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Life can be very stressful and we all need time to unwind every once in a while. Catalina Island is the perfect place to take it easy and let your body and mind recharge. Take a trip to paradise and enjoy some tranquility that only being on “Island Time” can offer.

Chill out on the beach

The number one thing that comes to mind when visiting an island is the beach. Avalon has a variety of beaches to choose from to lay your beach towel down. South Beach, Middle Beach and Step Beach are the public beaches that lie along Crescent Avenue, steps away from hotels, shops and restaurants. Feel free to bring your lunch and enjoy the sun. At night, these beaches turn into al fresco dining with a variety of restaurants to select from.

Descanso Beach Club is the located just beyond the Casino Ballroom and is one of California’s last private beaches with public access. You can have access to the restaurant with dining on the beach, full-service bar, restrooms, outdoor showers, dressing rooms and chaise lounge and cabana rentals. Nothing better than your toes in the sand with a refreshing cocktail in hand.

Explore the island on two-wheels

If exercise helps you unwind, bike riding is the perfect activity. You can explore Avalon and surrounding areas with over 20 miles of paved streets. Don’t own a bike? That’s not a problem. Brown’s Bikes can help you with all your bike rental needs. Located steps from the boat dock, you can walk up to rent a bike or plan ahead and reserve one online. If you would like to bike in the interior of the Island, a permit is needed. Please contact the Catalina Island Conservancy for details.

Motor around the Island on land and on the water

Want to just get lost and explore the Island at your own pace, then rent your own private golf cart for a couple hours. Drive around cascading canyons and atop scenic hillsides while enjoying the breathtaking views of Avalon and beyond. Catalina Island Golf Carts is a great place to help you plan this adventure.

If you want to get off dry land and explore Catalina Island by boat, Joe’s Rent-A-Boat has you covered. Located on the Green Pleasure Pier, Joe’s will set you up with your own motorboat, so you can explore the Island’s pristine coastlines. You could bring a fishing pole and drive around until you find the perfect fishing spot.

Dive into the water

Is under water where you feel most relaxed? The water of Catalina Island is the perfect setting to just let go. Catalina Island’s oldest dive shop, Catalina Divers Supply, has adventures for every level. They have guided dives and snorkel excursions for beginners or multi-tank boat trips to fascinating underwater locations for experienced divers. Whether you prefer to dive or snorkel the Island’s unique kelp forests and marine life will transport you to another world.

Wander around a beautiful garden

Gardens tend to be some of the most relaxing places to visit and commune with nature. A thirty-minute stroll up Avalon Canyon from the town center will bring you to the gates of the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden. This garden features California island endemic plants which are plants that grow naturally on one or more of the California islands, but nowhere else in the world. Many of these plants are extremely rare, and some are on the Endangered Species list. The center piece of the garden is the Wrigley Memorial. Take a walk up to the memorial and experience one of the most beautiful views the Island has to offer.

Relaxation comes in different forms and Catalina Island can help you achieve that in whatever form you choose. Hop on Catalina Express and take yourself away.

* To get the latest details on what’s open and other travel advisories, visit Love Catalina Island.