10 Things to do in Catalina Island That You Shouldn't Miss

The iconic Catalina Casino epitomizes everything glamorous about Santa Catalina Island. On the lower level the building features extraordinary Art Deco murals and a classic 1929 pipe organ inside the Avalon Theatre, which still shows movies on its massive screen.The top level of this 12 story high architectural wonder features the beautiful, world-famous Casino Ballroom, a masterpiece of design and a long-standing venue for the world’s best musical performers and big bands. It is also a popular venue for weddings and special events. The only access to the building is through an exclusive Casino Tour offered through Discovery Tours. Once on the tour you’ll soon understand why many call this the most romantic place in Catalina.

With 8 boats and up to 30 daily departures year-round from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, Catalina Express is the best way to get to Catalina Island. In about an hour, you could be hiking, biking, shopping, diving, snorkeling, fishing, dining, stand up paddling, kayaking, relaxing at a spa or kicking back at the beach club. Just 22 miles from LA, but a world of difference. (Don't forget to upgrade to the Commodore Lounge and skip the lines with priority check-in, express boarding, plus a complimentary cocktail or soft drink, and more. Just $15 each way.)

The Trans-Catalina Trail stretches 37.2 miles from the Renton Mine Trailhead on the East End to Starlight Beach on the West End. It winds up hills and down valleys offering spectacular views across the 43,000-acre Nature Preserve of the Catalina Island Conservancy known as Catalina's wildlands. The picture is of Parsons Landing.

The Trailhead is the perfect place to begin your Catalina adventure! It is the flagship facility for Catalina Island Conservancy, serving as the gateway to the Island's wildlands. Resources found at the Trailhead help you make the most of your time exploring the Island's 42,000+ acres of open space. Visitors to Catalina Island maximize their experience with a stop at the three-story, 9,000-sq.-ft. Trailhead. While there, obtain hiking and biking permits, detailed information on campgrounds, native flora and fauna, ecology and history. It's also a great place to fuel up before your Catalina adventures, with breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily at Toyon Grill. The Trailhead is a destination, complete with interpretive exhibits and an expansion of the Conservancy's popular lecture series. With a rooftop garden that offers stunning views and an extensive collection of retail items, you won't want to miss the Trailhead.

Located in the heart of Avalon, the Catalina Island Museum offers the best in art and history exhibitions, music and dance performances, lectures by guest speakers from all over the world, and the finest in silent, documentary and international film. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, plus New Year's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden is located at the top of Avalon Canyon - just a short 30 minute stroll up from town! The Garden features a collection of native plants from both Catalina Island, and the surrounding Channel Islands. The Garden also features a collection of succulents from around the world. The park is also home to the Wrigley Memorial. This iconic island landmark was built in 1934 in honor of Catalina Island patron William Wrigley Jr. The unique structure incorporates a variety of native rock and stone, as well as the famed "Catalina tile."

The Village of Two Harbors, located on the west end of Catalina Island where Catalina Harbor and Isthmus Cove are separated by just 1/4 mile. A favorite destination for boaters from the mainland, with 720 moorings, pier and shore boat service. The village offers two restaurants, two bars, general store, marine repair, PADI certified SCUBA, snorkeling, kayak and Mt. bike rentals. There is also a large campground and a lodge.

Secluded beach on Catalina Island.