10 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. Catalina Food Tours Skip the guesswork and let a local guide lead you through the island's best bites. Catalina Food Tours weaves together great food, island history, and hidden gems you'd never find on your own.

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. 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, DJ and karaoke nights at El Galleon on Wednesdays and Thursdays, live music at Luau Larry's, Flx Biergarten, and Metropole Marketplace. On Catalina, the nightlife finds you.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

📅 Summer Events at a Glance

Summer programming runs June 15–August 21, 2026. Most events are free.

🆓 Free & Fun

Some of the best experiences on Catalina won't cost you a thing. Weekly Beach Bingo, the Kids Fishing Derby, Funky Friday Dance Parties, Movies on the Beach, and free summer concerts on Wrigley Stage are all included with just showing up.

👨‍👩‍👧 Best for Families

Catalina is incredibly kid-friendly in summer. Top picks: the Kids Fishing Derby on Wednesday mornings, Movies on the Beach on Wednesday nights, ocean wildlife tours, snorkeling, and Art in the Park on Saturdays. The Funky Friday Dance Party — complete with a bubble machine and mermaid appearances — is a guaranteed hit with little ones.

⏰ Plan Ahead

A few of this summer's best experiences are seasonal and tend to fill up fast. We recommend booking these in advance:

• Catalina Falconry — limited availability, seasonal
• The Cyclone to Two Harbors — seasonal schedule, check departure times
• Immersed Ocean Wonders — reserve your time slot ahead of arrival
• Beach Dining at Steve's Steakhouse & Maggie's Blue Rose — select days only, reservations recommended

📍 Book Before You Go

Don't leave your summer to chance. Here's your quick-reference booking list:

• Catalina Food Tours
• Parasailing
• Ocean Wildlife Tour
• Flying Fish Tour
• Snorkel & Scuba operators
• Catalina Falconry
• The Cyclone to Two Harbors
• Immersed Ocean Wonders
• Beach dining reservations (Steve's Steakhouse, Maggie's Blue Rose)