Do you need to know all the best things to do in Catalina Island? I’ll let you know exactly what you should put on your itinerary for your upcoming trip to make sure you have a great time!
This site contains affiliate links, view the disclosure for more information.
Santa Catalina Island, or Catalina as it is commonly referred to, is one of the best places for a quick getaway! You could do a day trip or spend a weekend taking in the island life!
Catalina Island is a little rocky island with sandy beaches and crystal clear waters off the coast of Southern California. It’s got an EXTREMELY low population.
Many tourists come for just the day by ferry or even helicopter or private plane – since they do have a small airport. Some cruises have it as a stop on their itinerary as well.
The most common way, and by far one of the best ways, to visit Catalina Island is definitely by ferry. The high-speed passenger ferry helps you to arrive in just an hour. You have two ferry options if you choose to go that route. The Catalina Express departs from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. The Catalina Ferry is the largest passenger catamaran on the West Coast and departs from Newport Beach. Both ferries drop you off right in downtown Avalon through Avalon Bay, the main hub of Catalina Island!
When I went to Catalina Island I took the Catalina Express out of Long Beach. You can take the Catalina Express for as low as $42 for an adult ticket, but if I were you I would spend the extra $20 to have access to the Commodore Lounge and priority boarding. You’ll have your own upstairs sitting area and get a complimentary drink and snack! The views and comfort make it well worth it in my opinion.
The Catalina Ferry is a little more expensive at $92. There are multiple decks, but it is all open seating. They also have food and drinks available for purchase!
When you arrive, make sure you get a great view of the Avalon Harbor as your ferry pulls in. It’s one of the most breathtaking views with all the boats pulled up and the mountains and hills in the background.
Honestly, any time of the year is great in Catalina Island, but if you want to lay out on the beach I definitely recommend the summer months for warm weather and warm water! The ocean breeze blowing in the hot air makes for the absolute perfect setting for relaxing on the beach. It’s also better if you want to get in the water at any point during your stay. The breeze can get a little bit chilly – to where you may want to wear a light jacket – if you go in the middle of the winter months.
Also, Catalina is so small, so Catalina Island Company seems to really oversee almost any tourist attraction you could want to visit. If you need anything check them out!
Last thing! Most things close pretty early in Catalina Island. If you are there for a day trip you are all good, but if you’re staying the night know things like restaurants and bars will start closing around 9 or 10 especially if it’s a weekday!
On weekends you’re definitely a lot more likely to find some fun night activities, like clubs and karaoke bars – so if that’s something you’re looking for make sure you plan accordingly for days that your attractions will be open!
Okay now that you know how to get there let’s get to the fun part – the best things to do there!
This post is all about the best things to do in Catalina Island!
Best Things to do in Catalina Island!
1.) Rent a Golf Cart
Not only was this one of my favorite things I did – but I also think it’s the perfect way to kick off your trip! I love starting off my adventures in a new place with something that really helps me get my bearings on where everything is located, so for my first visit, this is a must-do!
Although I went to Catalina by myself, you can rent golf carts that hold either 4 or 6 people – so they are perfect for all small groups!
The great thing about Catalina Island is there are VERY few cars. Most everyone gets around by a golf cart. As long as you follow the rules and signs on the road, you’re pretty much allowed to explore the island however you like, although they do provide you with a recommended route to take.
I chose to follow the recommended route, partially because I am terrible with directions and had no clue what I was doing – but mostly because it is laid out to make sure you see all the best parts of Catalina Island! Definitely make sure to get out and take in any of the views you see, there are plenty of places to pull over for pictures!
2. Descanso Beach Club
I would definitely say Descanso Beach Club is Catalina Island’s #1 hangout spot! Whenever I go anywhere near the water, my number one priority is finding a great restaurant or bar that overlooks the ocean. And… this beach is one of the only few places where it’s legal to have a drink right on the beach.
You can lay on your beach towel on the sand, you can get a table or sit at the bar, and if you really wanna go all in they have several different cabana options! There are several different cabana options, all varying in how many guests they can accommodate. There are options that include your own personal butler, options that include your own personal TV, and several other options that will really elevate your experience.
Descanso is great any time of day if you are looking for food or drinks. During the day you’ll have a more laid back relaxed vibe, and then as the night goes on it’ll be perfect for socializing and just having a good fun time.
3.) Explore Avalon
Avalon, which could be considered the “downtown” of Catalina Island is where you’ll find many shops, restaurants, hotels beaches, and more. When I went to Catalina Island I stayed at the Bellanca Hotel – right on Crescent Avenue (the main strip!). There’s a great restaurant in the hotel where you can sit outside with views of the water called The Naughty Fox. I highly recommend the ahi poke nachos! They were absolutely delicious.
If you go just s short walk right off the main strip, you’ll find a great little breakfast spot if you’re looking for an early morning pick me up! Original Jack’s Country Kitchen was perfect to start my day with some amazing crab cakes benedict.
Also, right on the front street of Avalon, make sure to check out the beautiful tile fountain – named the Wrigley Fountain. It’s lovely and makes for a great photo opportunity. The whole strip is filled with some beautiful architecture, so make sure to really look around as you take a stroll. You’ll find so many beautiful gems along even that short little walk.
4.) Visit the Catalina Island Museum
If you’re interested in learning a little more about the history of Catalina Island, definitely check out the Catalina Museum for one of their self-guided tours! They have several rotating art exhibits as well. If you’re traveling with children, check their events schedule because they have several special offers geared specifically towards kids.
5.) Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour
If you’re up for a little adrenaline rush, the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour is for you! A shuttle will take you up 600 ft above the Descanso Beach Club where you’ll zip line with some of the most incredible views of the ocean and the Descanso Canyon in Catalina Island.
The zip line tour is also educational! You’ll learn several facts about the island and the plants all across it along the way. The zip line is perfect to do if you are planning to spend the day at Descanso Beach Club because you’ll end the tour right there! You can hop off and grab a well-deserved snack and drink and do some relaxing after your exhilarating trip through the skies!
6.) Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens
If you want to enjoy some of the islands natural beauty check out the Catalina Botanic Garden, now under the control of the Catalina Island Conservancy It’s just a short walk from downtown Avalon, and you’ll get to see tons of exotic plants.
Right in the middle of the botanical gardens, you’ll find the Wrigley Memorial which honors William Wrigley Jr. – who played a huge role in developing Catalina Island.
From the memorial, you’ll also have some amazing views of the Avalon Canyon and the San Pedro Channel. Catalina Island is so stunning, so any chance you get for a good view make sure you take it!
7.) Check Out Two Harbors
If you want to venture out of Avalon for a little bit, you can find a more laid-back village on the other side of the island, referred to as Two Harbors. Two Harbors offers some unique experiences when it comes to water activities!
Head to the Dive & Recreation Center where you’ll be able to get anything you need to take a hike, rent mountain bikes, or rent anything for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, etc.
If you want to eat in the area, a top pick is of course the Harbor Reef Restaurant – where you can enjoy waterfront dining or hang out beachside looking out over the Pacific Ocean in a chaise lounge.
8.) Visit the Catalina Casino
The Catalina Casino was built back in 1929 and is absolutely stunning! You can take a tour and even watch a movie in their massive Avalon Movie Theater. A long time ago the casino was a hub for nightlife, with people traveling there specifically for the experience of movies, dancing, and gambling!
9.) Bison Tour
A little random fact about Catalina Island – in the 1920s a film crew brought some bison to the island for a movie shoot. They didn’t take the bison back with them, so now there are tons of bison that roam the island to this day – all descendants of the first herd brought in for filming purposes.
Now you can go on a tour to do some bison watching! You’ll hop on a two-hour-long guided tour in an open-air Hummer and go on a hunt to see the bison and get some more amazing views of the beautiful island! It’s such a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
10.) Glass Bottom Boat Tour
If you want a good way to see the marine life off the coast of Catalina Island, without having to get wet… take the glass-bottom boat tour! The boat tour gives amazing views of all the fish swimming right underneath you. You’ll get to feed the fish and your tour guide will help you identify several different types of fish you are seeing!
There’s nothing like experiencing being that close to the fish without actually even having to take the dive into the water! It’s an experience I’m sure you’ll love.
11.) Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Because of the beautiful crystal clear waters in Santa Catalina Island, it’s a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Really any time of year is great for snorkeling, but the water is obviously the warmest in the Summer months. If you opt to go in the winter when it’s a little chillier you may want to rent a wet suit.
Descanso Beach Club and Two Harbors are both great areas for your snorkeling adventures! Some of the best protected marine life can be found by snorkeling in Casino Point Dive Park and Lovers Cove Marine Preserve – both located in Avalon.
Snorkeling is free, but if you need to rent gear there will be a small fee. They also offer guided snorkeling tours for a fee.
12.) Take a Hike
The island has miles and miles of scenic hiking trails. If you really want to go all in for your hiking experience on the island, the Trans-Catalina Trail is the way to go. It covers 38.5 miles and has breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. If you’d rather go for a shorter and easier hike, try taking the Garden to Sky Trail. It also has some absolutely stunning views you won’t want to miss.
Hiking some of the trails could potentially require a hiking permit so make sure to double-check before embarking on your journey! Permits are free and easy to get so don’t fret if you end up needing one for the trail you want to take.
13.) Go Kayaking or PaddleBoarding
Another great way to see marine life is to rent a kayak or paddleboard. In Avalon, you’ll find plenty of places to rent either one. There are several coves and hidden sea caves to explore while you search the clear waters for different species of fish.
14.) Paragliding or Parasailing
If you’re not afraid of heights, a thrill seeker’s best way to see the island is definitely by going paragliding or parasailing! You can soar above the coastline for some of the most amazing views of the ocean and of the landscapes of Catalina!
If you’re not one for flying high, you can still ride along as a passenger on the boat while your friends or family take their turns going up into the sky!
15.) Go camping
If you’re into more of a rugged experience, try camping along the Trans-Catalina Trail. There are three main campgrounds to choose from!
The Black Jack Campground has beautiful views of the island and the ocean and is off the beaten path – allowing for a peaceful secluded experience. You’ll get to relax next to the pine and eucalyptus trees, knowing you’re a pretty good distance from both Avalon and Two Harbors.
Little Harbor Campground is perfect if you would prefer to be right on the beach! It was also rated “one of the best campgrounds in the West.”
The last campground, Parson’s Landing Campground, is definitely the way to go if you really want to go all in for some authentic camping. You can only access this beachfront campground by hiking or kayaking up to the area. You’ll definitely want to come prepared because there is no running water or really any structure at all. 2.5-gallon water, firestarters, and keys for firewood are available in Two Harbor at the visitor center if you need to stock up before heading to your campsite.
16.) Check Out Local Festivals or Events
Catalina Island typically has several different special events going on throughout the year. Make sure to check their calendar schedule when planning your trip to see if there’s anything you would like to attend!
Some of their biggest events are:
The Catalina Wine Mixer – The Catalina Wine Mixer always has live music, dancing, food, and of course wine! Enjoy beach parties, wine tastings, and of course, a screening of step-brothers to get the party started.
The Avalon Ball – The Avalon Ball is a stunning elegant event with live music and amazing views.
The Catalina Island Conservancy Marathon – If you’re the running type run a marathon, 10k, or 5k!
Catalina Island truly is such a beautiful place and I really hope you take the time to really enjoy all the island has to offer! It’s such a relaxing atmosphere and perfect if you need just a little reset in your life.
There truly is something for everyone in Catalina Island, from great food to outdoorsy camping and hiking, to spending time with marine life! Whatever you opt to do, it’s bound to be a trip to remember.
If you’ve spent some time in Catalina Island and have more suggestions of things to do please let me know! I am always looking to add more things to my list for the next time I go visit – which will hopefully be soon!
This post was all about the best things to do in Santa Catalina Island!
