The Earning
Santa Catalina Island — that “European-like” escape just off the Southern California coast — has long been known as a playground for the rich and famous. But beyond the history and glamour, it’s also a haven for outdoor adventure.
Kayakers and paddleboarders can launch right from Avalon’s beach, or, with a little planning, set off on a multi-day circumnavigation of the island, camping at remote sites along the way. From town, it’s a short walk to Lover’s Cove, where snorkelers float among bright orange garibaldi and, on rare days, glimpse leopard sharks gliding by. SCUBA divers can head to Catalina Divers Supply or Scuba by Design, both located near the Catalina Casino, with options ranging from beginner to advanced dives. 
The island’s rugged interior is a hiker’s paradise. The 38.5-mile Trans-Catalina Trail is the crown jewel, but shorter day hikes abound. Shuttle services make trailheads accessible, and reserving a campsite turns a day trek into a starry overnight.
If you’d rather pedal than hike, Avalon offers rentals, including tandems for an unforgettable ride along the back roads. Bikepackers can push deeper, camping at spots like Little Harbor on the remote west shore. Another favorite option: ride the 10-mile route from the airport back to town — a breezy, mostly downhill glide that pairs perfectly with a morning hike and lunch at the airport café.
With a little planning, Catalina serves up adventure in every direction — from ocean coves to shoreline bluffs to the bison-dotted highlands. While exploring Catalina, keep an eye out for the island’s endemic fox and the bald eagles that soar above its cliffs and coastline.
The Beer
After earning your adventure, Avalon provides a few choice spots to toast your efforts. Catalina Brewhouse, a cozy café-brewery hybrid, keeps a couple of house beers on tap alongside coffee and light fare.
The Lobster Trap — a beloved local hangout — pours a lineup from Lost Coast Brewery in Eureka, pairing well with their hearty seafood offerings.
New on the scene, Flx Biergarten brings a lively outdoor vibe to Avalon’s main street. Catalina’s first and only biergarten, it invites beer lovers to sample a variety of styles with tasty flights. Paying tribute to the island’s past, Flx takes its name from the classic ’50s Flxible buses that once carried visitors through Avalon and into the island’s rugged interior.
On Catalina, the formula is simple: paddle, hike, dive, or ride hard. Then sit back, raise a glass, and savor the taste of adventure.
Planning tipS: Permits are required for trails and campsites — start at the Catalina Island Conservancy. Getting to Catalina Island is easy: hop on the Catalina Express from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point, the Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach, or save time with Maverick Helicopters from Long Beach.
