If you live in Southern California and you don’t have time (or budget) for a European island getaway, a Catalina Island day trip is just what you need! Just about an hour by ferry from Long Beach, you’ll feel like you’ve landed in the coast of Italy without even leaving California. Catalina has everything you’d want for a quick getaway – insane ocean views, mountain adventures, a beach club to lay in the sun at, and some incredible sunsets over the water. And, all you need is one day on the island to see it all!

I’ve really always felt that Catalina is the perfect way to spend a day. And because the island is quite small, it’s so doable as a day trip. You can hop over on an early morning ferry, fit in sightseeing, beach time, dinner and drinks, and still be back in bed by 10PM! It’s the perfect tropical island getaway.

Here’s exactly how to plan the perfect little Catalina day – including ferry details, golf cart rentals, Descanso Beach Club, and even a chance to snorkel with bright orange Garibaldi fish in the clear blue water.

What To KNow BEfore Going to Catalina

HOW TO GET TO CATALINA
- By Ferry: You’ll have to take a ferry to get to Catalina Island. There are three ports you can leave from to arrive in Avalon, the main town in Catalina – San Pedro & Long Beach (which make the most sense for people coming from LA), or Newport (the best option for Orange County).
- Ferry Tickets: Book ahead online (starting at $84.50 round trip)
  - 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!
- Parking: All ports have a main parking lot on-site, with daily fees around $25.
WHAT TO PACK
- Sunscreen, water shoes (the beaches are rocky), towel, cash for golf carts, a light jacket for the ferry ride back.
- If you plan to swim, it’s worthwhile to bring an extra change of clothes.
WHEN TO GO
- 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 TO GET AROUND
- Golf carts: Cars are actually limited on the island, so your best option for getting around the island are with golf carts. You’ll be able to sightsee and then drop it back off. The rest of the island is very walkable, so there’s no need for one for the full day.
- Cost: Budget $130-150 for 2-hours, and bring cash. There are two main golf cart rentals you can pick them up from.
  - Want to book in advance online? Check out Catalina Island Golf Cart. Pricing is $150 for 2-hours. They tend to book up quickly.
  - Need to book upon arrival to the island? No worries – when you get off the ferry, head to Island Rentals, where you can book in person for cheaper – $130 for the 2-hours, and you’ll get money back if you make it back quicker! They are cash only, though.

Catalina Island Day Trip Itineary

Morning: Ferry to Catalina

Start your day at the Long Beach terminal and catch the Catalina Express ferry. The ride is about an hour and drops you right into Avalon. You definitely need to book your tickets in advance – especially for weekends and summer – since ferries do sell out.

I prefer to try to get on a 9AM ferry out, to arrive around 10AM and still have some morning left. You can grab a coffee to-go, snag a seat on the deck, and enjoy the ocean views (you might even spot dolphins)!

Late Morning: Golf Cart Views

Once you arrive, head straight for a golf cart rental. There’s really no better way to experiences all the beauty of Avalon than from the windy hillside roads. The coastline is something out of a book.

You can book in advance online with one company on the island, Catalina Island Golf Cart, for $150 for 2-hours. They tend to book up well in advance, but if so, no worries – you can book in person at Island Rentals when you get to the island. They don’t take online reservations and are first come first serve. It’s $130 for the 2-hours, and you’ll get money back if you make it back quicker. They only accept cash, though, so make sure you take out money before!

While the rental people will say you can complete the loop in an hour, you’ll mostly like end up spending the full two hours admiring the views and stopping for pictures. But, two hours is definitely plenty of time to do the scenic loop, stopping at the insane overlooks for views of Avalon Bay and the Casino. Trust me, this is something you MUST do when on Catalina – the pictures don’t even do it justice.

Afternoon: Descanso Beach Club (& Snorkeling)

After you finish up your golf cart rental, head over to Descanso Beach Club – where you’ll undoubtedly want to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Descanso is the high-end beach club on Catalina that is the hot spot. Boats will dock near the beach, playing music and jumping into the ocean, club chairs & cabanas are filled with people sunbathing, and the beach restaurant & bar is packed with tons of fresh options. On Saturdays in the summer, there’s even a live DJ!

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 (with umbrella service).
Cabanas: Starting around $250+, great for groups, typically a max of 6 guests.
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!

While it’s definitely the spot to lounge at for the day, the water here is also clear and calm – perfect for a leisurely swim and snorkeling. Bring a mask or rent gear and you’ll likely spot Garibaldi fish (Catalina’s signature bright orange locals) darting around the rocks. If you love to see fish, either bring or pick up some frozen peas from the grocery store on the island. If you drop a few while you’re snorkeling, the fish will flock to you! It’s pretty incredible to be surrounded by 25 bright orange fish!

Evening: Dinner & Drinks at Luau Larry’s

Once you’ve soaked up the sun, make your way back into town for dinner at Luau Larry’s, a Catalina staple. Expect tropical cocktails (order their famous “Wiki Wacker” if you’re up for it) and casual bar food. It’s lively, fun, and the perfect spot to wrap up your day before heading back to the ferry.

Sunset: Ferry Back to Long Beach

The best part about leaving in the evening? You’ll catch the sunset from the ferry. Watching the sky light up as you sail back across the Pacific is such a dreamy way to end the day – and makes Catalina feel like more than just a quick trip.

Why You Should Take a Catalina Island Day Trip

Catalina is proof you don’t need a whole weekend to feel like you’ve escaped the city. Just one day on the island gives you the full mix – ocean views, a little adventure, time to chill at the beach, and a sunset that feels like vacation magic. It’s easy and much more affordable compared to flying somewhere…plus it’s close enough that you can plan it on a whim.

Whether you’re snorkeling with bright orange Garibaldi, sipping cocktails at Descanso, or cruising back toward the mainland with the sky lit up in pink and gold, Catalina really delivers on the island escape vibes.