I’m always shocked by the number of people from Los Angeles who tell me they’ve never been to Catalina Island! This hidden gem just off the coast of Southern California offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and Mediterranean charm.
I'm obsessed with it (which you may have guessed, as I named our best selling Avalon dress after its main city). Every year I visit for my birthday and, by now, you could say I'm bit of an expert on it.
I've compiled this list of all the best things to do on the island. Whether you're looking to lounge by the ocean with a cocktail in hand, explore the island’s natural beauty, or dive into its rich history, there’s something for everyone. This guide will walk you through the best things to do on Catalina Island for first-time visitors, from must-try activities to delicious dining spots and unique shopping experiences. Get ready for a laid-back getaway filled with stunning views, fresh ocean air, and maybe even a dolphin sighting or two along the way!
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Where to Stay
Avalon or Two Harbors?
Much of Catalina Island is a nature preserve, thanks to the Wrigley family, of chewing gum fame. Their love for the island's unique ecosystem lead them to protect it in a conservancy. For this reason, 90% of Catalina is undeveloped. There are only two towns, Avalon and Two Harbors.
This guide focuses on Avalon. Avalon is the only developed city on the island. It’s where everyone lives and where all the restaurants, stores, and activities are. Two Harbors is more rustic. It’s primarily a camping, hiking, and fishing spot. I’ve been told there’s one restaurant there and not much else.
This guide focuses solely on Avalon. If you want to experience a beachy town, stay in a nice hotel or vacation rental, and relax, then it’s where you want to go.
Hotels
There are many beautiful rentals in Avalon that you can reserve on AirBNB and VRBO. Some even come with golf carts, which is so convenient! Here are the stand out hotels, some of which I've stayed at and some of which I've longingly gazed at:
Pavilion Hotel
While this hotel is one of the more affordable on the list, it's fantastic. I love it's beachy, tropical vibes and proximity to all of the restaurants and bars in town. There's also a cute firepit out front for guests. If you stay here, you don't really need a golf cart or even a ride from the ferry. It's 14 steps from the beach!
The Avalon Hotel
A stylish hotel with ocean view rooms and a rooftop deck that an island local recommended. It has great proximity to all the action in town.
Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel
Built in 1926, this beautiful hillside hotel was once the vacation home of adventure novelist Zane Grey. It’s now been fully renovated and is absolutely stunning. Amenities include a pool, seating over beautiful vistas, and transportation to and from the ferry.
Mt. Ada Hotel
Another historical building, Mt. Ada was once the home of William Wrigley Jr. and his wife, Ada. It’s now an elegant hotel full of vintage charm with beautiful views of Avalon. Stays at Mt. Ada come with a complimentary luxury golf cart.
Hamilton Cove
Pictured above, Hamilton Cove is an impressive gated community that you can't help but notice when approaching the island from the ferry. Its white stucco and red roofed buildings stack their way up the hill of Catalina, overlooking the ocean like a Grecian palace. If you would like more privacy than a hotel offers, their vacation rentals are very nice. They also come with a lot of community amenities, including a private beach, pool, fitness center, and tennis and croquet courts.
Matching Sets
Island Style
Activities
Descanso Beach Club
This is my hands down favorite thing to do on the Island. There are not many sandy beaches to lay out on in Avalon, and Descanso kind of has a monopoly on the major spot. This is fine by me because they rent out comfy chairs and cabanas right on the sand with private butler service. I typically spend an entire day here, enjoying the sun, topical drinks, and tastey food with friends.
Tip: Book ahead! When the weather is good, these book up so fast.
Kayaking
My second favorite thing to do on Catalina, if I didn’t overindulge too much at Descanso the day before. Catalina is a fantastic place to do ocean kayaking because the island protects you from much of the ocean’s waves.
There’s something different about kayaking on the open ocean. I’ve seen dolphins, tiger sharks, and harbor seals. Once a school of fish leapt out of the ocean around us. It was magical!
You can go on your own, or with a local guide. Our guide showed us a hidden beach where the Tiger Sharks nest. We saw dozens of them! Don’t worry, they are perfectly docile.
Rent a Golf Cart and Explore
One of my favorite things about Catalina Island is the lack of cars and traffic. For an Angeleno, this is heaven! There are a handful of cars on the island, but most people get around via golf carts. The rental places provide a map with scenic routes through Avalon's mountains. There are some incredible views to see, and I definitely recommend this, especially if it’s your first time on the island.
Botanic Garden
While touring the island in your golf cart, you may consider visiting the Wrigley Botanical Garden. It’s a cute, small garden, inexpensive to get in, and a great way to learn about Catalina’s unique ecosystem.
Golf
Catalina Island boasts a beautiful 9-hole golf course surrounded by palm trees and basking in the California sun. Across the street is also a nice Mexican restaurant, the Sand Trap.
Mini Golf
If mini golf is more your speed, there’s an option for that as well. On a warm day, the mini golf course is beautiful. It’s a fun, relaxing way to spend the afternoon outdoors, especially if you have kiddos.
Soak Up the Sun
Catalina Island Outfit Ideas
Hummer Tour
Take an exciting ride up Catalina's mountains in an open air Hummer. From these vistas you can see the whole city and out across the sparkling ocean. Be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart! The Hummer Tours feature winding turns and heights. If you have a taste for adventure, though, it’s a fun way to see wildlife and the tour guides are fantastic.
Tip: Keep a look out for bald eagles, deer, the adorable Catalina Island Fox, and bison!
Diving and Snorkling
The oceans surrounding Catalina are full of colorful fish, rays, moree eels, octopi, lobsters, and even some wrecks that have become home to ocean wildlife. See them up close by diving at the Dive Point next to the Casino. If you've never dived before and are not certified, they also offer an into to scuba experience.
Catalina Sea Spa
Relax with a massage at the Catalina Sea Spa. It’s closed on Sunday, but open any other day of the week.
Easy Breezy
Vacation Outfits
Food & Drink
Lunch Spots
The Sandtrap
A mexican restaurant across the street from the golf course. They have a beautiful outdoor patio and friendly staff. Great for tacos and margs!
The Buffalo Nickle
A short golf cart ride from the main part of town. This is where the locals go. Make sure to try the “buffalo milk”.
NDMK Fishhouse
They serve tasty, healthy fish plates and are conveniently located right in the main town.
Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co
Staying on Catalina necessitates a visit to this cafe in the morning. Grab a croissant and a cappuccino to go and enjoy it in the cute European style plaza that the Coffee Co. is located in.
Dinner Spots
M Italian Restaurant
A classic Italian restuarant with an upscale atmosphere. This is where I typically celebrate my birthday dinner after an afternoon at the Descanso Beach Club.
Bluewater Grill Avalon
You may recognize this popular California chain for its locations in Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, Temecula, and more. Their restuarant is a great option for American fair and seafood. It has a great location right on the waterfront.
The Naughty Fox
Named for the Catalina Island Fox, this is a fun, trendy spot in the main part of Avalon. It's also a great place for cocktails.
Drink Spots
Luau Larry’s
Enjoy fun, tropical vibes here. While there, make sure to get your “Wicki Wacked”, as is island tradition. I won’t spoil the surprise.
Topside by NDMK
Beautiful views if you’d like to have drinks with a more upscale vibe in Catalina. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Marlin Club
SALTY! I love a good dive bar. You'll meet locals as well as tourists here. One of the unique things about Catalina is that it's a small town with an ever churning population of visitors. It's always fun to see who's in town.
J’s Locker Room
Also salty! This dive is close to the Marlin Club and great to hop between.
Pack For Your Island Adventure
Catalina Island Outfits
Catalina Blue
This charming clothing boutique has a variety of beachy sundresses, swimwear, and jewelry in classic designs. I pay a visit every time I'm in town.
Sunkissed
I love this store's fun California beachwear vibes and always come here to browse their dresses and bikinis. They have lots of colorful prints and the staff is really nice.
Catalina Bath & Body
Great selection of handmade bath stuff, candles, jewelry, and more. I love to bring home bath bombs and soap from here. Then, when I have a spa day at home, I can remember my trip!
Catalina Pottery & Tile
Awesome place to find gifts and souvenirs that are handmade on the island.
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