One of my favorite islands that I’ve visited is Catalina Island. It’s a must-go destination, especially if you live in Los Angeles. I’ve been there three times now. Santa Catalina, one of California’s Channel Islands, lies southwest of Los Angeles. It’s known for its wildlife, dive sites, and Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak. About 22 miles south-southwest of Los Angeles, the island is made up of two towns: the incorporated city of Avalon on the east end and the unincorporated village of Two Harbors on the west end. The island is just 22 miles long and 8 miles wide.

The last time I visited Catalina, I went with my family and friends. We took an early morning passenger ferry from Long Beach to Avalon. Avalon wraps around the beautiful AvalonBay on the southeast end of the island. After disembarking, we wandered along Crescent Avenue, the main waterfront street, enjoying the fresh ocean breeze. After a quick stop at a local café for a light breakfast of freshly baked pastries and strong coffee, I was ready to explore.

To get a feel for the island, we rented a golf cart, a fun and easy way to explore Avalon’s hilly terrain. The ride took us through winding streets, charming homes, and scenic overlooks. Stopping at Buena Vista Point, we took in panoramic views of the harbor and the deep blue ocean beyond. From up here, we could see sailboats gliding through the water and the iconic Catalina Casino standing proudly in the distance.

We then visited the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden. The garden is home to a stunning collection of desert plants, many native to the island. The last thing we did was parasailing, an amazing experience, flying high in the sky with breathtaking views of the island and ocean below.

There are a lot more things to do on Catalina Island, and one day isn’t enough to experience it all. Some of the highlights include:

Crescent Avenue– Stroll along the scenic waterfront, lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants.Catalina Casino-Tour this iconic Art Deco building that houses a ballroom and the Avalon Theatre.

Hiking– Trails like the Garden to Sky Trail offer stunning panoramic views, and the Trans-Catalina Trail is ideal for experienced hikers.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving– Lover’s Cove and Descanso Beach are prime spots for snorkeling with rich marine life.

Casino Point Dive Park- This park is perfect for divers.

Zip Line Eco Tour- Soar over Descanso Canyon on this exhilarating zip line, taking in spectacular views.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding- Rent kayaks or paddle boards to explore the island’s pristine waters and hidden coves.

Wildlife and Nature- The Catalina Island Conservancy offers hiking and tours of the island’s interior, where you can spot wildlife like the Catalina Island fox.

Glass Bottom Boat Tour- For a more relaxed experience, you’ll get to explore the marine ecosystem without getting wet.

Sea Lion Rookery-Take a boat tour to see sea lions sunbathing on rocks or swimming around the island.

Parasailing- Get a bird’s eye view of the island and the Pacific Ocean.

Jet Skiing & Speed Boat Rentals- For adrenaline seekers, rentals are available for zooming around the island’s coastline.

Fishing- Catalina is a popular fishing spot where you can catch species like yellowtail and sea bass.

Cultural and Historical Tours: Visit the Catalina Museum for Art & History to learn about the island’s history, including its Hollywood ties and role during WWII.

Biking and Golfing: Explore Avalon by renting a golf cart or playing a round at the Catalina Island Golf Course, one of the oldest courses west of the Mississippi. With so many activities, Catalina Island offers something for every type of traveler, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both! Reluctantly, we boarded the evening ferry back to Long Beach, watching Catalina Island slowly fade into the distance. The day had been a perfect escape—a mix of adventure, history, and relaxation, all withina single day. Even though my trip was brief, Catalina Island’s beauty and charm left a lasting impression.