Top Things To Do In Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a weird little paradise. It sits just 22 miles off Southern California. Yet it feels like another planet.

You hop on a ferry. The ride takes about an hour. Suddenly your phone signal gets moody and your shoulders drop.

That’s the magic. It’s close, but not too close. It’s familiar, but delightfully odd.

Rent A Golf Cart And Pretend You’re In A Cartoon

Avalon is tiny. The streets are steep. Regular cars are limited, so golf carts rule the road.

Rent one for a few hours. Zip up to scenic overlooks. Wave at everyone like you’re in a parade.

Pro tip: Book early. The good carts vanish fast, especially in summer.

Visit The Catalina Casino (No, Not That Kind)

The casino has no slot machines. It’s a stunning Art Deco building from 1929. “Casino” here just means a gathering place.

Inside, there’s a movie theater with a pipe organ. Upstairs, a massive ballroom with ocean views.

Take the tour. Stand on the balcony. Feel fancy for absolutely no reason.

Snorkel, Kayak, Or Just Float Around

The water around Catalina is ridiculously clear. Kelp forests sway like underwater trees. Bright orange garibaldi fish dart everywhere.

Lover’s Cove is a beginner-friendly snorkel spot. You can rent gear right in Avalon.

Want more adventure? Kayak to a hidden cove. Try parasailing.

Or take a glass-bottom boat tour.

Those glass-bottom boats have been showing off the reef since the 1890s. That’s older than the modern zipper. Wild.

Meet The Bison. Yes, Bison.

Bison roam Catalina’s interior. They’re not native. They were brought over for a movie in the 1920s.

Now they’re a beloved island icon. You might see one on a Conservancy tour. Just don’t try to pet them.

They’re big. They’re fuzzy. They do not care about your selfie.

10 Best Things to Do on Catalina Island - Enjoy Beaches, Seafood

Hike To A View That Makes You Go “Whoa”

The Catalina Island Conservancy protects most of the island. That means miles of trails. The Garden to Sky Trail is a classic.

You’ll climb through scrubby hills. Then boom: panoramic ocean views. On a clear day, you can see forever.

Bring a camera. Bring water. Wear real shoes.

The island looks cute, but the sun is not joking.

Eat, Drink, And Embrace The Buffalo Milk

Catalina has a signature cocktail called Buffalo Milk. It tastes like a creamy, boozy milkshake. No actual buffalo involved.

Pair it with fresh seafood. Fish tacos, clam chowder, or a burger at the Airport in the Sky.

Yes, there’s an airport on top of a mountain. The runway is short. The views are long.

The local fox might steal your heart. Just not your sandwich. Keep an eye on both.

Take The Flying Fish Tour At Night

At night, flying fish actually leap out of the water. They glide over the waves like tiny torpedoes with wings.

Boat tours shine lights on the water. The fish freak out. You gasp.

Everyone laughs.

It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It’s the perfect Catalina moment.

Bring a jacket. The ocean breeze gets chilly. But the show is worth it.

Explore Two Harbors For A Slower Vibe

Avalon is the busy side. Two Harbors is the sleepy side. There’s one restaurant, a small store, and lots of quiet.

Best Things To Do In Catalina Islands

You can hike, swim, or nap under a tree. No rush. No traffic.

Just pelicans and salty air.

Campers love it. Boat people love it. People who hate crowds really love it.

Take the Cyclone boat if you want a day trip. It’s a quick ride. It feels like a secret.

Do The Tiny, Silly Stuff Too

Mini Golf, Fudge, And Foxes

Play mini golf. Ride a bike. Browse the little shops.

Eat ice cream while watching the harbor.

Look for the Catalina Island fox. It’s small, cute, and found nowhere else on Earth. Keep your snacks to yourself.

And yes, you can buy a sweatshirt. Everyone buys a sweatshirt. It’s basically island law.

Try the local fudge. Try the saltwater taffy. Try not to buy a tiny ceramic lighthouse.

Why Catalina Is Just Fun To Talk About

It’s close enough for a day trip. Strange enough for a story. One minute you’re in a golf cart.

The next you’re watching bison and flying fish.

Catalina doesn’t try too hard. That’s its charm. It’s a little odd, a little old-fashioned, and a lot of fun.

So grab a ferry. Pack a light jacket. Let the island do its thing.

You’ll come back with salty hair. A full stomach. And at least one weird fact about bison.