coats. But locals have always called them buffalo, and the name stuck—just like it did with the island's famous Buffalo Milk cocktail!
Exploring the Wild Side
While many stay in the main harbor, the true magic lies in the hidden corners:
- Perdition Cave: A literal hidden gem, this sea cave offers a hauntingly beautiful look at the island's volcanic geology, accessible only by water.
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The Isthmus: The narrowest point of the island, where you can stand between two harbors and feel the raw power of the wind and waves.
- Little Harbor: A pristine beach on the backside of the island, perfect for those seeking the solitude of the backcountry wilderness.
- The High Ridges: Hiking the spine of the island provides panoramic views where the desert-like scrub meets the deep blue of the Pacific.
From the Island to Your Wardrobe
At OC Designworks, we aren't just making apparel, we're documenting a lifestyle. From the windswept ridges of Catalina to the secret coves where bison roam, we continue to weave the places we've explored into every design. Keep an eye out for future Hidden Places Revealed posts as we share more stories from the Pacific islands, coastal hideaways, and the untamed backcountry that inspires us.
[Shop the Catalina Island Inspired Collection at OC Designworks]
Designed in SoCal. From the Tides to the Trails.