When it comes to spending time on Catalina Island, there are endless things to do on this charming island off of the California coast. I returned back to Catalina Island for my second trip there, this time spending a full weekend on the island. So I’m sharing all of my tips for a successful visit, and the best things to do on Catalina Island.
Catalana Island or Santa Catalina Island is a classic weekend escape just 22 miles off of the coast of Southern California. I think what most people don’t realize is just how much there is to do on this island. It’s an easy visit with friends, family, or even your kids for a weekend adventure.
This time I visited with my husband and toddler in tow, making the most of a family weekend away. I love that Catalina Island is very laidback, and no matter what the weather, there is something to do. One thing that makes spending the night on Catalina Island extra special is that you get the island to yourself before the crowds arrive and after — I can’t recommend it enough.
History on Catalina Island
First discovered by the Spanish in 1542, Catalina Island remained relatively untouched by settlers until the early 1800s. Over the years, Catalina has seen its fair share of transformations—from being a private island for wealthy ranchers to becoming a popular vacation destination. In the 1920s, William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum magnate, purchased the island and poured significant investments into its development.
They built iconic landmarks like the Avalon Casino and expanded its tourism infrastructure. It was during this period that Catalina’s identity as a glamorous getaway truly took shape, attracting Hollywood stars and socialites alike.
Today, Catalina offers a blend of old-world charm and adventure. The main town of Avalon, with its colorful cottages and Mediterranean-inspired architecture, still gives a feel of the island’s storied past while offering a laid-back escape. You can have a range of experiences from everything like the glass-bottom boat tours or exploring the island’s rugged interior on a jeep tour.
Ready to explore Catalina Island? Read on to find the best things to do on the island, whether you’re coming for the day or spending the weekend!
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do on Catalina Island:
Hotels
- Hotel Atwater, for the best overall hotel
Things to Do
- Jeep Tour to See the Bison
- Submarine Boat Tour
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour
- Private Golf Cart Tour for the Views
- Zip Line Eco Tour
Travel Tip: You can get to Catalina Island in style with a 20-minute helicopter ride, which would be an epic experience. One idea is to helicopter over and then take the ferry back.
The Best Things to Do on Catalina Island
Catalina Island Things to See: Top 5 List
You probably won’t have time to do it all on this list so I’ve narrowed down my top 5 list of things to do on the island. These are the first things I would consider doing when visiting Catalina Island. After this list, there is a longer list of other fun things to do!
1. Rent a Golf Cart for the Views
You’ll see golf carts buzzing around the island all day, it’s how the locals get around. But as a visitor, you can rent one yourself for a few hours and use it as a way to get epic views of the island. There is a scenic route you can take (the companies give a map for it and there are signs) that take you to some incredible views over the island. We rented with Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals, and here are a few things to know about renting a golf cart:
- Kids under 5 need to be in a car seat (Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals has limited availability)
- A driver’s license is required and one must be 25 years or older.
If you’re looking for a more catered experience, this highly-rated private golf cart tour is worth considering.
2. Beach Day at Descanso Beach Club
One of our favorite things was to take the scenic walk over to Descanso Beach Club to spend an afternoon on Descanso Beach. The beach club has a great restaurant and bar, with bookable day beds and cabanas on the property. It’s a party spot come weekends when DJs are brought in for the day. But it has a more chill European feel during the week.
While at Descanso, you have to try the island’s signature drink, the “Buffalo Milk Cocktail.” Despite the name, it has no actual buffalo milk in it! It’s a creamy, dessert-like cocktail made with Kahlua, creme de banana, Amaretto, vodka, and milk.
3. Explore Avalon
Spending time in Avalon Village is a highlight in itself. Walk the boardwalk, explore the boutiques, and get a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in town. We enjoyed food at NDMK Fish House, Original Antonio’s Pizza, Flx Biergarten, Naughty Fox, and Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. You have to grab an ice cream at Lloyd’s of Avalon or Sailor’s Delight Ice Cream Shop, the best spots for a scoop!
4. Take a Yellow Submarine Tour
One of the most popular tours on Catalina Island is this submarine boat tour that departs from Avalon. It’s a 45-minute tour that is partially submerged which allows you to see wildlife under the ocean. It’s one of the most popular activities with young kids, and you’ll dive six feet underwater.
5. Book a Jeep Tour to See the Bison
Did you know that Catalina Island has bison? You can book an adventure jeep tour that takes you out to the area of the island where you can spot them. Book this Jeep adventure bison tour in advance to see the wildlife. It is a 2-hour eco-tour.
More Things to Do on Catalina Island
Visit the Catalina Museum For Art & History
Step into Catalina’s rich history and vibrant art scene at the Catalina Island Museum. Housed in a sleek, modern building, the museum showcases everything from Native American artifacts to mid-century modern design, offering a window into the island’s eclectic past.
Hike to the Top of Mount Avalon
For panoramic views of Catalina Island, hike to the top of Mount Avalon. This moderate trail called the “Garden-to-Sky” Trail takes you through the island’s rugged interior, rewarding you with sweeping vistas of the Pacific and a wonderful view of Catalina. The trailhead is right at Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and begins up from there. For those who want to hike even further, you could embark on the “Trans-Catalina” Trail (link is to Catalina Island Conservancy which manages land preservation) which covers over 38 miles across the island. Here’s the Google Maps link to the trailhead.
Stroll St Catherine Way to the Casino
Wander along the picturesque St. Catherine Way, where a charming path leads you past the island’s lush hills to the iconic Catalina Casino. You’ll get great views back into Avalon and if you continue, you’ll reach Descanso Beach Club. Be sure to stop into the art deco Catalina Casino for a short tour as well, the casino ballroom is an icon on the island.
Rent Kayaks
There are many ways to get out on the water, and kayaks are one of them. I did this on my last trip, and it was fun to get out on the ocean and look back at the island.
Snorkel or Scuba Dive in Lovers Cove
Snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters of Lovers Cove, one of Catalina Island’s most beloved underwater havens. As a protected marine park, the cove is teeming with vibrant marine life, from curious garibaldi fish to graceful sea lions and the occasional playful eel. The shallow, calm waters make it an ideal spot for both beginners and seasoned divers, offering a mesmerizing view of kelp forests swaying gently in the current and schools of colorful fish darting between rocks.
Visit the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden
Tucked away in Avalon, the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden is a tranquil escape filled with native plants and breathtaking views. The memorial honors William Wrigley Jr., while the garden provides a glimpse into the island’s unique flora and ecosystem.
Go on a Zip Line Eco Tour
Soar through the skies on a Zip Line Eco Tour for a thrilling ride above Catalina’s rugged hills. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and learn about the island’s conservation efforts from experienced guides. It’s a two-hour tour that takes you across five separate lines. Do book this in advance.
Take the Cyclone Boat to Two Harbors
Hop aboard the Cyclone Boat for a high-speed ride to Two Harbors, a quieter, less-visited part of Catalina. The boat trip offers scenic coastal views, and once you arrive, you can enjoy a more secluded, laid-back atmosphere perfect for exploration.
Helpful Travel Planning Tips for Catalina Island
Getting to Catalina Island
The easiest way to get to Catalina Island is by booking a roundtrip ferry with Catalina Express Ferry. You can depart from the three ports San Pedro, Dana Point, and the most popular, Long Beach Port. The ferry takes around an hour or so, and you do need to book in advance as weekends often sell out.
You’ll want to book your ferry to the main port of Avalon, as there are two sides of the island: Avalon and Two Harbors. The main port is Avalon where all the restaurants and accommodations are, Two Harbors is a smaller port with fewer amenities.
Travel Tip: You can get to Catalina Island in style with a 20-minute helicopter ride, which would be an epic experience. One idea is to helicopter over and then take the ferry back.
Getting Around Catalina Island
Primarily you’ll get around on foot on Catalina Island, especially in Avalon as there are no cars on the island. Everything is walkable and under 20 minutes unless booking a tour. The other option is to rent a golf cart, but most only do so for an afternoon at max. You could also consider renting bikes, but this would be more for visiting than say getting around.
Where to Stay on Catalina Island
The best hotel in Avalon to stay at is Hotel Atwater by Catalina Island Company which is right in the heart of it all. It’s a very easy-going, clean, and recently renovated hotel. Hotel Atwater is a good base for exploring, and close to all that you will want to do. On site, there is a small cafe, Bistro at the Atwater, which is very convenient for coffee and breakfast. One nice thing is that on arrival, they will golf cart your luggage to your hotel (though we ended up just walking with ours!).
Best Time of Year to Visit Catalina Island
If you can avoid weekends, then you’ll avoid the majority of crowds on the island. It’s nice mid-week if you can. One thing that I like about the island is that there is a “second summer” aka it stays quite warm until October or so. I’d consider visiting from May to October for the best weather.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
