Just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island feels worlds away from Los Angeles, like stepping into another country. It’s filled with crystal-clear water, palm-lined streets, colorful hillside homes, and golf carts instead of cars.

Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway, Catalina has the perfect mix of adventure and laid-back island vibes – there’s really something for everyone. I’ve visited Catalina several times, and every trip reminds me why it’s one of my favorite California escapes.

From snorkeling with bright orange Garibaldi to sipping cocktails at Descanso Beach Club, there’s no shortage of things to do on Catalina, but these are the top experiences I’d recommend to anyone visiting for the first time.

Quick Deets

Best Area to Visit?
- Avalon is the best place for first-time visitors. It’s home to most hotels, restaurants, beaches, and activities, all within walking distance.
What’s the Weather Like?
- Catalina has a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures typically range from 75–85°F, while spring and fall are perfect for exploring.
Best Time to Visit?
- Summer (June-August): If you’re looking for the essential Catalina day, and want to spend most of your time in the sun & water, June-August will be your best best, but know it can get very busy on Summer weekends.
- Shoulder Season (April-May, Sept-Oct): If you want a more laid-back vibe, visit during the shoulder season for less crowds, while still being able to enjoy the sunshine. It will be warm, but just might not be swimming weather.
How Long Should You Stay?
- One day is enough to see the highlights, but 1–2 nights lets you experience the island at a slower pace.
How Do You Get Around?
- Avalon is very walkable. To get to further scenic viewpoints or attractions, rent a golf cart, or use taxis and shuttles to access.
Best For?
- Beach days, snorkeling, hiking, golf cart adventures, romantic getaways, and easy weekend trips from Southern California.

How To Get To Catalina Island

One of the best things about Catalina Island is how easy it is to get there. Located just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, the island is accessible by ferry from several ports in Los Angeles and Orange County, making it one of the easiest weekend getaways in California.

The ferry ride takes about one hour, and most visitors arrive in the town of Avalon.

Ferry Departure Ports

Long Beach (most popular)
San Pedro
Dana Point
Newport Beach (seasonal service nonlyt)

If you’re coming from Los Angeles, Long Beach is typically the most convenient departure point.

How Much Does the Ferry Cost?

Round-trip ferry tickets typically start around $85–100 per adult, depending on the departure port and time of year. It’s a good idea to book tickets in advance during weekends and summer months, as popular departure times can sell out.

There’s a few different operators you can book your ferry tickets through:

Book with the Catalina Express for San Pedro & Long Beach ports.
Or the Catalina Flyer for the Newport port.
- The Commodore lounge ticket is a bit more pricey, but does include access to the top floor lounge, priority boarding, and a complimentary drink ticket. If you plan to have a drink, it actually pays for itself!

12 Things to Do on Catalina Island That Will Make You Fall in Love

1. Rent a Golf Cart and Explore Avalon

If there’s one thing you absolutely have to do on Catalina Island, it’s rent a golf cart.

Since private cars are heavily restricted on the island, golf carts have become one of the most iconic ways to explore Avalon. The scenic driving loop winds through the hills above town, taking you past incredible overlooks with panoramic views of Avalon Bay, the Catalina Casino, and the rugged coastline. It’s easily my favorite way to experience the island, and the views are even better in person than they are in photos.

While the rental companies will tell you that you can complete the route in about an hour, I’d plan for the full two hours. There are plenty of scenic pull-offs along the way, and you’ll find yourself stopping often to soak in the views and snap photos. Trust me, you don’t want to rush this.

There are two main places to rent a golf cart. Catalina Island Golf Cart accepts online reservations, which is $150 for 2-hours, making it a great option if you’re visiting during the busy summer season. If you prefer to book once you arrive, Island Rentals is just a short walk from the ferry terminal and typically offers slightly lower prices, at $130 for the 2-hours. Just keep in mind that they’re first-come, first-served and cash only.

Highlights Along the Route

Buena Vista Point
Mt. Ada overlook
Descanso overlook
Harbor viewpoints
Historic hillside neighborhoods

TEETS TIP: Head straight to a golf cart rental after getting off the ferry. It’s one of the most popular activities on the island, and booking it first helps you avoid long waits later in the day.

2. Spend an Afternoon at Descanso Beach Club

There’s no better place to spend an afternoon on the island than Descanso Beach Club.

Located just beyond the Catalina Casino, Descanso is Catalina’s premier beach club and one of the island’s most popular places to relax. On any sunny afternoon you’ll find boats anchored just offshore, people lounging in beach chairs and cabanas, music playing throughout the club, and a lively beachfront restaurant serving cocktails and fresh seafood. If you’re visiting on a summer Saturday, you may even catch one of their live DJs.

You’ve got a few options on where you can hang out, that also range heavily in pricing:

Beach chairs: Around $60 per person, comes with two chairs (book in advance).
Cabanas: Starting around $250+, great for groups, typically a max of 6 guests (book in advance).
Free Beach: If you’re keeping it casual, bring a towel and sit on the small public stretch of beach next to the club at no cost.
Restaurant/Bar: If you don’t care to be directly in the sand or swim in the water, you can also just grab a table or bar stool al the restaurant and enjoy the lively atmosphere without getting your feet wet!

The water here is calm and incredibly clear, making it easy to swim between drinks or rent a paddleboard if you’re feeling more adventurous. Keep an eye out for Catalina’s famous bright orange Garibaldi swimming around the rocky shoreline—they’re almost impossible to miss.

TEETS TIP: If you’re planning to snorkel, stop by the island grocery store beforehand and grab a small bag of frozen peas. Toss a few into the water and you’ll be surrounded by dozens of curious Garibaldi in seconds. It’s one of the coolest little Catalina tricks one of my friends taught me!

3. Snorkel at Lover’s Cove

Catalina is home to some of the clearest water in California, and there’s no better place to experience it than Lover’s Cove.

This protected marine preserve is known for its calm conditions and abundant sea life, making it a favorite for both first-time and experienced snorkelers. Keep an eye out for bright orange Garibaldi, schools of fish, kelp forests, and sea stars just below the surface.

If you don’t have your own gear, several shops in Avalon offer snorkel rentals within walking distance.

TEETS TIP: Head out in the morning for the calmest water and best visibility. Water visibility can exceed 50 feet during calm summer days!

4. Walk Along Crescent Avenue & Explore Avalon

One of my favorite parts about Catalina doesn’t cost anything.

Avalon is incredibly walkable, and wandering without an itinerary is honestly part of the experience. Crescent Avenue hugs the waterfront and is lined with shops, restaurants, cafés, and sailboats filling the harbor.

You’ll probably find yourself stopping every few minutes to admire another postcard-worthy view.

Don’t Miss

Green Pleasure Pier
Wrigley Fountain
All of the local boutiques (definitely stop in a few along the way!)
Ice cream along Crescent Avenue

This is also a great time to pick up souvenirs before heading home.

5. Visit the Catalina Casino

If your thinking you can come here to gamble the day away, think again! Despite its name, the Catalina Casino is not a casino, and actually was never even a casino in the past.

The word “casino” is actually Italian for a gathering place, and that’s exactly what this iconic Art Deco landmark has been since opening in 1929. Inside you’ll find one of the world’s largest circular ballrooms along with a beautifully preserved movie theater.

You can pay about $20 for entrance, which you can book onsite or opt for the VIP Backstage Tour. Both are available for booking HERE.

But, even if you don’t take the tour, it’s worth walking over just to admire one of Catalina’s most recognizable landmarks!

6. Kayak or Paddleboard Along the Coast

Getting out on the water offers an entirely different perspective of the island.

The protected harbor makes kayaking and paddleboarding accessible for beginners, and you’ll paddle past yachts, colorful fish beneath the surface, and dramatic cliffs surrounding town.

Morning is usually your best bet before the afternoon breeze creates choppier conditions.

7. Take an Underwater Semi-Submarine Tour

If getting in the water isn’t your thing, the semi-submarine tour is one of the easiest ways to experience Catalina’s incredible marine life without getting wet.

The semi-submersible cruises just below the surface through the protected waters of Lover’s Cove, where you’ll have front-row views of giant kelp forests, bright orange Garibaldi, calico bass, sea stars, and other marine life through large viewing windows.

One of the most fun parts of the tour is the fish-feeding torpedoes. For a small additional fee, you can purchase fish food that launches from your seat at the push of a button. Within seconds, schools of fish swarm your window, creating an unforgettable feeding frenzy that’s fun for both kids and adults.

Even if you’ve already explored Catalina from above, seeing the island from below the surface gives you a completely different perspective.

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, you can reserve the Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour ahead of your trip. During the busy summer months, booking in advance is never a bad idea.

8. Ride the Zip Line Eco Tour

Looking for some adventure? The Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour sends you soaring above Descanso Canyon with incredible ocean views nearly the entire time.

The experience includes several different lines connected by short hikes and educational stops about the island’s unique ecosystem. Even people who are a little nervous about heights usually end up loving it!

I’d recommend reserving your spot before your trip, especially during the summer season. You can check availability for the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour here.

_{^{Credit: Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour}}

9. Take an Interior Wildlife Tour

One of Catalina’s biggest surprises? Tons of Bison roam the island!

A small herd was originally brought to the island during the filming of a movie in the 1920s, and they still roam Catalina’s interior today.

If you’re looking to spot on and get closer to some wildlife, I recommend booking the 2-Hour Catalina Island Inside Adventure Tour. It’s one of the easiest ways to see Catalina’s rugged interior and wildlife while leaving the navigation to someone else.

The guided interior tour leaves from Avalon takes you more inland from the city into parts of the island that most visitors never even get to see. Besides bison, you might also spot some Catalina foxes, bald eagles, and unique native plants, plus a chance to see some overlooks and viewpoints most people don’t get a chance to see!

_{^{Credit: Catalina Island Inside Adventure}}

10. Hike to Incredible Viewpoints

Most visitors never realize nearly 90% of Catalina remains undeveloped.

Beyond the town of Avalon lies an incredible network of trails winding through rugged hills and coastal landscapes. If your up for an adventures, there’s tons to explore.

Some favorites include:

Garden to Sky Trail: One of the most popular hikes for sweeping views over Avalon.
Hermit Gulch Trail: A moderate climb with beautiful ocean vistas.
Trans-Catalina Trail: For experienced hikers looking for a multi-day adventure.

Bring plenty of water—there’s very little shade.

11. Visit the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden

If you’re looking for a quieter side of Catalina, head over to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden.

Nestled in Avalon Canyon, the gardens showcase plants from California’s Channel Islands and other Mediterranean climates around the world. The walking paths will bring you through native cacti, succulents, and colorful desert plants before leading up to the iconic Wrigley Memorial, built in honor of William Wrigley Jr., whose family played a huge role in shaping Catalina Island.

Even if you’re not a big gardener or plant lover, it’s worth visiting for the beautiful views back toward Avalon. It’s a really nice break from the busier waterfront and makes for some great photos.

TEETS TIP: Wear comfortable shoes – the walk to the memorial is uphill, but the views at the top are well worth the climb.

_{^{Credit: Catalina Conservatory}}

12. End the Day with Dinner Along the Harbor

There’s no better way to finish your Catalina trip than watching the boats gently rock in Avalon Harbor while enjoying dinner outside.

Whether you’re celebrating a weekend getaway or waiting for your evening ferry, the waterfront restaurants create the perfect ending to your day.

Some favorites include:

Naughty Fox: A trendy cocktail bar and restaurant with a fun atmosphere, creative drinks, and elevated comfort food. It’s a great spot for happy hour or dinner after a day of exploring Avalon.
Bluewater Grill: A waterfront seafood restaurant overlooking Avalon Harbor, known for fresh fish, outdoor patio seating, and beautiful harbor views. Perfect if you’re looking for a classic Catalina lunch or dinner.
Maggie’s Blue Rose: One of Catalina’s most popular Mexican restaurants, serving flavorful tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas in a colorful, lively setting just steps from the waterfront. Great for a casual dinner after a day on the island.

If you’re staying overnight, linger a little longer—the harbor is especially peaceful once the last ferry leaves.

If I Had One Perfect Day in Catalina…

Here’s exactly all the things I’d do:

MORNING:
- Get on an early ferry, grab coffee in Avalon, and rent a golf car
AFTERNOON
- Walk the harbor and head to Descanso Beach Club for lunch, sunbathing, swimming & snorkeling
EVENING:
- Check out Maggie’s for margaritas or Bluewater Grill for dinner before catching the ferry home