Catalina Island Day Trip: Your Ultimate Guide of Things To Do

Make the most of your time and escape to Catalina Island for a day trip. This hidden gem is just 26 miles off the Southern California coast, southwest of Los Angeles. Catalina Island spans 76 square miles of stunning coastline and mountain vistas. Mt. Orizaba is the highest peak, at 2,069 feet, followed closely by Mount Black Jack, at 2,006 feet.

Visiting Catalina offers an escape to a serene yet vibrant island where history, nature, and culture blend seamlessly. Here are the top attractions for visitors to this island in Southern California. Enjoy your trip!

Did you know Catalina is the only one of the eight Channel Islands archipelago with a significant population?

The stretch of water separating Catalina from the mainland is more than half a mile long and almost 3,000 feet deep. During summertime, the water temperature varies between 64 and 73 degrees, while in winter, it ranges between 54 and 59 degrees. These temperature ranges are comparable to many luxurious vacation destinations outside the United States.

Things To Do on Catalina Island For A Day 

There is something every traveler should do on the island. If you have a few days to spare, it’s recommended to begin with a scenic city tour to get a sense of the place. You can take a leisurely walk along the palm-lined streets and browse for unique island souvenirs. If your idea of an island getaway is an outdoor experience, an excellent start to your adventure would be to take a glass-bottom boat ride. It’s a great way to discover Catalina’s abundant marine life.

One popular activity for a day trip to Catalina Island is renting a kayak or paddleboat to explore the coast and nearby coves. Kayaking provides an excellent opportunity to discover underwater caves while testing your endurance. It’s common to see anglers enjoying their offshore fishing expedition while you paddle through the scenic coastline.

Descanso Beach, Catalina Island

Descanso Beach is a great spot to lie on the grass, dip in the calm waters, or dive in at the Casino Dive Park. A few local businesses offer parasailing, diving, and snorkeling lessons and rentals, so it might be time to explore a new island-style hobby.

Families can enjoy plenty of activities during the day on Catalina Island. They can play miniature golf, rent a golf cart, and tour an island together. Dad can hit some balls at the Catalina Country Club and grab lunch, while Mom can relax at the onsite spa and massage facilities. Tennis courts are also available for those who want to play a match. The Nature Center at Avalon Canyon is great for kids to explore and learn.

Wrigley Botanical Gardens

If you’re planning a day trip to Catalina Island, Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens are great places to start. They offer a serene environment for a leisurely walk, allowing you to escape from the daily hustle and bustle. Additionally, Ballast Point provides a breathtaking view of this Mediterranean oasis.

Dining and Lodging Catalina Island

When you’re ready to visit Catalina, the Seacrest Inn is the perfect romantic setting with whirlpools available. The Old Turner Inn is a more traditional bed and breakfast. Catalina Island Weddings are popular. If you dream about a wedding in a faraway land, your budget does not allow you to.

Seaside restaurants offer a gourmet’s dream with more classic and exotic dishes. Luau Larry’s is a relaxing spot with an ocean view and tropical drinks. El Galleon Restaurant and Lounge is a family-oriented spot with live karaoke.

The Chi-Chi Club is an adult-only nightclub where you can enjoy live music, DJs, shows, and private parties in the VIP Lounge. The Casino Ballroom and the Avalon Theatre are also great places to spend the evening after a long day of activities. The theater shows evening movies, while the ballroom features a calendar of events for couples who wish to enjoy a romantic evening of dining, dancing, and music.

Catalina Island Museum

Explore the rich history of Catalina Island at the Catalina Island Museum. Located at 217 Metropole Avenue in downtown Avalon, the museum is housed in the Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building and houses hundreds of photos, exhibits, and artifacts.

Camping on Catalina Island

Landlubbers will enjoy camping at one of the five campgrounds on the island, including Hermit Gulch Campground. This popular site offers trails that connect to the 37-mile-long Trans-Catalina Trail, which snakes through much of the island.

Two Harbors Campground is another favorite, and several more primitive campgrounds allow true adventurers to boat in. Mountain biking is a great way to explore the scenery, and it’s pretty common to see people renting bikes and taking a leisurely tour of the island.

Catalina Island Day Trip Getting There

Various types of transportation are available on the island, including helicopters, private boats and docks, small private planes, and an island boat shuttle that most people use.

The Catalina Express Shuttle is the most popular option. It departs from multiple ports, including Dana Point, Long Beach, and San Pedro. The ride lasts about 1.5 hours, and customers must drive to the shuttle location.

San Pedro, California Point of Interest

Long Beach California Day trip

Dana Point, California Where To Go What To See