For most Santa Catalina visitors, the only part of this Southern California island they experience is Avalon. While the charming town certainly provides plenty of things to do for first-time visitors, to truly get to know Santa Catalina Island, you’ll want to experience the many destinations in the interior of the island.
Little Harbor, on Catalina Island’s back side, is a great day trip from Avalon that offers a number of adventures. One of Catalina’s largest natural beaches, Little Harbor is a great place to go for swimming, snorkeling and hiking. A rocky outcropping known to locals as the Whale’s Tail shields Little Harbor from breaking Pacific waves, making it a great place to take children or relax on the beach and enjoy the sun and sand.
Several hikes are available from Little Harbor, including one up to Whale’s Tail, where hikers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Pacific and Catalina Island’s rugged natural beauty. For thousands of years, native islanders made Little Harbor their home, utilizing its protected coast and abundant natural resources.
Today, getting to Little Harbor involves a bus ride from Avalon. Local adventure outfitters also provide transportation and equipment like kayaks or snorkel gear.