On Catalina Island, Spring Break is a family-friendly affair, with young children frolicking in the shoreline, parents relaxing on the sand and teens taking on some of Catalina’s more adrenaline-fueled adventures. It’s also long been a favorite haunt of college adventurers looking for a low-key spring break getaway filled with sun, fun and memory-making escapades.
Take a look at our favorite ways to enjoy Spring Break on Catalina Island and start planning your own getaway.
Get Out of Town
An overwhelming percentage of visitors to Catalina Island never explore beyond the confines of Avalon. While this seaside resort has plenty of charms, take time to see the rest of Catalina with a visit to the interior -- an undeveloped wilderness of sweeping vistas, rugged terrain and fascinating wildlife. During spring break on Catalina Island, you can book a guided expedition to the interior, spend a few days hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail or give back on a volunteer vacation with the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Get Out on the Water
As the temperatures above and below the surface heat up, the crystal-clear waters around the island become irresistible. Catalina Island is renowned for its marine environment and scuba and snorkel are ideal ways to explore the underwater world. Amber kelp forests, friendly fish and curious sea lions beckon and unique destinations promise adventure. Check out Lovers Cove or the Casino Dive Park in Avalon or a book a guided experience via boat to explore farther afield. Or, stay above the water and kayak or paddle board around Catalina Island's crystal-clear and secluded coves.
Bring the Kids
With its wealth of activities and easy accessibility, Catalina Island is a perfect destination for a family vacation. Take advantage of school-free time, book a Catalina Island family package and find out why we’ve earned the nickname Kidalina Island.
Get in Shape
Catalina hiking, biking and jogging as well as kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming are great ways to experience the island and get in shape at the same time. Or challenge yourself on a aerial adventure course or rock climbing wall. Spring break 2024 is the perfect time to treat your body to a get-in-shape getaway.
Make it a Family Affair
Multi-generational vacations let you reconnect while you get away. Invite your parents along on your Catalina Island Spring Break – after all, Grandma and Grandpa are usually up for an evening of babysitting while you and your spouse sneak off for a romantic dinner at one of Catalina Island’s waterfront restaurants.
Watering Holes
Avalon has a generous assortment of drinking establishments and watering holes, ranging from Luau Larry’s, a classic tiki bar, to Flx Biergarten, an open air biergarten, to the M Restaurant & Events, an upscale wine and cocktail experience. You can also put your feet in the sand and a cocktail in your hand at the Descanso Beach Club or enjoy classic arcade fun -- or your kids can -- while the adults sip a beer or two at Three Palms Arcade.
Exploring all of the bars on Catalina takes several days and several visits. Keep in mind that, like the rest of California, Catalina’s drinking age is 21, driving under the influence is still a crime in a golf cart and open containers of alcohol are strictly prohibited.
Make Memories
No matter what you choose to do on your Catalina Island spring break, it will be an experience that lives on, creating memories and forging bonds that endure. Remember to stop by one of our local shops to pick up a memento of your trip; t-shirts, Catalina pottery & tile, treasures from local artisans and more.
