Catalina Island’s Top 10 Things to Do and Adventure Ideas

Only 22 miles from the Southern California shoreline, Catalina Island brings together water sports, backcountry exploring, history, culture, and laid-back island fun in one dramatic setting. The page highlights Catalina Island adventures such as renting a golf cart, heading into the island’s interior, and visiting the Catalina Island Museum, then outlines 10 experiences visitors should consider.

1. Kayak or paddleboard through clear coastal water

Paddling around Catalina Island means moving across calm turquoise water, past kelp beds, rocky inlets, and some of the clearest coastal scenery in California. Kayaks and paddleboards let visitors travel close to the shoreline while watching for dolphins, sea lions, and bright orange garibaldi fish. It remains one of the island’s favorite activities because the setting is so easy to enjoy from the water.

2. Ride the Zip Line Eco Tour at Descanso Beach

At Descanso Beach Club, the Zip Line Eco Tour gives visitors a fast, high-up look at Catalina’s coastline and canyon terrain. Multiple lines carry guests over the landscape with sweeping views below, making it a standout outdoor option for families and anyone looking for a thrill.

3. Go scuba diving or snorkeling along Catalina’s shoreline

Catalina Island is widely regarded as one of the best scuba diving destinations in California. Beneath the surface, divers and snorkelers find tall kelp forests, orange garibaldi, leopard sharks, and visibility that regularly exceeds 30 feet. Around Avalon and the island’s sheltered coves, both certified divers and beginning snorkelers can experience world-class marine life viewing.

4. Discover the island interior by hiking, biking, or eco tour

More than 88% of Catalina Island is protected wilderness. Beyond Avalon, visitors can hike, mountain bike, or join a guided eco tour through canyons, ridgelines, and open vistas that reach toward the mainland on clear days. Along the route, keep watch for Catalina’s well-known bison, bald eagles, and endemic Catalina fox. For longer adventures, island outfitters can help arrange guides, gear, and multi-day camping excursions.

5. Take a tour of the world-famous Catalina Casino

The Catalina Island Casino is among Southern California’s signature landmarks, though it is not a gambling venue. William Wrigley Jr. built the Art Deco landmark in 1929. Inside are the world’s largest circular ballroom and a 1,200-seat theatre that showed some of Hollywood’s earliest talkie films. Guided experiences cover the building’s architecture, history, and views over Avalon Bay from the veranda.

6. Rent a golf cart and see Avalon

A golf cart is one of the easiest ways to move through Avalon’s scenic streets. Visitors can climb hillside roads, pause at overlooks for photos, and reach neighborhoods that are easy to miss on foot. The route is simple, fun, and well suited for families, couples, and groups who want a broader view of town and the island.

7. Parasail above Avalon Bay

Parasailing gives visitors a high, wide-angle view of Catalina Island. From hundreds of feet over the Pacific, the harbor, the Casino, and the rugged shoreline stretch out in both directions. It is an elevated adventure designed to leave a lasting memory after returning to the mainland.

8. Spend time in Two Harbors and the West End

Two Harbors, Catalina’s remote village on the West End, has a quiet feel that is distinct from Avalon. Visitors can reach it by boat from Avalon or directly on Catalina Express from San Pedro. At the island’s narrowest point, Two Harbors offers hiking, mountain biking, camping, kayaking, boating, and world-class diving with lighter crowds. Guests can camp under the stars or unwind beside the beach in a palapa with a cold drink.

9. Experience the Flying Fish Tour

The Flying Fish Tour is one of Catalina’s most distinctive traditions and has been entertaining visitors for over a century. During summer months, guests head out at night by glass-bottom boat while spotlights draw California flying fish to the surface, where they leap and glide above the water. The experience blends wildlife, island lore, and family-friendly wonder.

10. Play Catalina Island Mini Golf Gardens

Catalina Island Mini Golf Gardens is a classic Avalon stop with a course that is both inviting and genuinely challenging. Set into the hillside with views toward town and the harbor, it offers an easygoing activity for families between bigger excursions, or for anyone who wants a relaxed hour outdoors in the island sun.

Catalina Island offers options for every style of traveler, from day-trippers to weekend visitors. The island’s things to do span water adventures, scenic tours, wildlife viewing, history, and low-key family activities.

More Catalina Island adventure highlights

Get out on the water

Catalina Island’s clear waters are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and motorboat rentals. Visitors can head out across the water while watching for dolphins and other wildlife.

Rent a golf cart

Golf carts make it easy to enjoy Catalina’s scenic views and pullouts for photography while exploring Avalon.

Enjoy the island’s broad interior

The backcountry reveals a different side of Catalina Island, with hiking, biking, and guided eco-friendly tours through less-traveled areas. Visitors interested in camping and adventure can work with island outfitters for help securing gear and guides.

See that fish really do fly

Catalina Island is home to the flying fish tour. Evening tours during summer months let visitors watch flying fish in action around the island.

Try the Zip Line Eco Tour

The Zip Line Eco Tour at the Descanso Beach Club is one of Catalina’s favorite outdoor adventures.

Visit the West End

Two Harbors on Catalina’s West End can be reached from Avalon aboard the Cyclone boat or from San Pedro on Catalina Express. The area offers hiking, biking, camping, boating, and relaxed beachside palapa time.

Get some air

A scenic parasail tour shows Catalina Island from high above the coastline and water.

Tour the Catalina Casino

Tours of the world-famous Catalina Casino include the 1,200 person theatre associated with the first talkie films, the world’s largest circular ballroom, and broad views of Avalon Bay from the veranda.

Scuba dive along the coast

Catalina Island’s beautiful, crystal-clear water features some of the finest and liveliest kelp forests in the world.

Play a round of mini golf

Catalina Mini Golf Gardens have long been a favorite Avalon activity. The course is thoughtfully designed, fun, challenging, and suited to players of all ages.