Catalina Island Activities and Things to Do

Catalina Island things to do span submarine tours, Hummer tours, golf cart tours, zipline adventures, shopping, mini golf, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, and more.

Adventure-minded visitors can raise the excitement level with the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour, diving, horseback riding, or an island boat tour. Guests looking for a gentler rhythm can spend time on our beaches or unwind at an island spa. More Catalina Island options include golf cart rentals, golfing, hiking, biking, art & museums, and ocean activities such as fishing, scuba diving through remarkable kelp forests, jet ski rentals, parasailing for a bird’s-eye view, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors can also explore the impressive interior by open-air Hummer or jeep tour. Food lovers can taste their way through local restaurants while learning island history on a Catalina Food Tour.

Families visiting Catalina Island have plenty of adventures to choose from, whether the trip is for the day or overnight. Children can enjoy the island’s beaches, stop at an ice cream or candy shop, paddle a kayak, or take a glass-bottom boat tour. The Kidalina page focuses on family-friendly activities and itinerary ideas.

Catalina Island activity options

Beaches

South Beach, Middle Beach and Step Beach are public beaches located along Crescent Avenue, close to hotels, shops, restaurants, restrooms, and more.

Bikes & Golf Carts

After reaching Avalon, visitors quickly find a downtown that is easy to explore on foot. Many guests also enjoy discovering the hills around Avalon by bike or golf cart.

Bison Tours

In the 1920's, 14 bison arrived on Catalina Island for the filming of a feature film. They stayed on the island and became an important part of Catalina Island.

Boat Tours

Catalina Island offers a wide range of boating tours & charters, including glass-bottom boats, semi-submersible submarines, and other on-the-water experiences.

Camping

Camping is one of the best ways to experience Catalina Island’s natural outdoor setting. The island offers family camps, five campgrounds, and additional camping opportunities.

Catalina Island Casino

The Catalina Island Casino remains Catalina Island’s most recognizable landmark.

Diving & Scuba

Catalina Island offers diving experiences ranging from easy to advanced, with many dive locations found around the island.

Entertainment

Catalina Island has abundant entertainment choices. Visitors can see a first run movie at the Catalina Casino Theatre, try an escape experience, and explore other island activities.

Events

Catalina Island hosts many exciting events throughout the year. Travelers can plan a getaway around annual Catalina Island events, including world-famous happenings and more.

Fishing

Fishing around Catalina Island can mean epic battles with massive game fish or catching a calico bass with a drop line from the pier. Rental options are available.

Golf

Catalina Island provides a couple of choices for visitors interested in golf. Catalina Island Mini Golf Gardens sits one block from Avalon’s front area.

Helicopter Tour

A helicopter tour gives visitors an aerial perspective on Catalina Island. Options include half and full day island tours, heli hiking expeditions, and private charters.

Hiking

For hikers, Catalina Island activities include access to over 70 square miles of hiking terrain. Hikers are required to pick up a hiking permit.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Catalina Island’s 52 miles of coastline are ready to be explored, and kayaking is an ideal way to take it in. Beginners can experience the ease of paddling along the coast.

Kidalina

Kidalina provides a full listing of Things to Do with Kids on Catalina Island.

Museums

Catalina Island’s history helped shape it into a world class destination resort. Visitors can learn about Catalina’s storied past through the Catalina Island museums.

Parasailing

Parasailing high above Avalon Harbor gives guests a birds’ eye view of Catalina Island. Catalina Island parasailing companies take adventurers up to 800.

Salons, Spas & Wellness

Visitors can relax and recharge on Catalina Island at a day spa. Massage, facials, and body scrubs help ease stress.

Shopping & Retail

Avalon’s palm tree-lined streets offer shopping discoveries such as artisan jewelry, Catalina-inspired artwork, souvenirs, and more.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling offers a memorable way to view undersea wildlife around Catalina Island. Both guided and self-guided tours are available.

Tours

Catalina Island is rich with history and adventure. Guided tours let visitors explore the island and learn about Catalina’s iconic buildings and stories.

Two Harbors

Two Harbors, located on Catalina Island’s West End, offers activities and adventures to explore. It is uniquely positioned between two ports.

Watercraft Rentals

Visitors can captain their own adventure by renting a boat, jetski, or watercraft and exploring the crystal clear waters surrounding Catalina Island.

Zipline

The Catalina Island zipline is described as the first zipline in Los Angeles County and the most scenic in California. The experience includes five consecutive zips high above Descanso.

Sponsored

$5 Off Submarine & Inside Land Tours

Catalina Adventure Tours offers $5 Off Submarine & Inside Land Tours. Use Code 5OFF. Tours offered multiple times daily, with Submarine tours departing from Green Pier and Inside Land Tours departing from the Mole.

Choose your IMMERSED journey!

IMMERSED Catalina invites visitors to experience its handcrafted 360° dome theater. Each immersive journey offers a different way to feel connected: to nature & yourself.