A Nature Lover's Adventure in Avalon, California

  • Day 1: Hiking in Catalina Island. The 37.2-mile Trans-Catalina Trail takes hikers through the island's stunning natural scenery. The trail features both challenging and easy paths, providing stunning views of the Californian coast.
  • Day 2: Kayaking in the Pacific. Oceanside Expeditions offers kayaking tours of the island's coastline, providing the opportunity to see local marine life, including dolphins and seals.
  • Day 3: Swimming with the Fishes. Snorkeling in Lover's Cove Marine Preserve, a protected area on the island's Lee Side, is a great way to see the diverse underwater world. The cove teems with marine life, including various types of colorful fish and sea urchins.
  • Day 4: Zip-lining in Descanso Canyon. The five-line Zip Line Eco Tour takes adventure seekers through the island's scenic canyon, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the island, the coastline, and the Pacific Ocean.
  • Day 5: Discovering Nature. The Wrigley Memorial Botanic Garden is a must-visit for anyone interested in the island's diverse flora. The garden features a range of native Californian plants, including cacti and succulents, as well as a memorial to the island's founder, William Wrigley Jr.
  • Day 6: Soaking up the Sun. Descanso Beach is a secluded beach on the island's north shore, offering crystal-clear waters and relaxing ocean breezes. Visitors can rent cabanas, beach chairs, and umbrellas, and enjoy a range of water activities, including paddle-boarding.
  • Day 7: Whale Watching. The Catalina Island Whale Watching tour runs from December to April each year and offers visitors the chance to see one of nature's most majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Hiking in Catalina Island (1-2 days, $0)
  • Kayaking in the Pacific (2 hours, $100)
  • Snorkeling in Lover's Cove Marine Preserve (2 hours, $25)
  • Zip-lining in Descanso Canyon (2 hours, $125)
  • Wrigley Memorial Botanic Garden (1 hour, $8)
  • Descanso Beach (1-5 hours, $25)
  • Catalina Island Whale Watching (3 hours, $80)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $363

Transportation:

Transportation around the island is primarily by foot, bike or golf cart rentals. The Catalina Express ferry from the mainland costs around $75 per round trip taking roughly an 1 hour to arrive. The island is small enough that visitors can navigate with ease with these modes of transport.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, visit the Catalina Island Museum, which showcases the island's rich history and culture or the Night Zip Line Eco Tour for a thrilling experience under the stars. If you have less time, the Wrigley Memorial Botanic Garden can be combined with a trip to the Avalon Harbor or Lover's Cove Marine Preserve for an inspiring day trip. It is recommended to book activities at least two weeks in advance and book travel arrangements as early as possible.

Airports:

Avalon does not have its airport. The nearest airport to Avalon is the Los Angeles International Airport, which is about a 45-minute drive from the Long Beach or San Pedro ferry terminal.Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045

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