Updates, events, activities, and sights from Catalina Island

Evening adventures after dark on Catalina Island

Love Catalina Island — Aug. 04, 2026

Once the sun slips behind the hills and day visitors leave on the final boat, Avalon takes on a new mood. Lights come on along Crescent Avenue, the harbor begins to sparkle, and another side of the island comes alive for the night. This guide outlines ways to enjoy Catalina Island after sunset.

Books, Catalina Island reading, and places to shop

Love Catalina Island — Jul. 27, 2026

Whether your idea of a perfect book is a summer beach read, a moody thriller, or absorbing historical fiction, Catalina Island offers an easy place to settle in with a good story. Visitors can read with sand between their toes, a drink nearby, or both.

5 lesser-known Catalina Island tours worth discovering

Love Catalina Island — Jul. 08, 2026

Many Catalina Island visitors arrive with familiar favorites in mind: snorkeling, the Casino, and perhaps a glass-bottom boat experience. Those are all worthwhile, but travelers who have already tried the classics, or who want a fresh view of the island, can find several under-the-radar tours around Catalina.

12 summer experiences on Catalina Island

Love Catalina Island — Jul. 01, 2026

Only 22 miles from the Southern California coast, Catalina Island can feel far removed from everyday life. With beaches full of sunshine, clear water, no traffic, no crowds, and a slower rhythm, it brings back the feeling a vacation is meant to have. The summer list begins with 1. Rent…

Read the story, then visit the place: Catalina Island as a destination setting

Jun. 11, 2026

A travel trend is gaining momentum throughout California, and it is easy to understand why. Known as set-jetting, it means visiting locations that first sparked your interest through a book or something on screen. When a story makes a destination feel vivid and reachable, travelers want to experience it themselves, and Catalina Island inspires that kind of trip.

Five reasons to plan a Memorial Weekend escape

Love Catalina Island — May 19, 2026

Avoid the freeway backups. A SoCal staycation can be reached in just one hour. Each Memorial Day weekend, millions of Southern Californians head toward Vegas, the mountains, or beach towns and often spend too much of the holiday sitting in traffic. Catalina offers a different option.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Catalina Island

Apr. 24, 2026

Cinco de Mayo honors the Battle of Puebla, a symbol of Mexican resilience. Although it is a relatively small holiday in Mexico, it has grown in California into a lively celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. Few California destinations reflect that Mexican and Spanish influence quite like Catalina.

May events to add to your calendar

Love Catalina Island — Apr. 16, 2026

May is an especially lively time to come to Catalina Island. Temperatures are rising, summer crowds have not yet reached their peak, and the event calendar is full. This guide highlights the events to note before traveling to the island.

Spring events, tours, and adventures on Catalina Island

Love Catalina Island — Apr. 02, 2026

Spring has arrived on Catalina Island. The hills and mountains are green, wildflowers are blooming, and the season is ideal for a getaway, a hike, and a look at the island’s spring beauty. The feature also introduces tours, adventures, and the newest adventure experiences.

Getting to Catalina Island

Love Catalina Island — Apr. 01, 2026

Reaching a place that feels like another world does not require a passport, a long travel schedule, or costly airfare. Located just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island offers Mediterranean-style beauty, ocean air, and European charm without boarding a plane.