Wilder Than You Think

1) Goat for It!

You won’t sight a single goat on the 7-mile Goat Whiskers Trail loop west of Two Harbors on Catalina. You will see abundant native flora and fauna, though, on this coast-to-mountain hike.

2) Kayak to a Beach Campground

Lava Wall. This towering volcanic cliff is the backdrop to a remote beach campground on Catalina Island that you can only reach by boat. So start paddling!

3) Hidden Hiking

For hikers who want to veer off the beaten path, there’s a less traveled 7-mile (round-trip) hike that climbs high into the ridges above Avalon and offers sweeping views of the Pacific.

4) Not Your Vegas Casino

There’s a whole lot of bling going on at the Casino Point Dive Park off Catalina Island, but this cache is at a protected marine preserve with some of the most colorful and coveted sea life in the world. Hit the jackpot with a snorkeling adventure and enjoy a sea jamboree.

5) Zipline Day or Night

Los Angeles County’s first zipline lets you fly above the Pacific and under the moon and the stars.  The Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour whooshes you high above Descanso Canyon and through a Eucalyptus Grove.

6) Food, Drinks, and Where to Stay!

Catalina Island’s signature cocktail? Buffalo Milk (think Mudslide, island-style). Food’s your passion? Sample everything from ceviche to waffle-cone ice creams on a guided food tour. Warning: all that noshing will most certainly mean you’ll need to relax and unwind at one of the island’s spas.

Where to stay? From sophisticated and swanky to cozy and romantic, or rustic upscale, there are lots of Catalina options in both Avalon and Two Harbors—from hunting lodges turned into delightful B&Bs and hotels with delicious poolside cocktails, to a South Pacific-style beach club, find your favorite accommodations and spring deals.