Catalina Island California
Vacation Guide

Secondly, most everyone on the island travels by foot, bike, tour bus or golf cart. Bikes and golf carts are available to rent. If you want to leave the Avalon area, you must go by tour bus, on foot, or by bicycle.

Find out here about Catalina Island transportation.

Thirdly, Santa Catalina Island, as it’s otherwise known, has this atmosphere quite unlike other Southern California beaches. It somehow feels like another era in another country. There is a certain Mediterranean charm.

When you get off the Catalina Island ferry, and walk towards the town, you’ll see the Green Pleasure Pier where there is much information on water activities, tours, diving and more. The Catalina Island California Visitor’s Center is also located here, along with the loading area for the Glass Bottom Boat Tour.

Things to do on Catalina Island California are many and varied, especially if you’re the recreational type. Or if not, you can simply get off the boat and take a stroll through Avalon, the island’s only city. There are lots of little shops to browse and places to get a bite to eat. Some of the restaurants are on the waterfront, but there may be quite a wait on a sunny summer weekend.

Click here for Hot Deals On Catalina Island

It’s also quite nice to stroll along the waterfront path down to the famous Avalon Casino. Built in 1929, it used to be a venue for the big bands, but now it houses a Museum where you can learn about the island’s history. On the bottom level is a restored art deco theater which shows films. If the weather is warm enough, as it usually is, you can spend some time on the beach and watch the boats in Avalon Bay. If you are feeling energetic, you can hike about a mile up Avalon Canyon Road to Wrigley Botanical Garden and Wrigley Memorial. Alternatively, you can catch a cab. It is a lovely place to saunter around there in the hills above Avalon. Catalina Stables are also located up here on the Avalon Canyon Road.

Other possible activities on Catalina Island California include renting a bike and exploring more of Avalon, or riding down the main road to Emerald Bay. To ride outside of town requires a permit from the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy. They own most of the island and keep its natural state well preserved. The Conservancy is located at 125 Claressa. Their phone number is 310-510-2595. They also offer hiking permits which are free.

Bus and jeep tours are available which go to Two Harbors and other areas of the island. There are several types of boat tours as well, including kayak tours, ocean rafting, the glass bottom boat tour, the flying fish boat trip, or a cruise along the coast to Isthmus Cove.

There's an open air tram tour that leaves from the center of town which takes you up into the hills around Avalon, offering splendid views.

Catalina Island California is quite a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Clear waters and protected coves make it ideal. Several tours can take you out on a boat, with equipment provided. Or you can rent some snorkeling gear while there and go explore Lover’s Cove (just east of town) yourself. Just past the Casino is Descanso beach, which also offers good snorkeling. You can rent equipment there as well. There is an underwater marine park at Casino Point.

Two Harbors is at the island’s northwest end, at the isthmus. Twenty three miles from Avalon, you can get there by boat or bus. Mainland yachters hang out here frequently. There is one restaurant, one hotel and camping and snorkeling tours to northern coves.

Staying overnight on Catalina Island California is a great idea if you really want to relax and enjoy yourself. There are a variety of accommodations in Avalon, and a few in Two Harbors.

Find hotels on Catalina Island California.

If you want to rough it a little and get back to nature, there are 5 campgrounds to choose from, plus boat-in camping options.

For Catalina Island camping, click here.

To go to the Southern California Beaches Vacation Guide home page, click here.