Island of Adventure

Catalina Island's Best Adventures

1) Glamp in the Backcountry

You love the outdoors but you want a hot shower, a good meal, and a comfy bed? Done! Glamp in Catalina’s vast interior, where your room opens to the stunning scenery, and itineraries cater to your main interests, from hiking to yoga and private tent massages.

2) Discover Remote Beaches

You can’t go wrong beach-hopping on Catalina. The crystal clear aqua-blue water is reason to try out a clear-bottomed boat or just play in the waves. Some of the best beaches are only accessible by hiking or kayaking, including remote boat-in campsites along the coast of the island.

3) LA County's First Zipline

Los Angeles County’s first zipline is also the most scenic in California. Fly above the Pacific and under the moon and the stars. The Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour features five consecutive zips high above Descanso Canyon and through a grove of eucalyptus, with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. Go during the day or try it at night.

4) Do the Grand Traverse

The Trans-Catalina Trail is a must-do hike across the wilder side of the island. Traverse up hills and down valleys, gaining fantastic coastal views and seeing the island’s 42,000-acre Nature Preserve (aka, Catalina’s “Interior”). Tackle the whole thing over multiple days or just hike a section of it.

5) Just Say Spa

Well, well, wellness! Melt away stress with a heavenly massage or facial or body scrub. Unwind at one of Catalina’s four day spas where eucalyptus steam rooms delight and “spa bubbles” means champagne!

6) Food Tour, Cocktails, Places to Stay

Catalina Island’s signature cocktail? Buffalo Milk (i.e., like a Mudslide, island-style!). You’re a foodie? Sample everything from fresh seafood to waffle-cone ice creams on a guided food tour (or opt for a quiet sundown dinner overlooking the harbor in Avalon). Check out the bars and try to figure out which one inspired Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Where to stay? From sophisticated and swanky to cozy and romantic, or rustic upscale, find your perfect lodging and deals in Catalina.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View