02/10/2026
Join my gentle giant Irish Wolfhound Dúghall and I on an unforgettable day trip to Santa Catalina Island! We started from Dana Point, California, hopping aboard the Catalina Express ferry for the scenic ride to Avalon. Once there, we wandered the charming streets of Avalon, soaked in the island vibes, and headed to the stunning Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden — a beautiful 38-acre spot featuring native Catalina plants, succulents, exotic species, and the iconic Wrigley Memorial with panoramic views down Avalon Canyon.
From the garden, we tackled one of Avalon’s most popular trails: the Garden to Sky Trail (also known as Garden-to-Sky). This moderate out-and-back hike (about 3 miles round-trip from the garden) climbs steadily for incredible ridge-top views of the Pacific Ocean, the island’s interior, and even glimpses of the mainland on clear days. Watching my massive Irish Wolfhound Dúghall navigate the trail, sniff around the unique plants, and take in the breezy summit was pure joy — he’s a natural adventurer!
We wrapped up with more exploring before catching the ferry back to Dana Point. If you love big dogs, travel vlogs, hiking with pets, or California island getaways, this one’s for you!
Join my gentle giant Irish Wolfhound and me on an unforgettable day trip to Santa Catalina Island! We started from Dana Point, California, hopping aboard the...