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Dreaming of your Catalina Island getaway? You’ve come to the right place!
We’ve spent plenty of time exploring this sunny slice of California paradise, and each visit has only made us fall harder for its laid-back charm, surprising history, and easy access to both ocean adventures and inland escapes. Whether you’re into food, wildlife, scenic views, or just want to kick back and soak it all in, Catalina packs way more than you’d expect into its small footprint.
From virtual scuba dives and fox sightings to private golf cart tours and waterfront tacos, these are the absolute best things to do on Catalina Island, based on our own experiences and the tours we’d absolutely do again. Let’s get to it!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this golf cart tour of Avalon! We saw the best of Catalina Island, like Pebbly Beach, Catalina Casino, and so many amazing lookouts! Plus, zipping around on a golf cart was serious fun.
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do on Catalina Island
- 1. Taste your way around Catalina Island
- 2. See the most on a private guided golf cart tour of Avalon
- 3. Go underwater in a yellow semi-submarine
- 4. Get off the beaten path and spot wildlife with an expert
- 5. Learn about the ocean with a 360° movie experience
- 6. Discover Catalina Island’s unique history on a walking tour
- Where to Stay in Catalina Island, California
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do on Catalina Island
1. Taste your way around Catalina Island
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 11:45 am
- Highlights: Sample traditional Catalina dishes on a walking food tour, learn about the island’s cultural and culinary history
- Inclusions: Local guide, food and drink tastings, server and bartender gratuities
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
After too many overpriced seafood platters and bland beachside burgers, we finally found the answer to eating well on Catalina Island—this walking food tour! It came with a side of island history, harbor views, and plenty of local flavor (in every sense).
Instead of lining up at tourist-packed spots, we followed our guide (shoutout to the amazing Janet!) through Avalon’s streets to places only locals rave about. We kicked things off at Old Ben Park, made our way down Front Street past early 20th-century Catalina tiles, and stopped at six different tasting spots for everything from fresh seafood to handmade sweets.
One of the most unexpectedly good moments? A beer float to wrap it all up. But honestly, every stop had something memorable—like the spicy shrimp tacos we devoured at Catalina Charlie’s, the buttery fish bites with drinks at El Galleon, and the house-made treat we didn’t even see coming at Lloyd’s.
Janet sprinkled in local lore and fun facts between bites, making the whole experience feel like a moving feast with a side of storytelling. Plus, with only 10 people in the group, it felt more like a friend showing us around than a scripted tour. The stories, the flavors, the rhythm of Avalon—it all just flowed.
Check out the five-star reviews here to see why this tour stands out. Book it early and thank us later, your taste buds will be glad you did!
Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
2. See the most on a private guided golf cart tour of Avalon
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 9:15 am, 11:30 am, 1:45 pm, and 4 pm
- Highlights: Learn about Avalon and its history on a private golf-cart tour, see highlights like the Catalina Casino, Pebbly Beach, Wrigley Memorial, and Botanical Garden
- Inclusions: Private transportation, bottled water, landing and facility fees
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
There’s a lot to see on Catalina, but let’s be honest—covering it all on foot can get overwhelming fast. That’s why we booked this private Catalina golf cart tour, and it turned out to be one of the most fun (and relaxing) ways to explore the island.
Right from the start, our guide, Dudley, made the whole experience feel laid-back and personal. We weren’t just hopping in a cart and ticking off sights – we were cruising around Catalina’s best spots with a host who knew all the hidden history.
And I mean all of it! Even though we’ve been to Catalina before, we walked away with stories we’d never heard. It was like the island opened up in a new way.
We zipped from Pebbly Beach to the Inn at Mt. Ada, passed the quirky pet cemetery, and took in the views from Bell Tower Road. Dudley made sure we didn’t miss anything, from feeding fish at the Casino Point Dive Park to peeking inside the Dive History Exhibit and rolling past the Botanical Gardens. It was history, views, and laughter packed into one surprisingly relaxing ride.
If you want to cover a lot without feeling rushed or overheated, this is the way to go! Having a private guide made it feel completely tailored to us, and seeing Catalina through a local’s eyes gave us a whole new appreciation for a place we thought we already knew.
Check out the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
3. Go underwater in a yellow semi-submarine
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Time: Multiple times available from 9:45 am–5:15 pm
- Highlights: Semi-submarine tour of Catalina Island from Avalon, dive 6 feet (2 meters) below the surface at Lovers’ Cove, get a close look at fish feeding
- Inclusions: English guide
- Rating: 4.3 stars (check 420+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We wanted to see Catalina’s famous marine life, but between booking snorkeling gear, checking water temps, and figuring out how to squeeze it into our schedule, it felt like more of a hassle than fun. That’s why we hopped aboard this yellow semi-submarine tour! When else can you dive into an undersea world without even getting wet?
From the moment we stepped onto the SS Nautilus, Austin and Jill had us smiling. Austin expertly guided the vessel while Jill kept us entertained with fun commentary, fish facts, and a running joke or two.
We dipped 6 feet (2 meters) below the surface into Lovers’ Cove, where we each had our own viewing port and a front-row seat to Catalina’s undersea gardens. The water was so clear, it felt like the fish were swimming straight into our window!
At the push of a button (literally), we triggered a fish feeding frenzy right outside our window. It was wild! Schools of bright orange Garibaldi floated by like something out of a cartoon.
Afterward, we headed to the top deck for the return to Avalon, soaking in golden views and sea air. It’s quick, easy, and surprisingly mesmerizing, especially for kids or anyone who wants the underwater magic without getting wet!
Book this semi-submarine adventure here and dive into Catalina’s marine life!
Related Read: Need help putting all of these activities in a seamless order? Check out our 2-day Catalina Island itinerary to see the best sights without any rush!
4. Get off the beaten path and spot wildlife with an expert
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 9:30 am–4:30 pm
- Highlights: Venture 10 miles (16 km) into the island’s protected and rugged interior, visit the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Nature Center, and have possible wildlife encounters
- Inclusions: Onboard naturalist, custom-built safari vehicle
- Rating: 4.3 stars (check 220+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We’d heard Catalina had a rugged interior, but we didn’t realize just how wild it could get until we climbed into a custom safari vehicle and headed 10 miles (16 km) inland on this wildlife tour. Beachy Avalon vanished in the rearview as we bounced our way through remote hills and into a side of the island that most visitors never see.
Our guide, Sergio, was the best kind of narrator. He was equal parts funny and informative, and kept us laughing while pointing out wildlife like deer, bison, and even the elusive Catalina Island fox (yes, we saw one!). Every sighting felt spontaneous, like nature was showing off just for us.
The ride was bumpy, sure, but in the most fun, off-roading way. Around nearly every turn, we stopped for jaw-dropping views or quick wildlife sightings, all the way up to the Airport-in-the-Sky.
At the top, we visited the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Nature Center and stood at the edge of an ancient Native American gathering site. Knowing that our tour helped fund conservation efforts made the experience even better!
This tour gave us a whole new appreciation for Catalina’s raw, untamed beauty and felt like stepping into a different world just beyond Avalon. It usually sells out, so booking early is a must if you want a seat on this wild ride!
Secure your safari adventure early—it fills up fast!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Learn about the ocean with a 360° movie experience
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Time: Multiple times available from 11 am–6 pm
- Highlights: Go on a virtual “scuba dive” through the world’s oceans in a custom-built dome theater
- Inclusions: Entrance into the IMMERSED Dome Theater
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
After a full day of walking, touring, and sun, we were ready for something low-key but still memorable. That’s when we found this virtual scuba dive inside a giant dome theater that somehow felt more like deep-sea teleportation than a film screening.
The whole thing lasts just 30 minutes, but it’s completely absorbing (and air-conditioned, which didn’t hurt). We kicked back in plush seats—some folks opted for beanbags—and watched the 360-degree dome light up with 8K underwater footage from Catalina and beyond.
It’s the kind of place where you can fully zone out and feel like you’re drifting below the surface. Cozy and calm, the space felt like a planetarium for ocean lovers. It was easy to sink into and even easier to forget you’re on land!
One moment we were drifting through kelp forests, the next we were face-to-face with whale sharks, swirling bait balls, and a dugong gliding by like something out of a dream. The narration and music made it feel more like a guided meditation than a documentary.
The best part is that 10% of every ticket supports ocean conservation groups featured in the film. It’s educational, immersive, and just a really cool place to relax after a busy day on the island.
Book your ticket here to secure flexible payment and cancellation options!
6. Discover Catalina Island’s unique history on a walking tour
- Duration: 45 minutes–1.5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Avalon history walking tour, visit iconic landmarks such as the Holly Hill House, Green Pleasure Pier, and Catalina Casino
- Inclusions: Guide, headset
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
It’s easy to visit Catalina and leave with only surface-level memories—pretty views, good food, maybe a photo by the pier. But we wanted to understand the island, not just see it. That’s exactly what this Avalon history walking tour delivered.
Our local guide (who, yes, clearly loves this island) led us on a relaxed stroll through Avalon’s charming streets, with a headset that made it easy to hear every word. We stopped outside iconic spots like the Green Pleasure Pier and the Catalina Casino, paused where Marilyn Monroe once posed for photos, and learned how the Wrigleys, the Banning Brothers, and even Shatto helped shape the Catalina we see today.
It’s about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) long on mostly flat ground, so it’s super doable and honestly, we barely noticed the time passing. Between the old-school stories, historic landmarks, and laid-back pace, it gave us a deeper appreciation for the island’s roots without ever feeling like a lecture.
Read the five-star reviews here to see why this walking tour is a must for any history lover. Book it early and connect with Catalina’s story, one step at a time!
Reserve your spot on this unforgettable Avalon history tour here!
Where to Stay in Catalina Island, California
Catalina Island is one of California’s most beloved getaways, and luckily, there are some fantastic places to stay no matter your budget or travel style. Whether you’re after ocean-view luxury, a comfortable mid-range escape, or a solid budget stay with great perks, there’s something here for you.
If these hotels still have availability for your travel dates, these are my top choices for where to stay on Catalina Island—so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking up the island vibes.
Luxury – $$$
Set just a short stroll from the Catalina Casino, the Aurora Hotel is a modern boutique gem perched above Avalon with sweeping ocean and mountain views. This hotel blends sleek design with cozy coastal charm, offering bright, well-appointed rooms, a stylish rooftop terrace, and thoughtful extras like a mimosa bar and a wine and cheese hour. Guests rave about the friendly staff, spa-like touches (hello, bathrobes!), and the peaceful deck perfect for soaking in those Catalina sunsets.
Prices typically range from $250–$650 USD per night, depending on room type and season. Check rates for this scenic hillside retreat and reserve your stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Edgewater is a fantastic option for travelers who want comfort without the luxury price tag.
Set right on Avalon’s waterfront, The Edgewater is a charming mid-range stay with direct beachfront access and an unbeatable location just a short stroll from Descanso Beach. Rooms are simple but thoughtfully equipped with air-conditioning, walk-in showers, streaming services, and desks—perfect for both relaxing and staying connected. The Queen Suite adds extra space, a private kitchenette, and gorgeous sea views.
Prices typically range from $200–$450 USD per night, depending on your room choice. Check availability and book your beachfront stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Set in the peaceful hills above Avalon, the Catalina Canyon Inn offers a newly renovated retreat with modern comforts, lush surroundings, and great value for families and couples alike. Rooms are clean and spacious with updated amenities like flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, and microwaves—plus thoughtful extras like complimentary toiletries and coffee makers. Some rooms even include bunk beds for the kids. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and free shuttle service to town, making it easy to relax or explore.
Prices can start as low as $160 USD per night, depending on your room type. Check availability and secure your budget stay on Booking.com.
For more hotel options, check out all of Catalina Island’s hotels here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Catalina Island is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Southern California. We loved exploring the rugged mountains and then relaxing on the beach – does it get more vacation mode than this? I don’t think so! Follow this list of best things to do, and I know you’ll enjoy Catalina Island as much as we did!
Before you go, check out our other USA blogs. We have a ton of resources, no matter where your travels take you. I’ll leave a few related blogs below to help you plan your next getaway – cheers!
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