Reservations - Book a Room at Catalina's Favorite Mini Suites

This rocky island and its quaint waterfront city, Avalon, can be accessed via the Catalina Express, a fleet of high-speed vessels that make daily trips from San Pedro (the ride is an hour and 15 minutes), Long Beach (an hour) and Dana Point (an hour and a half). Once the boat arrives, the only difficult decision that you'll have to make is to turn left or right as you explore all that the small town of Avalon has to offer. To make that task a bit easier, we have put together a list of ways to make the most of your time on Catalina Island.

Visit The Inn on Mount Ada. The palatial mansion that overlooks all of Avalon from its perch high atop a hill was once the private home of William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum magnate who developed most of the city. The home now operates as The Inn on Mount Ada. Overnight guests are treated to sweeping vistas of Avalon Bay and the Pacific Ocean, as well as a complimentary golf cart (the primary mode of transportation on the island) to use during their stay; a full breakfast and lunch each day; unlimited access to the kitchen's supply of wine, beer, ice cream and snacks; hors d'oeuvres each evening; and, perhaps best of all, the opportunity to learn more about the Wrigley family through firsthand stories that the innkeepers gladly share with visitors over tea and a nice breeze on the outdoor patio.

Sunbathe at Descanso Beach There's a day at the beach, and then there's a day in one of Descanso Beach Club's Presidential Cabanas. This private club sits on a secluded cove, and it recently unveiled three luxury cabanas for guests who want to enjoy the ultimate waterfront day-cation. Each cabana comes stocked with haute amenities such as a flat-screen television, Wi-Fi, chaise lounges and bottled water. A personal concierge delivers fresh fruit and smoothies throughout the day, and guests can also order from the club's restaurant menu.

Tour the Catalina Casino and Avalon Theatre. The Catalina Casino is not a gambling hall. Instead, this is a casino in the Italian sense of the word-a house of entertainment and gathering. The massive building is home to the Casino Ballroom, Avalon Theatre, Catalina Island Museum and Catalina Island Art Association Art Gallery. Take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn all about the ballroom and the theater's glamorous past, as it was once a regular host to big-band legends such as Jimmy Dorsey, Woody Herman and Harry James. Stop by the Catalina Island Museum to learn more about the island's history, including two of Avalon's most famous residents: Wrigley and Marilyn Monroe.

Explore Crescent Avenue. The bulk of Avalon's commercial activity takes place in storefronts along Catalina, Summer, Metropole and Crescent avenues, making this island town easy to navigate. Each street is worth a visit, but you'll want to block off plenty of time for strolling down Crescent Avenue.

Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour. Sure, the deep blue waters of Avalon Bay and the Pacific Ocean are beautiful from the shore-but just wait until you see them from 500 feet above sea level. The Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour is one of the island's newest attractions, having led its first tour in 2010, but the adrenaline-pumping, two-hour adventure is a must-do activity for Avalon visitors. For an even more heart-pounding experience, book a nighttime zip tour.