Island of Adventure

Catalina Island's Best Adventures

03.07.2019

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. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View