Catalina Island

Avalon’s main drag is lined with hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Chicago Tribune

May 4, 2018 10:44 AM PT

Catalina Island, off the coast of California, has plenty to explore beyond the borders of the main town, Avalon, which has its own charms.

Avalon has a number of ritzy mansions, many belonging to descendants of William Wrigley Jr. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Avalon is the main town and primary port of entry for Catalina Island. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Beyond Avalon’s city limits, 88 percent of Catalina Island is wildland. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Big Springs Ridge is a newly opened leg of the Trans-Catalina Trail. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

A bison grazes at Little Harbor Campground. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

A bison sits alongside a hiking path near Little Harbor. Hikers should give the animals a wide berth. Injuries from the animals are rare but not unheard of. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Catalina Island is a popular stop for boaters and sports fishermen. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Little Harbor Campground is an oasis of palm trees on the otherwise barren west coast. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The iconic Catalina Casino houses a movie theater on the lower level and a ballroom up top with panoramic views. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Each household in Avalon is allowed one golf cart to keep traffic to a minimum. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

A bench overlooks Little Harbor and the windy west coast of Catalina Island. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The Lower Jensen Hunting Road is part of the greater Trans-Catalina Trail, a multi-day path that crosses the island. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The Pavilion Hotel has perks like complimentary wine-and-cheese happy hours each afternoon. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon offers entertainment and dining by the sea. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The 38-mile Trans-Catalina Trail is well signposted the entire way. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

A small picnic table offers welcome shade for weary backpackers hiking along the exposed west coast. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

The movie theater at Catalina Casino is said to be the first in America purpose-built for “talkies.” ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Two Harbors is Catalina’s second population center with about 300 residents. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Catalina Island’s west coast is home to wild surf beaches and rugged hills. ( Mark Johanson/Chicago Tribune )

Travel & Experiences

Catalina Island

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