This is Part 1 of a 2-Part series.
If you’re looking for the perfect getaway for the entire family or eclectic group of friends or coworkers, look no further than Catalina Island! No matter how motley your crew, everyone is sure to have a great time. Catalina Island has something for everyone!
First things first… where to stay.
You have many choices for accommodations, ranging from a sleeping bag under the stars to posh hotels. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t shamelessly plug our very own Hamilton Cove. Catalina Dream Vacations has four beautiful vacation rentals in Hamilton Cove. These luxury oceanfront villas boast breathtaking views, immaculate spaces and modern decor, and tons of great amenities. Read our reviews and book your stay today!
The Thrill Seeker
Thrill seekers and daredevils unite! You are about to embark on an epic adventure, featuring these activities:
- Parasailing – Take in the amazing views and spot Catalina’s landmarks from 800 feet in the air!
- Ziplining – Starting from 600 feet above Descanso Beach Club, enjoy the views of ocean and trees as you zigzag down at speeds approaching 35 mph! Learn more here.
- Jetskiing – Have a need for speed? Not only can you jetski from Long Beach to Catalina Island, but you can jetski while on the island as well.
- Scuba Diving – Catalina Island is known for its amazing scuba diving, and there are options for everyone from the novice to the expert! Check it out here.
The Nature Lover
If you love nature, you’re going to be blown away by the beautiful sights and sounds found on Catalina Island. Here are some ideas to make your stay on the island truly magical:
- Bison – Catalina’s bison are descendants of a small herd left behind by a movie crew in the 1920s. Today the Catalina Island Conservancy maintains Catalina’s bison herd at about 150 bison to protect both the bison, as well as the island’s landscape. Climb aboard an open-air Hummer and go in search of these bison. “While you keep your eyes peeled for Catalina’s American bison grazing on the hillsides, your guide will share interesting facts about Catalina’s history, flora and fauna as you journey through historic Middle Ranch and up rugged Cape Canyon to a scenic overlook on Black Jack Mountain. Then it’s down the original 19th-century stagecoach route, which offers sweeping views of the majestic Catalina coast and beautiful blue Pacific all the way back to Avalon.” (source & book here)
- Botanical Gardens – Take a stroll to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden on foot, bike, golf cart, or by the Garibaldi Shuttle, operated by the city of Avalon. You’ll see plants that grow naturally only on Catalina Island, including the rare Catalina Ironwood. Learn more here.
- Hiking – Catalina Island boasts more than 165 miles of trails for all levels of hikers. Avid hikers and backpackers often come to Catalina to hike the Trans-Catalina Trail, a 38.5 mil trail with five unique campgrounds along it. Learn more about hiking Catalina and download a map of hiking trails here.
- Fishing – “Catalina Island’s many coves, beaches, and reefs offer an incredible array of fishing habitat. Schools of mackerel, sardines and smelt are abundant around the island and attract larger sport fish, like Yellowtail and White Sea Bass.” (source & learn more here)
- Stargazing – If you live on the mainland, you probably don’t see too many stars at night because there’s so much artificial light. Catalina Island provides the perfect opportunity for stargazing. The best part: it’s free!
Stay tuned for Part 2 of Catalina Island: There’s Something for Everyone. Next time we’ll get to the History Buff, the Foodie, the Shopper, and more!