Itineraries

There’s so much to see and do on Catalina Island that it takes more than a day to do it all!

Most people only think of Avalon when they think of Catalina – but there’s a whole 76-square mile island to discover and plenty of activities to keep you busy as you explore.  Here are some ideas . . .

Avalon – Day 1

  • Take a scenic city tour to get the lay of the land
  • Discover Catalina’s abundant marine life in a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible tour
  • Stroll along Avalon’s palm-lined streets and shop for unique island gifts & souvenirs
  • Play a round of miniature golf
  • Follow your taste buds with a Food Tour or Happy Hour Tour
  • Be pampered with a luxurious massage
  • Rent a boat, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or pedal boat
  • Wet a line and get hooked on fishing
  • Take a smartphone tour
  • Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many seaside restaurants
  • Hit the arcade games or try mini bowling
  • Rent a golf cart and tour Avalon on your own
  • Search for dolphin, sea lions and harbor seals on an ocean tour
  • Go snorkeling at Lover’s Cove
  • Go parasailing
  • Pedal around Avalon on a bicycle or rent an electric bike
  • Experience open ocean riding on a jet ski (seasonal)
  • Take in a historical walking tour and learn about Catalina’s tile or architecture or even ghosts or UFOs!
  • Discover the history of Catalina at the Catalina Island Museum
  • Set sail and explore the Island coastline
     

Casino And Descanso Beach – Day 2

  • Tour the iconic Casino Ballroom and the Avalon Theatre
  • Check out the Avalon Diving History Exhibit on the ground floor of the Casino building
  • Dive in at the Casino Dive Park
  • Try snorkeling or scuba
  • Climb to the top of the Rock Climbing Wall
  • Zip through the high canyons to the beach on the Zip Line Eco Tour
  • Rent a kayak and paddle along the rugged coastline
  • Go for a dip in the ocean at Descanso Beach
  • Rent a beach cabana or lounge chairs for a luxurious day at the beach
  • Sip a cocktail in the sun or enjoy lunch at Descanso Beach Club
     

Avalon Canyon – Day 3

  • Play a round of golf at the Catalina Country Club
  • Partner up for a tennis match
  • Discover the Nature Center at Avalon Canyon
  • Go camping at the Hermit Gulch Campground
  • Hike up the Hermit Gulch Trail and connect to the Trans-Catalina Trail
  • Take a custom naturalist-led hike overlooking Avalon Bay
  • Stroll thru the stately Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden
  • Maintain your workout routine with the new Avalon Canyon Fit Trail
     

Further Afield – Day 4

  • Hire a friendly taxi to take you into the interior of the Island
  • Have lunch at the scenic Airport-in-the-Sky
  • Take in the natural and cultural history of the Island at the Airport-in-the-Sky Nature Center
  • Go mountain biking
  • Try your skill on an off-shore fishing expedition
  • Traverse the island on the Trans-Catalina Trail, 37.2 miles from end to end
  • Camp at one of the five interior campgrounds or at one of the many primitive boat-in campgrounds. Or go “glamping” (comfort camping) and be treated like royalty!
  • Hop on a jeep, van, bus or Hummer tour into the interior
  • Take an aerial tour of Catalina by helicopter
     

Two Harbors – Day 5

  • Take the Cyclone from Avalon to Two Harbors, or arrive in Two Harbors by boat from San Pedro
  • Go snorkeling or diving
  • Hike to the overlook at Ballast Point
  • Walk from one side of the island to the other the easy way~across the Isthmus, 1/2 mile wide
  • Take a jeep tour to the west end of the island
  • Enjoy lunch or dinner on the patio of the Harbor Reef
  • See the historic Civil War barracks
  • Overnight at the Banning House Lodge or camp out at the Two Harbors campground
  • Rent a kayak and explore the nearby coves and underwater caves
  • Work on your serve and spike with a game of beach volleyball
  • Play a game of disc golf
  • Try the signature Buffalo Milk cocktail

Fun Island Facts

Catalina Island is part of Los Angeles County, and Avalon, incorporated in 1913, was the 30th city in the county.

Wildlife

Catalina Island is home to a vast array of wildlife, some native and some non-native. 

History

Catalina Island has a long and interesting history dating back to the Spanish Empire. Catalina Island was once owed by William Wrigley, Jr. of Wrigley Chewing…

Explore the Island

Catalina Flyer

Catalina Flyer from Newport

$10 Off Catalina Island Ferry

Hop onboard the Catalina Flyer for daily ferry service from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island in just over 1 hour.