Crystal waters, white sand beaches, incredible endemic species, and roaming golf carts are what make Catalina well, Catalina. If you’ve never been to Catalina it’s high time for you to catch a ferry ride over and explore this gorgeous island.

For an experienced Catalina visitor or for a first-time tripper these are the excursions you’ve gotta sign up for. This is a list for my adventurers, explorers, hikers, and thrill-seekers. For those of you who want to sip buffalo milk cocktails in the sand, you’ll find plenty of that, just not on this list.

1. Hike

Catalina Island is covered with trails for all hiking levels. Getting out into the Catalina Wildlands is the ultimate way to see what the island has to offer between stunning sea views, bison, and maybe even an island fox or two. Depending on the season the island can be covered in lush green foliage or striking amber grasses. Either way weather on the island is almost always perfect for hiking. Before your hike, make sure to grab a hiking permit from the Trailhead Visitor Center on the island.

For the Experienced Adventurer: Trans-Catalina Trail

This 38.5-mile hike is a several-day commitment that takes you across the island. Most people finish this in about 4 days, and along the way, you may spot Bison, The Catalina Island Fox, and bald eagles. This hike has little shade so it’s best to complete this one in the fall or spring. It’s a backpacking trip so those of you that are ready for a longer commitment hit this trail.

For the casual hiker: Airport Loop Trail

At the Airport in the Sky, you’ll find this moderate 2.2-mile hike. Loop around the airport for sweeping vistas and to learn about the island’s soapstone quarry from interpretive signs along the way. While at the airport grab a cookie (they’re delish) and watch the planes land and take off on this risky runway.

For this trail, you’ll have to catch a bus or shuttle up to the Airport so make sure to book that before the hike. The Conservancy’s Wildlands Express Shuttle is the best way to get to and from the airport from Avalon.

For a hike with Elevation GaiN: Hermit Gulch Trail

To experience Catalina from Top to Bottom, hit the trial on a 1.7-mile hike to a stunning summit. At the summit, you’ll find bathrooms and a shade structure before heading back down the way you came.

2. Wildland Excursion

Getting into one of the open-air jeeps and experiencing Catalina’s Wildlands is an absolute MUST-do while on the island. On these tours, a knowledgeable guide takes you and a group out into Catalina where those cute little golf carts just can’t go. I’ve done this experience every time I visit Catalina and I never regret it. You learn all about the island and its ecology and get to see the actual plants and wildlife that makeup Catalina.

There are variations of the tour you can choose from so there’s is something for everyone and every timetable. I’m a big supporter of the Catalina Island Conservatory and I’ve been on their tour a few times. I highly recommend the longer tour. Here is a link to book tour tickets.

3. Snorkel & Scuba

Catalina is home to a diverse and stunning underwater world. There are a few dive spots in Avalon itself so you don’t have to go far to jump into this breathtaking scene. For the more experienced diver, you can join a tour off-shore and see some of the more secluded dive spaces. Depending on the time of year you may see leopard sharks, garibaldis, bat rays, sea lions, and of course the giant kelp forest. The waters are so clear around the island that it feels like you’re far away from California and not just 26 miles away from the mainland.

4. Bike the Island

Yes, you could EASILY rent a golf cart and tour the island from the luxury of a motorized ride, or you can rent a bike for the day or a few hours and see the island at your own pace. There are quite a few hills so some of the parts of town may be a bit of a workout to get to, but biking back to the botanic garden and memorial or along the shore for a swim is amazing. Pack a lunch from Cafe Metropole and eat at one of the benches along the shore for a quiet meal with views.

5. Zipline

If you’re up for a rush, ziplining across Catalina is the way to go. There is something magical about soaring over and through the trees with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean buzzing past. Experience 5 separate lines that take you from the 600-foot ridge down to the canyon floor. When you’re in the canyon you can hear the echoing screams of people on the lines. This is a two-hour tour that is such a unique experience. Even those who are afraid of heights will enjoy this exhilarating trip.

Few Honorable Mentions

A few of these are great activities for those who enjoy adventure however they may not be available year-round.

1. The Falconry Experience: Put on a glove and take your next profile pic as a Falcon swoops down and lands on your outstretched hand.
2. High Ropes: Take to the sky on a high ropes course with friends in Descanso Canyon.
3. Kayak around Catalina or Avalon Bay. Kayak with friends alone or join a guided tour to see the sights and learn about the island.

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What Catalina adventures will you jump on next? Tell me in the comments below!