Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority

Catalina Island Activities and Adventures

Catalina Island offers submarine tours, hummer tours, golf cart tours, ziplining, shopping, mini golf, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking and more.

Things to Do on Catalina Island

Adventurous visitors can get their adrenaline going on the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour, take a horseback ride or head out on an island boat tour. Those seeking a more leisurely experience can unwind on the beaches or spend the day at an island spa.

On land, explore Avalon by golf cart or bike, play a round of golf, hike the island’s trails, or discover its art and museums. Open-air Hummer and Jeep tours provide another way to see the awe-inspiring island interior.

On the water, options include fishing, scuba diving through beautiful kelp forests, jet ski rentals, parasailing above the bay, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Food lovers can sample local restaurants while learning about the island’s history on a Catalina Food Tour.

Families visiting Catalina Island have plenty of adventures to choose from, whether they are spending a day or staying overnight. Kids can enjoy the beaches, visit an ice cream or candy shop, paddle a kayak or take a glass-bottom boat tour. The Kidalina page features adventures selected specifically for families.

Local experts can help with trip planning and itinerary creation so visitors can make the most of their time on the island.

Itineraries

With so many attractions and activities available, choosing where to begin can be challenging. These itineraries simplify the planning process.

Beaches

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

Bikes & Golf Carts

Avalon’s downtown is notably pedestrian friendly. After arriving in Avalon, visitors can explore the hills around the city 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 remained on the island and became an important part of Catalina’s identity.

Boat Tours

Catalina Island has a range of boating tours and charters, including glass-bottom boats and semi-submersible submarines.

Camping

Camping provides a natural outdoor way to experience the island. Catalina Island has family camps and five campgrounds.

Catalina Island Casino

The Catalina Island Casino is widely recognized as Catalina Island’s most recognizable landmark.

Diving & Scuba

Divers can find sites ranging from easy to advanced around Catalina Island, with many locations available for underwater exploration.

Entertainment

Catalina Island offers numerous entertainment choices, including first-run films at the Catalina Casino Theatre and escape-room experiences at one of Catalina’s venues.

Events

Catalina Island hosts many exciting events year round. Visitors can plan their getaway around annual Catalina Island events, including world-famous events.

Fishing

Fishing around Catalina Island ranges from battling massive game fish to catching calico bass with a drop line from the pier. Fishing equipment and boats are available to rent.

Golf

Golfers have a couple of options on Catalina Island. The Catalina Island Mini Golf Gardens is located one block from Avalon’s front waterfront.

Helicopter Tour

A helicopter tour offers an aerial perspective of Catalina Island. Available experiences include half and full day island tours, heli hiking expeditions and private charters.

Hiking

Catalina Island activities for hikers include more than 70 square miles of hiking terrain. Hikers are required to obtain a hiking permit from the island.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Catalina Island’s 52 miles of coastline are well suited to exploration by kayak. Beginners can enjoy the ease of paddling along the coast, while paddleboarding provides another way to experience the water.

Kidalina

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

Museums

Catalina Island’s history has helped shape it into a world class destination resort. Visitors can explore the island’s past at the Catalina Island museums.

Parasailing

Parasailing above Avalon Harbor provides a birds’ eye view of Catalina Island. Catalina Island parasailing companies take adventurers up to 800 feet above the water.

Salons, Spas & Wellness

Day spas on Catalina Island offer opportunities to relax and rejuvenate. Services include massages, facials and body scrubs.

Shopping & Retail

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

Snorkeling

Snorkeling offers an opportunity to view the undersea wildlife around Catalina Island. Visitors can choose between guided and self-guided tours.

Tours

Catalina Island combines a rich history with adventure. Guided tours let visitors explore the island and learn about the history of Catalina’s most iconic building.

Two Harbors

Two Harbors, located on Catalina Island’s West End, offers a variety of activities and adventures. The community is uniquely nestled between two ports.

Watercraft Rentals

Visitors can rent a boat, jetski or other watercraft and explore the crystal clear waters around Catalina Island.

Zipline

Catalina Island’s zipline was the first zipline in Los Angeles County and is also the most scenic in California. Five consecutive zips carry riders high above Descanso.

Explore Catalina Island

Featured Offers

$10 Off Catalina Island Ferry

The Catalina Flyer provides daily ferry service from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island in just over 1 hour. The offer includes $10 Off Catalina Island Ferry.

Bellanca Hotel Weekday Getaway

From $325, this package includes one night at Bellanca Hotel plus 2 round trip Catalina Express tickets. It offers a way to swap winter gray for island blue.

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