Five Things You Shouldn't Miss in Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a short boat ride from the center of Southern California, but you will find another world there in the main city of Avalon. Blink and you will feel like you just stepped on to a Caribbean Island, complete with all the shops and tourist activities you'd expect to see in Bermuda or St. Thomas. The big difference is that you can get there from the mainland quickly without needing a passport. Ferries go from Long Beach, Marina Del Ray, Newport Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point to Avalon. Spend the day or stay over in one of the quaint inns or bed and breakfast properties.

Zip-Lining
Discovery Tours offers a zip lining experience to remember as you soar across the land and almost to the ocean. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the land you see, from the greenery to the history. You will go down five different zip lines, increasing in length and height until you are 500 feet above sea level for a 1,100 foot run. The zip line tour takes approximately two hours from the top of the mountain to Descano Beach. It's not for the faint of heart, though, with your speed reaching up to 45 mph.

Boat Tours
If you like to go out into the open water on a boat, you will have quite a few options to do so from Catalina Island. Newport Landing can take you out for a day of fishing or whale watching. Catalina Ocean Rafting has wild dolphin excursions. You can also find opportunities right off the pier for glass bottom boats, kayaking or pedal boats, whether you want to rent your own or have a guide take you out on the water. The scenery is beautiful even if you just want to float along and explore the island from the outside all day.

Water Sports
For those who prefer to be in the water than on a boat, Catalina Scuba Luv can take you to diving through the islands diverse marine life. Or, for those less experienced divers, Sea Trek Undersea Adventure will outfit you to see the underworld with trained guides. You can find snorkeling opportunities off the land or boats and snuba for those who are looking for something a bit more advanced without all the training of scuba. Another option is to head down to Descanso Beach, where you can swim, sun or rent watersports equipment.

Scenic Drives, Rides or Hikes
The view from the top is always the best and it's no different on Catalina Island. Check out the vistas, canyons and ocean views through a variety of tours through the Cape Canyon, East End, Skyline or along Avalon where the beachfront views are breathtaking. Consider renting a bike for an adventure of your own, or rent a golf cart if you aren't looking for that much exercise. You can also take one of the tour buses to the top of summit and then hike down slowly. Whatever you chose, don't forget your camera.

Food & Wine
Seafood is obviously the big draw on Catalina Island, but you will also find plenty of other choices in casual and fine dining. Avalon Grille, with waterfront dining right in the center of the pier area, is a good choice for just about anything you are craving (they have a great cocktail menu too). Wherever you eat in Avalon, you can be sure California wines -- especially those from the up and coming Southern California regions -- will be well-represented. Catalina will also have its own wine to boast as Rusack Vineyards has planted and harvested the first vineyard on the island.