Catalina Island - A Hidden Gem a Boat Ride from LA

Many tourists come to LA and do the usual "touristy" things. They go to Santa Monica and Venice, walk along Hollywood Boulevard, see the Hollywood sign, visit the Getty museum etc.

However, the next time you are in town (or if you live here), a trip to Catalina Island (Avalon) is highly recommended.

A short hour boat ride out of Los Angeles (boats leaving from Long Beach, San Pedro or Newport Beach every day), it's a beautiful, peaceful, retreat for a day-trip, or a couple of nights.

Me and my girlfriend took a two night trip back in June this year, and here are some of our highlights and recommendations for activities:

Avalon has a beautiful small beach front with a spectacular casino at one end:

There's also a pebble beach nearby with clear still water - perfect for skimming stones

Take a golf cart or cycle up to the lookout over Avalon:

We decided to get some exercise in:

You can even stop off at "Lovers Cover" to snorkle or take a boat tour (we stuck to land activities):

The beach and main strip at "golden hour":

You can even play mini-golf on a great 18 hole course (and try to look this cute with your club too!):

And hike up to the top of the overlook at the Botanical Gardens for spectacular views down to the coast:

And other activities not pictured include:

• eating ice cream
• kayaking around the harbor
• playing in the arcades
• taking a guided tour of the casino
• and spending time away from cars and the hustle and bustle of LA

All pictures taken on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV