Summer has come to a close, but if you are looking for a destination that's close enough for a last-minute trip, but that feels like it's a world away, consider hopping aboard a ferry to Catalina Island. Travel writer and photographer Elisa Parhad joined host Lisa McRee on "LA Times Today" to talk about how to maximize your Catalina trip.

Catalina has been attracting visitors for over 100 years. Parhad recommended visiting museums and other sites via golf cart or bike.

"Lots of people like to rent a golf cart, which is very, very fun. It's an activity in itself. But there are there's also the brand new COAST rideshare that the city of Avalon has. And it's just $2 per person, and it's like an Uber," Parhad said. "I suggest a stop at the Catalina Museum of Art History. It's a great place to get context and really see how much is there. It's such a vivid, rich history. There are events, and then you have the history hall that gives you the indigenous history and everything else." 

El Rancho Escondido also supplies a history lesson or two from when the Wrigley family bought the island.  

"El Rancho Escondido is in the middle of the island and it's a 3.5 hour tour. It's where the Arabian Horse Ranch of the Wrigley family is. And you get a chance to see, first of all, the gorgeous views. And the Arabian horses are still there and they're being trained. And you get a really up close and personal view," Parhad said. 

The island also has two state marine protected parks where visitors can snorkel. 

"One of them is right in front of the casino building. It's called the Catalina Dive Park. And it's stunning. You can see walleye, opal eye, bat rays, and giant 200 to 400 pounds black sea bass that I have not yet seen. And the Orange Garibaldi," Parhad shared. 

The Descanso Canyon is home to a zip line tour and a more relaxing beach club. 

"At Descanso Canyon right above the Descanso Beach Club. There are five [zip lines], and you can zigzag all across the canyon on zip line. And I'm going to tell you, it is my favorite view from any zip line I've ever done. It's stunning," Parhad said. "You can stop right at the Descanso Beach Club. It is a private beach that is open to the public. And you can get the Buffalo milk cocktail, which is the unofficial drink of Catalina Island. It's like a white Russian, but a little bit tropical." 

There are a couple of lookout points Parhad recommends getting the best views on the island. 

"One is at the Catalina Chimes Tower. And you can walk, you can bike, you can take the COAST, or a golf cart and you get beautiful views of the Avalon Bay. Or there's the Buena Vista Scenic Outlook on the other side of the island. Both are great," she said. 

Click the arrow above to watch the full interview.

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