Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Catalina Island's small town, pristine beaches and mountains wait for nature lovers, holiday partiers and shoppers alike. Given its temperate location, many activities are available from January to December, yet the winter season offers deep discounts and fewer tourists for a peaceful island idyll.
The Glen Miller era Avalon Theater and Casino Ballroom is among several venues that rock the island for New Year's Eve and throughout the year. Local restaurants offer special holiday menus, and hotel prices plummet in the off season. A tree lighting ceremony and small town carol singing highlight the Avalon Christmas Season, along with high school drama productions, and brightly wrapped palm trees to get you in the spirit. Later in the year the island offers a romantic Valentine's getaway, or just a break from the metropolis that is Southern California. While you are there you can take guided historical tours of the downtown area and the Casino Ballroom, walk the shops, take in the views or rent bikes to tour on your own.
Hiking opportunities abound on the island, both solo and guided. The views of ocean and coast will reward your climbs into the rolling grasses and junipers of the chaparral hills. Choose from short beach side strolls, or get ambitious with the newly completed 37-mile trans-Catalina trail. Camp at one of the five scenic campgrounds ringing the island to truly appreciate its views around the clock. Rent bikes to ride the quaint dirt roads, or a golf cart to ride around like a local. Take the trolly, or get more exotic with Segway transportation. Golf the course Tiger toured as a small boy, or take a natural history tour of the interior via hummer, jeep or unimog. Wind down after a long day with spa treatments and massages, or continue your island experience at the Catalina Island Museum. Don't miss the chance to marvel at the singularity of Catalina in the sprawling 38-acre botanic gardens that show off the island's eight endemic plants -- found nowhere else on Earth!
Hit the waves with one of the many local rentals--jet skis, motorboats, kayaks, pedal boats and and paddle boards. Kayak around the island for a multi-day camping adventure. Certified folks can Scuba the crystalline waters, while uncertified enthusiasts can participate in the new "Snuba" tour that combines scuba and snorkeling. See the underwater world without getting your feet wet in a small submarine or glass bottom boat! Parasail for a more active ocean experience, or take an inflatable power raft out among the sea lions! Fish right from the piers or beaches, or catch a charter for some deep ocean game fishing.
Take the helicopter for an express island fix--only 14 minutes form Long Beach or San Pedro. For a slightly more leisurely pace, take the ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, Los Angeles or Newport Beach. You can also make arrangements to come in your own private boat or aircraft.