Need a quick island escape with ocean views and adventure? Head to Catalina Island! Just off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island offers crystal-clear waters, charming harbors, and laid-back vibes. Whether you're ziplining, snorkeling, or strolling through Avalon, this island gem feels a world away.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Catalina Island is in the spring and fall (April–June and September–October), when the weather is mild and the island is less crowded. Summer is great for water activities, while winter offers peaceful, off-season charm.
How to Get There
- By Ferry: Catalina Express runs daily ferries from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point to Avalon and Two Harbors (1–1.5 hours).
- By Helicopter: IEX Helicopters offers 15-minute flights from Long Beach or San Pedro to Avalon for a quicker, scenic arrival.
- By Private Boat: Boaters can dock at Avalon Harbor or moor off Two Harbors with advanced reservations.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Atwater – Stylish and historic hotel steps from Avalon’s waterfront and shops.
- Mt Ada – Luxurious former Wrigley mansion with ocean-view terraces and gourmet dining.
- Banning House Lodge (Two Harbors) – Rustic hilltop inn offering peaceful views and easy access to outdoor adventure.
Top Attractions
1. Descanso Beach Club
Descanso Beach Club is a secluded beach and cove located behind the Catalina Island Casino, which offers an array of activities and entertainment for the whole family. The private beach is lined with loungers, restaurants, and bars and is the perfect spot for enjoying the beach scene during the day and the vibrant nightlife when the sun goes down.
Descanco Beach Club Restaurant is Catalina's only seaside restaurant and serves excellent food and beverages throughout the day, with an exclusive beach delivery service. The club offers an array of water sports and outdoor activities to enjoy from snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving, to climbing on the Catalina Climbing Wall and zip lining. High-end facilities for discerning guests include private cabanas, chaise lounges and beach massages by personalized staff.
1 Descanso Avenue, Avalon, CA 90704, 310-510-7410
2. Starlight Beach, Catalina Island
Located on the west end of Catalina Island, Starlight Beach is a beautiful north-facing beach cove surrounded by rocky cliffs. The rocky beach can be accessed by a trail at the back of the cove and is a “day-use only” beach with no overnight camping allowed.
Campers can find a good campground at the nearby Parsons Landing. The beach offers no facilities and dogs are permitted on a leash. Starlight Beach marks the endpoint of the Trans-Catalina Trail backpacking route and is a popular spot with backpackers celebrating the end of their multi-day trek across the island.
3. Catalina Island Casino
Catalina Island Casino has been the island’s icon for nearly three generations. Opened in 1929 and dominating the Avalon landscape from its perch high above the harbor, Catalina Casino has been beautifully restored to its former glory and stands today as a stunning reminder of Catalina’s glorious past. Exemplifying the style and romance of Catalina Island, the casino has played host to a wealth of world-renowned entertainers, world-class theater productions, and first-run motion pictures and still features first-run movies every night in the original movie theater.
Never intended for or to be used as a casino, the building was built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. for dancing, attracting the likes of ‘big band’ musicians like Benny Goodman – the King of Swin, who played here for 2,000 capacity dancers. Visitors can explore the rich history of the casino on a Walking or Behind-the-Scenes Casino Tour, which are offered on a daily basis and enjoy one of the many events that are held throughout the year, including the annual New Year’s Eve Celebration and the Catalina Island Jazz Festival.
1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704, 310-510-0179
4. Avalon Theater
Located in the lower level of the Catalina Casino in Avalon, Avalon Theater is a classic movie palace that has been featuring first-run movies since 1929. Nestled beneath the Casino Ballroom, the theater seats 1,184 people, is exquisitely decorated in an ‘atmospheric’ style with ancient Roman-inspired tiled mural panels and other Art Deco murals painted by renowned artist John Gabriel Beckman.
Boasting outstanding acoustics, the theater is equipped with a Page Organ Co rank theater organ, which is still regularly used for weekend film performances. Avalon Theater presents film showings every evening of the week and special performances and screenings on the weekends.
1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704, 310-510-0179
5. Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden
The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden honors the memory of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., who lived from 1861 to 1932. Operated by the Catalina Island Conservancy, the gardens and memorial are located in the Avalon Canyon and are the gateway to one of the island’s most popular hikes, the Garden to Sky Trail.
The gardens are spread over 38 acres of rolling landscapes and focus on endemic plants species from the Channel Islands off California, many of which are on the Endangered Species List. The Wrigley Memorial is the centerpiece of the Botanic Garden, a 130-foot tower that was built in 1934 using local materials. The memorial honors the man, who founded the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, the largest manufacturer of chewing gum in the world and who had played an instrumental role in the history of Santa Catalina Island.
1402 Avalon Cyn Rd, Avalon, CA 90704, 310-510-2897
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
6. Trans-Catalina Trail
Trans-Catalina Trail is a 37.2-mile trail which traverses Santa Catalina Island from Avalon on the eastern tip of Starlight Beach at the western end. On reaching the end of the hike, hikers need to make their way back to Two Harbors to catch a boat back to the mainland, which adds another nine miles, making the total mileage a bit over 46 miles.
Ideal for a long weekend backpack getaway, the Two Harbors area offers day hikes ranging from easy to difficult, catering for both the casual hiker and serious trekker and hiking permits can be purchased at the Two Harbors Visitor’s Services Office. The trail features five campgrounds maintained by the Santa Catalina Island Company along the route, several with boat-in campsites, including Two Harbors, Parsons Landing, and Little Harbor.
7. Catalina Island Museum
Founded in 1953, Catalina Island Museum was established to collect, preserve and interpret the rich history and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina. Situated in Avalon's historic Casino Building, Catalina Island Museum showcases thousands of years of history through a wealth of engaging and visually exciting exhibits and displays.
The Museum also hosts a variety of lectures, workshops, or special events for visitors to learn, understand and gain a personal perspective of the unique history of the special island. A small gift shop sells a range of souvenirs and memorabilia for visitors to take a piece of Catalina home with them.
217 Metropole Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, 310-510-2414
8. Two Harbors
Named after the two harbors in the town, Isthmus Cove, and Catalina Harbor, Two Harbors is a rustic seaside village situated on the isthmus of Catalina Island. Located 20 miles from Avalon, the harbors are separated by a half-mile-wide strip of land and Two Harbors can be accessed from the mainland via high-speed ferry from San Pedro.
Two Harbors offers a wealth of comfortable accommodations, ranging from bed and breakfasts, cottages and campgrounds, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafés, and pubs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the beautiful waters around the island, as well as hiking, mountain biking, camping, and pleasure boating. Other services in the town include a modern Visitors Service Center and special event services, which are run throughout the year.
9. Catalina Food Tours
Catalina Food Tours offers exciting walking food tours to some of Catalina’s best restaurants, cafés, and eateries. The walking tours explore some of Avalon’s best culinary spots and include unique tastings, bites, and crafted brews. Encounter the sights, sounds and stories behind the island’s well-known historical landmarks, visit a variety of restaurants around the Bay, meet the chefs behind the culinary masterpieces and taste some of the delectable fare that is served. Follow informed, spirited guides around Avalon, who will share their knowledge of each location, which features critically acclaimed entrees, desserts, and beverages for you to enjoy. Private tours for groups or special occasions can be arranged, and it is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Catalina Casino – Iconic art deco building with a theater, museum, and sweeping harbor views.
- Zip Line Eco Tour – Soar over canyons and treetops on this thrilling island zipline course.
- Catalina Island Conservancy Trails – Hike scenic routes with panoramic views and wildlife spotting.
- Glass Bottom Boat Tours – See colorful fish and kelp forests without getting wet in these family-friendly tours.
Where to Eat
- Bluewater Grill – Harborfront dining with fresh seafood, local wine, and Catalina views.
- Luau Larry’s – Tropical drinks, casual island fare, and fun beach bar energy.
- The Lobster Trap – A local favorite for laid-back seafood dinners and daily specials.
If you are interested in local events:
- Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival (October) – Smooth jazz concerts in the Casino Ballroom with ocean views.
- Catalina Film Festival (September) – Independent films, celebrity panels, and screenings on the island.
- 4th of July Celebration – Parade, fireworks, and patriotic spirit in the heart of Avalon.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes on Catalina Island:
- Two Harbors (30 min from Avalon via ferry or boat) – A remote village with kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.
- Airport in the Sky (30 min by shuttle) – Visit the island’s mountaintop airport, gift shop, and grab a “killer cookie.”
- Inland Jeep Eco Tour (2–3 hours round-trip) – Explore Catalina’s rugged interior, wildlife, and historic ranches.
- Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden (10 min from Avalon) – Beautiful stone memorial and desert plant collections.
- Lover’s Cove (5 min walk from Avalon) – A prime snorkeling site with vibrant fish and clear waters.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Q: Where is Catalina Island located?
- A: Catalina Island is located southwest of Los Angeles, California, making it a beautiful destination for visitors.
- Q: What activities can visitors enjoy on Catalina Island?
- A: Catalina Island is home to sandy beaches, scenic trails, great scuba diving, golf, and other activities.
- Q: What are some must-visit attractions on Catalina Island?
- A: Visitors can explore the scenic town of Two Harbors, visit the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, stop by the Nature Center at Avalon Canyon, and learn about the history of the area at the Catalina Island Museum.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds, great for hiking and water activities.
Pavilion Hotel – A charming stay near Avalon’s waterfront.
Explore the Trans-Catalina Trail – Hike through stunning island landscapes.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively, perfect for snorkeling, diving, and boat tours.
Hotel Atwater – A modern and stylish hotel in Avalon.
Snorkel at Lover’s Cove – One of the best snorkeling spots in California.
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather and fewer tourists, ideal for relaxing getaways.
The Avalon Hotel – A cozy boutique hotel with ocean views.
Visit the Catalina Island Museum – Learn about the island’s rich history and culture.
Winter (December-February) – Cooler and quieter, great for holiday charm and peaceful retreats.
Mt Ada – A luxury B&B offering incredible panoramic views.
Take a scenic boat tour – Spot marine wildlife and enjoy the island’s coastal beauty.
Plan Your Trip