10 Best Things to do on Catalina Island, California 

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!

Catalina Island at a glance

Catalina Island is pretty easy to figure out, but a few local tips can make your trip even more enjoyable. After several visits, we found these things especially helpful!

Reserve in advance: Catalina Island experiences tend to sell out quickly. Make sure you’re booking everything ahead of time, not just hotel and transportation, but activities and tours as well. 

Pack light: You’ll be walking, swimming, and out in the sun! Catalina Island is best done with some dry-fit clothing, swimwear, and a few breezy outfits to wear to dinner. 

Go mid-week: To avoid crowds, it’s best to catch the ferry mid-week. Hotels, activities, and the overall vibe of the island is much calmer during the weekdays.

Travel by foot, golf cart, or COAST Public Transit: Avalon is super walkable, but for anything further along, you can use COAST(on-call electric golf cart shuttle) or rent your own golf cart! 

How I would spend 2 days on Catalina Island

Catalina Island may be small, but there’s plenty to see and do if you know where to spend your time. In just two days, you can enjoy Avalon, explore the island’s wild landscapes, and fit in some unforgettable tours without feeling rushed. After several visits, this is the itinerary we’d recommend.

Day 1: Explore Avalon’s highlights on a private golf cart tour, then taste your way through the island on a guided food tour before enjoying waterfront strolls, local shops, and a sunset dinner by the bay.

Day 2: Discover Catalina’s wild side on a safari tour through the island’s rugged interior, then take your pick: hit the beach, go parasailing, or explore the underwater world at IMMERSED before finishing the day with a garden stroll and dinner and drinks in Avalon.

Want the full itinerary? Check out our detailed 2-Day Catalina Island Itinerary here!

Things to do on Catalina Island

1. Taste your way around Catalina Island

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!

2. See the most on a private guided golf cart tour of Avalon

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.

3. Go to the beach!

You can’t go to Catalina Island and not include a beach visit! Luckily, there are quite a few spots to choose from, all with different vibes depending on what you’re after. Here are some of our favorite beaches to hang out at while visiting the island. 

Descanso Beach

If you want to experience true Catalina Island energy, Descanso Beach Club is the move! It sits just past the iconic Catalina Casino with crystal clear waters, cabanas and loungers for rent, and full food and drink service directly to your chair. You can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear to add a little action to your day, but this is such a nice spot to do absolutely nothing in the sunshine. 

Step Beach, Middle Beach, and South Beach

Along Crescent Avenue in Avalon, you’ll find these three classic beaches connected and easy to navigate. South Beach is a wider portion perfect for groups, sunbathing, and swimming. Middle Beach and Step Beach are smaller and great spots to watch the boats in Avalon Harbor. 

Lover’s Cove

If you’re looking for a “no-frills” beach and want some of the best snorkeling in Catalina, head to Lover’s Cove. This beach is rocky, so it’s a good idea to wear some water shoes for protection! The visibility in the water here is excellent; it’s a prime spot to view marine life just below the surface.

Harbor Sands

Traveling up to the northern part of Catalina Island, you’ll find Harbor Sands at Two Harbors. This beach is where we like to escape to after all the activity in Avalon. It’s a much quieter area with open-air beach huts (palapas) you can rent for the day. Set next to the Harbor Reef Restaurant, you can relax in your palapa and order food and drink directly to your beachside oasis. 

4. Parasail over Catalina Island

Is there any better way to experience an island than soaring above it? I don’t think so. That’s why heading out on this parasailing tour over Catalina Island is the perfect activity to mix a little adventure into taking in the incredible views. 

After some brief instructions, you and your crew will head out on the water just a short way from the shore of Avalon. If the thought of floating high above the ocean makes you a little nervous, don’t worry—the guides and boat crew are there every step of the way to help you feel comfortable and confident. 

You can choose to fly with up to three people (make sure you check the weight restrictions), and while you’re waiting for your turn, you can sit back in the sunshine and admire Catalina’s rugged coastline from the boat.

Once it’s your time to fly, the crew will help you get harnessed. From the back of the boat, you’ll soar higher and higher until you’re peacefully floating high above the island and the sparkling Pacific below. Although your flight only lasts about 8–10 minutes, it somehow feels much longer once you’re peacefully drifting high above the island.

Before long, you’ll be gently reeled back to the boat, with the option of skimming your toes across the water if you’re feeling adventurous.

I felt incredibly safe throughout the experience, and seeing Catalina Island from above the water was something I’ll never forget. If you’re looking for an activity that’s equal parts thrilling and scenic, this parasailing tour is hard to beat!

5. Visit the Catalina “Casino”

It’s impossible to miss the historic Catalina Casino, one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Despite its name, this isn’t a gambling casino but a beautiful Art Deco entertainment venue that has welcomed visitors since 1929. Built by William Wrigley Jr. as a gathering place for entertainment and community events, the Catalina Casino quickly became the heart of island life.

Perched on the edge of Avalon, it overlooks the bay with a stunning ballroom and theater hidden inside. You immediately feel like you’re in another era as you step through the doors. The Grand Foyer is full of hand-painted murals, soft lighting, and decorative ironwork. As you make your way through the halls, you get a sense of the lavish gatherings that have occurred here over the last century. 

General admission costs about $20 USD and is a great way to explore the Catalina Casino at your own pace, with access to the stunning Avalon Theatre and the world’s largest circular ballroom, where thousands once danced to the sounds of big band music. 

However, the best way to truly experience the history and hidden stories of this Art Deco masterpiece is on this casino VIP backstage tour. It takes you behind the scenes of the casino while still giving you time to wander through the ballroom and Avalon Theatre on your own. Make sure you take a moment to step out onto the ocean promenade, which wraps around the ballroom! It’s the best spot to take photos and admire the coastline.

6. Get off the beaten path and spot wildlife with an expert

You may have heard about Catalina’s rugged interior, but you don’t realize just how wild it can get until you climb into a custom safari vehicle and head 10 miles (16 km) inland on this wildlife tour. Beachy Avalon vanishes in the rearview as you bounce your way through remote hills and into a side of the island that most visitors never see.

You’ll get to travel around Catalina’s wild side in a custom-built safari vehicle; it’s the perfect set-up for photos! The guides on this tour are experts at pointing out wildlife like deer, bald eagles, and bison. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Catalina Island fox! Every sighting feels spontaneous, like nature is showing off just for you. 

The ride is bumpy, sure, but in the most fun, off-roading way. Around nearly every turn, you’ll stop for jaw-dropping views or quick wildlife sightings, all the way up to the Airport in the Sky.

At the top, you’ll get to visit the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Nature Center and stand at the edge of an ancient Native American gathering site. Knowing that your tour helps fund conservation efforts makes the experience even more special!

This tour will give you a whole new appreciation for Catalina’s raw, untamed beauty and feel 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!

7. Hit the trails for spectacular island views

Sometimes, you just gotta earn your views after indulging on vacation. That’s why I like to include these hikes while visiting the island to get some exercise while seeing some of the best views of Catalina. 

I absolutely love this hike along the Hermit Gulch Trail – it’s a totally doable distance of 3.5 miles (5.6 km). Beginning at the Hermit Gulch Campground, you’ll get an intense climb with rewarding views at the top! There’s a nice gazebo to rest at and take in 360-degree views of Avalon and the backside of the island. 

Upper Ballast Point is another manageable distance of 4.1 miles (6.6 km) on the northern part of Catalina Island. It has the best views of the harbors and has a little less foot traffic than some of the trails near Avalon, making it more peaceful. You’ll often see wildlife like foxes, bison, and bald eagles on this trail!

Finally! I can’t mention hiking on Catalina Island without mentioning the Trans-Catalina Trail. This big daddy hike is 38 miles (61 km) across the island and is done over days rather than a few hours. If your heart is set on trekking across the island, you must obtain a hiking permit and reserve a campsite along the trail every night!

8. Soar above Catalina on a zipline adventure

If you’re looking for an adventure that gets your heart racing, this Catalina Island zip line tour is hard to beat. Before you know it, you’re standing 600 feet (about 183 meters) above the island, taking in incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and the canyons below. After a quick safety brief and gear fitting, it’s time to step off the platform and let the excitement begin.

You’ll glide across five separate ziplines, soaring hundreds of feet above the canyon floor while reaching speeds of up to 35 to 40 mph (about 56–64 km/h). The first launch is the biggest thrill, but by the second line, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear and looking forward to the next one. Between each platform, there’s just enough time to catch your breath, soak in the scenery, and snap a few mental pictures before you’re flying again.

What makes this experience even better is that it isn’t just about the adrenaline. Your guides point out the unique plants and wildlife that call Catalina home, including species found nowhere else in the world, like the adorable Catalina Island fox. It adds an unexpected layer to the adventure and gives you a greater appreciation for the island’s natural beauty.

The entire tour lasts about two hours and strikes a great balance between excitement and sightseeing. Whether it’s your first time ziplining or you’re used to chasing the next thrill, this is one of those experiences that anyone could easily enjoy. It’s the perfect way to see Catalina from a completely different perspective.

9. Go underwater in a yellow semi-submarine

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!

10. Enjoy a round of golf at Catalina Island Golf Course

If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to spend a few hours on Catalina Island, head over to the Catalina Island Golf Course. Just a short walk from downtown Avalon, this historic course is the oldest operating golf course west of the Mississippi. Dating back to 1892, it offers a unique chance to step away from the island’s busy waterfront and experience a slower, more nostalgic side of Catalina.

This isn’t a long championship course, but that’s part of its charm. The nine-hole layout is great for beginners while still offering enough elevation changes and narrow fairways to keep experienced golfers interested. As you make your way around the course, you’ll enjoy views of the surrounding hills and plenty of quiet moments away from the crowds.

You can rent clubs if you didn’t bring your own, making it easy to fit a round into your day. Whether you’re playing seriously or just enjoying time outdoors, golfing here is a laid-back way to experience another side of Catalina Island.

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!

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!

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 the best things to do, and I know you’ll enjoy Catalina Island as much as we did!

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