Fabulous Catalina Island lies a short distance from Los Angeles. If you are thinking about a trip to this much adored destination, you’ll find many things to do on Catalina Island. The island makes a great place for a fast getaway weekend. You can also extend your stay at one of many island hotels. Enjoy the island’s wonderful gardens, take an incredible hike and go on a cruise. It’s all there waiting for you any time you like.
Admire the Botanical Gardens
Despite being a relatively isolated place, Catalina Island is home to many different types of greenery. William Wrigley Jr. was not only a chewing gum mogul. He’s also someone who played an instrumental role in the development of this area. This was where he made his home base. You can take a short stroll to one of the monuments that bear his name and his love of the island. More than thirty acres offer plenty of opportunity to get to know the many wonderful plants that dot this slice of California.
Book a Harbor Cruise
Catalina Island deserves not only exploration from land. It’s one place that works just as well when seen from the deck of a boat. You can get to know all the little coves and inlets from the shore with a harbor cruise. A harbor cruise is also a chance to cool off on a hot day. Put your legs up and feel the cool water underneath. Take a cruise during the day or wait for a magnificent sunset and watch the amazing colors unfold in front of your eyes.
Hit the Hiking Trails
One of the many pleasures of heading to Catalina Island is that there are so many places to hike. Hiking is one of the things to do on Catalina Island that offers something for just about everyone. There’s over a hundred and fifty miles of trails that cover the entire island. This is one of the best ways to discover the native wildlife. Look for delightful small foxes that dart in and out of your path. Much larger bison are another and more imposing sight that many people love seeing in person.
Watch the Flying Fish
The waters around the island teem with life. You can see some of the amazing creatures right offshore in this part of the world. Of all the inhabitants of the sea, it is the flying fish that many people find most memorable. The best time to see them is at night. Bring the kids along for an adventure on Catalina Island they won’t soon forget. Watch as the fish start to hop in front of your with stunning leaps in the air that seem almost impossible. Take a jacket so you’ll stay warm as you watch the fish fly.
You’ll need a boat or helicopter to get to the island itself, but Xpress Shuttles is the best way to start your trip. Get to the harbor from hotels in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Anaheim with Xpress. Daily cruises to Catalina Island are operated out of Dana Point Harbor and you can get there with Xpress Shuttles.