12 Things to Do on Catalina Island this Summer

Just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island feels like a world apart. No traffic, no crowds, just sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear water, and the kind of slower pace that reminds you what vacation is supposed to feel like. Here's what to put on your list this summer.

1. Rent a Boat from Joe's

Skip the tour and captain your own. Joe's Rent a Boat on the Green Pleasure Pier puts you behind the wheel of your own skiff, no license required, so you can explore Avalon's harbor and coastline at your own pace. Grab a rod and some bait while you're there and try your luck fishing, or just cruise along the coast in search of a private cove. It's Catalina exploration on your own terms.

2. Dine with a View

From fresh off the boat seafood at Bluewater Avalon to a candlelit steak dinner at Steve's Steakhouse, eating on Catalina is an experience in itself, especially when your table comes with a harbor view. In summer, Steve's Steakhouse and Maggie's Blue Rose offer beach dining on select days, where you can eat with your toes practically in the sand. Beach dining tables are first come, first served, so plan to arrive early. It doesn't get more Catalina than that.

3. Live Music & Nightlife

Summer nights on Catalina have an energy all their own. Free concerts on Wrigley Stage turn the town square into an open air dance party, no seats, no cover, just good music and strangers becoming friends. During the day, Descanso Beach Club hosts weekend beach parties with a full bar and ocean views that make it easy to lose track of time. As the sun goes down, the fun keeps going with DJ and karaoke nights at El Galleon on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and live music at Luau Larry's, Flx Biergarten, and Metropole Marketplace. On Catalina, the nightlife finds you.

4. Horseback Riding

Saddle up and see Avalon from a whole new angle. Catalina Island Horseback Adventures leads guided rides along scenic trails in the hills above town, with sweeping views of the harbor, the Pacific, and the island's rugged interior. This family owned outfit brought horses back to Avalon after years away, and rides run from a quick 45 minute trail ride to a longer 2 hour group excursion. It's an island tradition that goes back generations, and it's every bit as good as it looks in photos.

5. Zip Line Eco Tour

For a shot of adrenaline with a side of ocean views, head to the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour. Five consecutive zips carry you across Descanso Canyon from 600 feet above sea level, reaching speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Guides share the story of the island's ecosystem along the way, so you'll come away with more than just a good adrenaline rush.

6. Parasailing

Get a bird's eye view of Catalina Island by going parasailing. Feel the thrill as you glide above the crystal clear waters, taking in breathtaking views of the island and its coastline. This exhilarating activity is perfect for adventure seekers looking for a unique way to experience Catalina's natural beauty.

7. Ocean Wildlife Tour

Dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds against a backdrop of dramatic sea cliffs. These boat tours are a reminder that Catalina's magic isn't just on land.

8. Flying Fish Tour

This one's unlike anything else. After dark, spotlights hit the water and flying fish leap into the air around your boat. It's strange, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.

9. Snorkel or Scuba Dive

The water around Catalina is remarkably clear, and what's underneath is worth seeing: garibaldi fish, kelp forests, and marine life that makes you feel like you've stumbled into an aquarium. Operators are available for every skill level.

10. Ride the Cyclone to Two Harbors

For a different side of the island, hop aboard the Cyclone, a seasonal boat that whisks you from Avalon to the remote, rugged village of Two Harbors. It's a world away from the bustle of Avalon: think hiking, kayaking, and a cold drink at the only bar in town. A perfect day trip for the adventurous.

11. Catalina Falconry

One of the most unexpected and unforgettable experiences on the island. Work one on one with a trained falcon in the island's hills, learning the ancient art of falconry with the Pacific as your backdrop. It's seasonal, it's rare, and it's the kind of thing you'll be telling people about long after you've left.

12. Catch a Movie or Something Even Better

Weekend films at the historic Art Deco Casino Theatre are a classic Catalina experience. Wednesday nights bring free movies on the beach all summer long. And if you want something truly different, Immersed Ocean Wonders offers a 360 degree virtual ocean dive that feels like stepping into another world.