Catalina Island packs beaches, ocean adventures, historic landmarks, and rugged wilderness into one Southern California getaway. Whether you want to explore Avalon or spend the day outdoors, there are things to do on Catalina Island for nearly every travel style.
Here are some of the best experiences to add to your itinerary.
Explore the Town of Avalon
Avalon is the island’s main hub and a great place to begin your visit. Walk along Crescent Avenue, browse local shops, stop for a waterfront meal, or simply enjoy views of the harbor.
Many popular Catalina Island activities are also easy to reach from town, making Avalon a convenient home base. Choosing vacation rentals in Avalon puts restaurants, beaches, tours, and attractions close at hand.
Visit the Catalina Casino
The Catalina Casino is one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks. Despite its name, it was built for entertainment rather than gambling.
Opened in 1929, the Art Deco building includes the historic Avalon Theatre and the famous circular ballroom. General admission lets you explore at your own pace, while the VIP Backstage Tour provides access to additional spaces and stories from the building’s past.
Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
Clear water, kelp forests, and diverse marine life make Catalina Island snorkeling and scuba diving standout experiences.
Casino Point Dive Park is especially popular because it is accessible from Avalon and lies within a protected marine area. Divers and snorkelers may encounter garibaldi, sea lions, kelp forests, and many other marine species.
Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
You do not have to get wet to see Catalina’s underwater world. Glass-bottom boat tours travel through Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve, giving passengers a window into the marine environment below.
These cruises are an easy option for families and travelers who prefer sightseeing from the comfort of a boat. Reservations are recommended.
Discover Catalina’s Interior
Avalon is only one part of Catalina. The island’s interior offers mountains, canyons, native wildlife, and wide-open views far removed from the waterfront.
The Catalina Island Conservancy protects more than 42,000 acres of open space. Visitors can explore this landscape with Catalina Island hiking, biking, and eco tours. Permits are required for certain activities, including hiking in the interior.
Hike the Trans-Catalina Trail
For a bigger adventure, consider hiking on Catalina Island along the Trans-Catalina Trail. The 38.5-mile route crosses mountains and remote sections of the island between Avalon and Two Harbors.
Most hikers should plan several days for the journey. Campsite reservations and a free hiking permit are required, and hikers should prepare for steep elevation changes, limited shade, and stretches with few water sources.
Relax at Descanso Beach
When you are ready to slow down, head to Descanso Beach Club. Located beyond the Catalina Casino, the beachfront destination offers food, drinks, cabanas, and chaise lounges.
Cabanas and loungers can fill quickly during summer, so advance reservations are a smart choice during busy travel periods.
Final Thoughts
From exploring historic Avalon to hiking across the island, Catalina makes it easy to build a vacation around both adventure and relaxation. Decide what matters most to your group, then choose where to stay on Catalina Island based on the experiences you want nearby.
A multi-day trip gives you more time to enjoy the island without rushing from activity to activity.
Book Your Catalina Island Vacation Rental with Catalina Island Vacation Rentals
At Catalina Island Vacation Rentals, we make finding the right home base simple. Our collection of Catalina Island rentals includes hundreds of properties, from Catalina condos and Avalon homes and cottages to beautiful Hamilton Cove villas.
Whether you are planning a romantic escape, family vacation, or trip with friends, our friendly, knowledgeable team can help you find the right property for your stay. Book with Catalina Island Vacation Rentals and enjoy the space and convenience of having your own island home.