Catalina Island Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat and Places to Stay

As the old song says, “26 miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is the place for me.” For generations, those lyrics have captured the excitement of escaping to this beautiful island, just off the Southern California coast. The moment you approach Avalon and see the colorful hillside homes, boats bobbing in the harbor and the iconic Catalina Casino overlooking the bay, you know you have arrived somewhere special.

I’ve been coming here since I was a little girl and Catalina Island is one of the best day trips from Southern California, especially if you are visiting Los Angeles, Long Beach, Newport Beach or the surrounding coastal communities. The ferry ride is short enough to visit for the day, but there is more than enough to do if you want to slow down and turn your island escape into a full weekend getaway.

I remember Catalina as a place where the day unfolded at a different pace. We swam in the ocean, walked along the waterfront, ate some of the best ice cream and saltwater taffy and enjoyed the feeling of being on an island without having to travel far from the California coast.

Whether you want to snorkel, hike, sail, zip line, search for bison or simply enjoy a cocktail overlooking the harbor, this Catalina Island travel guide will help you plan what to do, where to eat and where to stay.

Where Is Catalina Island?

Santa Catalina Island is located off the coast of Southern California and is part of Los Angeles County.

Most visitors stay in Avalon, the island’s primary town and only incorporated city. Avalon is where you will find the ferry terminal, hotels, restaurants, shops, beaches and many of Catalina’s most popular attractions.

Two Harbors, located on the quieter west end of the island, offers a much more rustic experience. It is especially popular with boaters, campers, hikers and travelers looking to escape the busier streets of Avalon.

How to Get to Catalina Island

Part of the fun of visiting Catalina is the journey across the water. You cannot drive to the island, so you will need to arrive by passenger ferry, helicopter, private plane or private boat.

Taking the Ferry

Catalina Express operates passenger ferry service from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point to Avalon. The trip takes approximately one hour from Long Beach and San Pedro and an hour and a half from Dana Point. Long Beach generally offers the greatest number of departures. You can view schedules and purchase tickets directly through the Catalina Express website. Reservations are not always required, but they are highly recommended, especially during summer, weekends and holidays when the most popular departure times can sell out.

Catalina Flyer operates from the Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach to Avalon Beach. The service is seasonal, and departure schedules can change throughout the year, so check the Catalina Flyer schedule before planning your visit. It takes approximately 75 minutes to make the journey from this location.

Flying to Catalina Island by Helicopter

For a faster and more memorable arrival, you can fly to Catalina Island by helicopter. The flight from the Southern California mainland takes approximately 15 minutes, and you can book one-way or round-trip transportation.

Maverick Helicopter offers service to Avalon from several Southern California locations, including Long Beach, San Pedro, Burbank and John Wayne Airports. Taking a helicopter is considerably more expensive than riding the ferry, but it provides incredible aerial views and allows you to maximize your time on the island. Click here for Maverick Helicopter pricing and schedules.

Getting Around Catalina Island Without a Car

Catalina Island is essentially car-free for visitors. There is no traditional car ferry or rental-car counter waiting when you arrive, and the number of full-size vehicles allowed on the island is limited.

Fortunately, you do not need a car to enjoy Avalon. Most of the shops, restaurants, beaches and attractions are within walking distance of the ferry terminal. Walking is one of the best ways to explore because it allows you to notice the colorful Catalina tile, hillside homes, waterfront fountains, gardens and historic buildings that give Avalon its charm.

You can also rent bicycles or electric bikes to cover more ground. Public transportation, taxis and seasonal shuttle services are available for certain destinations around Avalon.

One of the most popular ways to explore is by renting a golf cart. Golf carts are rented by the hour and are generally limited to two hours. Rental companies provide maps with designated routes through Avalon, including hillside overlooks where you can stop for panoramic views of the Casino, harbor and surrounding coastline. A self-guided golf cart tour is one of the best things to do on Catalina Island, especially during your first visit.

The Best Things to Do on Catalina Island

There is much more to Catalina Island than walking around Avalon. The island offers snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, parasailing, fishing, hiking, golf, wildlife tours, helicopter tours, zip lining and several ways to explore the underwater world. You could easily spend an entire day relaxing along the waterfront, but Catalina is also a wonderful destination for travelers who want a more active trip.

1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving – Catalina Island is known for its clear water, kelp forests and colorful marine life. Lover’s Cove, located just outside Avalon, is one of the most popular snorkeling areas. Casino Point Dive Park is another well-known destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. You may see bright orange garibaldi, kelp bass and other marine life swimming among the rocks and underwater plants. Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits can be rented from the following local outfitters:

• Descanso Beach Ocean Sports for snorkeling rentals because of its convenient location and easy access to the beautiful snorkeling areas in Descano Beach. They also rent kayaks, paddleboards, and wetsuits, and offer kayak-and-snorkel packages and guided tours. It’s an excellent choice for families and first-time snorkelers.

• If you’re interested in scuba diving—whether you’re a beginner or already certified Catalina Divers Supply is A PADI Five-Star Dive Center located inside the historic Catalina Casino building. They offer snorkel rentals, full scuba equipment rentals, certifications, boat dives, and operate the custom dive boat Scuba Cat for excursions around the island.

2. Kayaking and Paddleboarding – Renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard is a peaceful way to explore Catalina’s coastline. The protected coves around Avalon are generally approachable for beginners, while guided tours can take you farther along the coast.

Morning is often a good time to kayak or paddleboard before afternoon winds develop, but always check current ocean and weather conditions with the rental company before leaving shore. For reservations or more information on rentals contact Descanso Beach Ocean Sports 

3. Parasailing Above Avalon Bay – Parasailing provides one of the most dramatic views of Catalina Island. You will be lifted above Avalon Harbor while being pulled behind a boat, giving you an aerial view of the Casino, waterfront, hills and Pacific Ocean.

You do not need to be an experienced adventurer to parasail, but age, weight and weather restrictions may apply. Reservations are recommended because this is one of Catalina’s most popular summer activities. Parasail Catalina is operated through California Parasail and can provide you with pricing, specials and more information.

4. Glass-Bottom Boat and Undersea Tours – You do not have to get into the water to see Catalina’s marine life. Glass-bottom boat trips and semi-submersible tours travel over kelp forests and underwater habitats, allowing you to see fish and other sea life while remaining dry. Many of these tours depart from the Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon. To view pricing and tour times see Catalina Tours’ Glass Bottom Boat Voyage.

5. Hiking on Catalina Island – Catalina Island has hiking options ranging from short walks near Avalon to challenging multi-day routes through the island’s rugged interior. The Garden to Sky Trail begins near the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden and climbs to views across both sides of the island. I have done this hike and recommend bringing lots of sunscreen and water!

The Hermit Gulch Trail is another popular option near Avalon. More experienced hikers can explore sections of the Trans-Catalina Trail, which stretches across the island.

You can find trail maps, campground maps and information about current trail conditions through the Catalina Island Conservancy. Free hiking permits are required for many routes through Conservancy land and can also be obtained at the Trailhead visitor center. Cell service may be limited in the interior, so download your map before leaving and carry plenty of water.

6. See Catalina Island’s Famous Bison – One of the most surprising things about Catalina Island is its free-roaming bison herd. The bison live primarily within the island’s protected interior and are best seen on a guided eco-tour or Bison Expedition.

The tours travel beyond Avalon into Catalina’s rugged hills, where you may also see Catalina Island foxes, bald eagles and other wildlife. A sighting is never guaranteed because the bison roam freely. There are two companies to choose from:

• Catalina Island Bison Expedition – 2 hour open air Hummer tour.
• Catalina Island Conservancy Eco Tour – exploring the protected interior island with a guide.

7. Experience the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour – The Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour begins high above Descanso Canyon and descends toward the ocean through a series of zip lines. The experience combines adventure with views of the canyon, coastline and surrounding hills. The complete tour takes approximately two hours, making it possible to include it in either a day trip or a weekend itinerary. The check-in area is near Descanso Beach. Reservations are strongly recommended through Catalina Island Company, and participants should review current age, weight, footwear and health requirements before booking.

8. Play Golf on Catalina Island – Catalina Island Golf Course is a historic nine-hole course located in Avalon Canyon. Two sets of tees allow golfers to play an 18-hole round, and club and cart rentals may be available. To book in advance and reserve a tee time contact Catalina Golf Course. Its located at 1 Country Club Drive in Avalon.

For something more casual, Catalina Island Mini Golf Gardens offers a beautifully landscaped course within walking distance of Avalon’s waterfront. Mini golf is a fun option for families or anyone looking for an easy activity between lunch, shopping and other island adventures.

9. Visit the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden – The Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden is a peaceful place to explore Catalina’s native and endemic plants. The memorial honors William Wrigley Jr., whose family played an important role in Catalina’s development and conservation.

The garden is located inland from Avalon and can be reached by shuttle, taxi, bike or a longer walk. It is also the starting point for the Garden to Sky Trail, making it easy to combine the gardens with a hike.

10. Catalina Island’s Beaches – Catalina Island has a surprisingly varied coastline. While Avalon has four main beaches that are easy for most visitors to reach, the island is also dotted with quieter beaches and hidden coves around Two Harbors and along its undeveloped interior coastline. Some are just steps from restaurants and shops, while others require a hike, kayak or boat ride to reach. These are the ones I recommend:

• South Beach is one of the easiest beaches to visit because it sits right in the heart of Avalon, immediately to one side of the Green Pleasure Pier. In fact, it is one of the first beaches you see when arriving by ferry. There is sand, gentle water and a lifeguard during the summer, making this one of the better choices for families who simply want to spend a few hours swimming and relaxing without leaving town. Restaurants, shops and restrooms are only steps away. 

• Middle Beach is on the opposite side of the Green Pleasure Pier, another small public beach right along Crescent Avenue. It overlooks the center of Avalon Harbor, so you are surrounded by boats, the waterfront promenade and all the activity of downtown Avalon. Middle Beach is especially convenient if you want to combine a little beach time with lunch, shopping or sightseeing. Like South Beach, it has a lifeguard during the summer months and is one of the easiest places to swim without having to arrange transportation. 

• Step Beach is toward the Casino, a smaller stretch of sand reached by steps from Crescent Avenue. It is quieter and narrower than South and Middle beaches, and the water becomes deeper relatively quickly. Step Beach is a nice choice if you want to stay close to Avalon but get a little farther away from the busiest section around the pier. Lifeguards are also on duty during the summer. 

• Descanso Beach is the beach I would choose. Located just beyond the Catalina Casino, it is one of the island’s best-known beach destinations and feels more like a little resort escape than the beaches directly in town. Descanso Beach Club is a private beach that is open to the public. You can swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard, or reserve chaise lounges and cabanas and simply spend the afternoon by the water. There is also a beachside restaurant and bar with food and cocktails delivered right to your seating area. This is also the area where you will find the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour and several other outdoor activities, so it is easy to combine a morning adventure with a relaxing afternoon at the beach.

For a first visit or a full beach day, I would choose Descanso Beach because you can swim, rent water-sports equipment, eat lunch, order drinks and settle in for several hours without needing to go anywhere else.

For families and convenience, South Beach is hard to beat because it is right in Avalon and close to everything. Middle Beach is equally convenient if you want to move between the beach, shops and restaurants throughout the day.

11. Visit the Iconic Catalina Casino – The enormous circular building at the edge of Avalon Bay is Catalina Island’s most recognizable landmark. Despite its name, the Catalina Casino has never been used for gambling.

The word “casino” comes from the Italian meaning of a gathering place. The building opened in 1929 as a center for movies, music, dancing and entertainment. Its lower level contains the historic Avalon Theatre, while the upper level holds a massive circular ballroom. Visitors can purchase general admission or reserve a guided tour to learn more about the Casino’s architecture, murals, theater, ballroom and Hollywood history. But even if you do not take a tour, walk around the building and the surrounding waterfront. The Casino is beautiful during the day and even more impressive when it is illuminated above the harbor at night.

Where to Find Ice Cream and Saltwater Taffy

Some of my strongest memories of Catalina Island involve eating the best ice cream and saltwater taffy while walking along the waterfront. Those nostalgic island treats are still easy to find in Avalon.

Lloyd’s of Avalon continues to make its famous saltwater taffy in the window. While its now a machine pulling the taffy and not people, its still very entertaining to watch and part of the experience. The shop also sells caramel apples, chocolates and other handmade candy.

For ice cream and gelato, you can visit Scoops, Sailor’s Delight Ice Cream Shop, Catalina Cones or Lloyd’s.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about walking along Crescent Avenue with a fresh waffle cone or a bag of saltwater taffy. Even after all of Catalina’s adventurous activities, that simple moment may be one of the things you remember most.

Where to Eat on Catalina Island

For breakfast, Original Jack’s Country Kitchen is a longtime Avalon favorite for a classic sit-down meal, while Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. is perfect for coffee, pastries and a quick breakfast before heading out for the day.

For lunch, Bluewater Avalon is a great choice for seafood and waterfront views. If you are spending time at Descanso Beach, Descanso Beach Club is the place to relax over lunch and cocktails right by the water.

For dinner, Steve’s Steakhouse & Seafood offers steaks, seafood and beautiful harbor views, while Avalon Grille is a polished but relaxed option for California-inspired food and cocktails along the waterfront.

And while you are on Catalina, try the island’s famous Buffalo Milk, a creamy frozen cocktail with banana and coffee flavors. You can order one at several places around Avalon, including Descanso Beach Club, Avalon Grille and Luau Larry’s. If you make it to Two Harbors, stop at Harbor Reef, where the original Buffalo Milk was created.

Where to Stay on Catalina Island

Catalina is easy to visit for the day, but staying overnight gives you time to enjoy Avalon after the ferries leave and the waterfront becomes much quieter. Accommodations range from simple hotels in town to luxury hillside retreats overlooking the harbor.

For a more affordable stay, Catalina Island Inn is centrally located in Avalon and puts you within walking distance of the beach, restaurants and shops. Hotel Atwater is another great option just a block from the waterfront, with comfortable rooms and an easy location for first-time visitors who want to explore Avalon on foot.

For a little more comfort and atmosphere, Pavilion Hotel is just steps from the beach and has a relaxed courtyard setting in the heart of Avalon. Bellanca Hotel is another stylish waterfront option with harbor views and easy access to restaurants, shopping and the ferry terminal.

For a special Catalina getaway, Mt Ada, the former island home of William and Ada Wrigley, sits high above Avalon with beautiful harbor views and a more intimate, luxurious experience. Hamilton Cove is another splurge-worthy choice, offering privately owned condo-style accommodations overlooking the ocean in a gated resort community outside downtown Avalon.

Room rates on Catalina can change dramatically depending on the season, day of the week and special events, so it is worth comparing prices and booking early—especially for summer weekends.

Tips for Planning a Catalina Island Trip

Reserve ferry or helicopter transportation before making other nonrefundable plans. Book popular activities, golf carts and dinner reservations ahead of time during summer and holiday weekends.

Wear comfortable walking shoes because even though Avalon is compact, you will spend much of the day on foot. Pack a swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for the ferry ride and cooler evenings.

If you are hiking, download your trail map before leaving Avalon, obtain any required permit, and carry more water than you think you will need. Cell service can be limited once you travel into the island’s interior.

Most importantly, leave some open time in your itinerary. Catalina is not a place that needs to be experienced at full speed. Some of the best moments come from wandering along the waterfront, watching boats enter the harbor and enjoying an ice cream cone with nowhere else you need to be.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Catalina Island

Catalina Island is one of those special places that can feel adventurous and relaxing at the same time. You can begin the morning hiking through the hills, spend the afternoon snorkeling in clear water and end the day eating seafood beside a harbor filled with sailboats.

Add a scenic ferry ride, a golf-cart tour, a glimpse of the island’s bison, a visit to the historic Casino and a bag of freshly made saltwater taffy, and you have everything you need for a classic Southern California getaway.

Whether you visit for the day or stay for an entire weekend, Catalina offers the feeling of traveling far away without actually going very far at all.

Have you visited Catalina Island? Share your favorite activity, restaurant or island memory in the comments. Save this guide for your next Southern California trip and send it to someone who would love a relaxing island escape.

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