Catalina Island is part of Los Angeles County in California. The small island is a popular day trip destination for California locals and tourists alike. The island also has several resorts and hotels for those who wish to spend a longer vacation on the island. Catalina Island offers a variety of entertaining activities for visitors to enjoy. Visitors to the island take part in various water activities, like scuba diving and snorkeling, and land activities that range from hiking to shopping. In addition, you can find a special event to participate in on Catalina Island at almost any time of the year. Here are a few of the highlights of Catalina Island activities that you’ll want to keep in mind while planning your vacation.
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On the Water Take a private boat tour, provided by Catalina Coastal Tours. Enjoy the beautiful coastline and appreciate the variety of native wildlife with the highly popular dolphin and sea lion tour. This voyage into the Pacific Ocean will reveal glimpses of a few types of dolphins in the water, as well as various whales, seals, and sea lions. Look to the sky to see the bald eagles native to the region, and you may even catch sight of a buffalo on the coastline. If you’re more interested in stars than daytime scenery, the company also offers a nighttime astronomy tour. Your guide, an amateur astronomer, will introduce you to the fascinating world of constellations, star lore, and the history of astronomy.
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On the Land Explore the great outdoors on Catalina Island with the Santa Catalina Island Company. The tour company, which is highly rated by previous visitors to the island, offers a variety of informative and exciting outdoor tours. If you’re looking for a thrill, take one of the company’s zip-line eco-tours, which are now offered in the day- and night time. You’ll begin high in the hills of the city of Avalon, and descend to 60 feet above sea level during the course of five zip-lines. This a unique and exhilarating way to explore the beautiful Descanso Canyon.
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Special Events If you’re visiting Catalina Island during the summer, you’ll be able to find plenty of summer events to occupy your time. The island’s Summer Concert Series begins in May and continues through the month of September. This free and family friendly concert series will take place on Wrigley Stage on the waterfront of Avalon. You can also catch the Santa Catalina Film Festival in May, the Flying Fish Festival in June, and the Independence Day parade and fireworks in July.
While you’re on the island, be sure to check out the Catalina Island Museum and stroll through the beautiful Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden. You’ll be sure to fall in love with this fun and fascinating island.
