Golf

As most of Catalina Island [1] is devoted to wildlife preservation, you won’t find a wealth of golf courses here. But if just can’t abide the notion of going for a trip without exercising your clubs, get yourself a tee time at the nine-hole Catalina Island [1] Golf Course (1 Country Club Rd., Avalon, 310/510-0530, www.visitcatalinaisland.com [2], $30–85).

You’ll be walking on greens built in 1892, used for the Bobby Jones Tournament from the 1930s through the 1950s, and more recently played on by up-and-coming SoCal junior players like Craig Stadler and Tiger Woods as they built their skills. Heck, even if you don’t play, it’s worth walking the course on a sunny day just to enjoy the unbelievable views out to the Casino [3], the town of Avalon, and the clutch of sailboats bobbing in the harbor.

The full-service pro shop provides rental equipment and golf carts, as well as a set of tennis courts you can rent by the hour.

If your taste in golf runs a little less serious, head for Golf Gardens (Sumner Ave., 1 block inland from the fountain, 310/510-1200), a miniature golf course. This is a great break for kids tired of sightseeing and eco-touring. This cute, 18-hole course has a tropical feel, complete with palm trees, and good putting challenges.