22 Best & Fun Things To Do On Catalina Island, CA
Catalina Island, renowned as a “Hidden Paradise in Southern California,” epitomizes enjoyment and tranquility.
Acquired in 1919 by William Wrigley Jr. (a billionaire from the chewing gum industry and former owner of the Chicago Cubs), Santa Catalina Island was intended to serve as a distinctive travel destination for all.
Catalina Island, upholding its tradition, continues to be one of the most exquisite and opulent destinations in California.
Catalina Island boasts several attractions and enjoyable activities, accompanied by a wealth of intriguing historical information.
A herd of buffalo was introduced to the island for a Will Ferrell film and continues to inhabit the island to this day.
Therefore, do not be astonished if you observe several creatures grazing in the fields!
1. Bistro at the Atwater
Adjacent to the waterfront, the Bistro at the Atwater is nestled comfortably beneath the California sun.
In contrast to the conventional eateries located on and throughout Catalina Island, the Bistro at the Atwater is an excellent venue for acquiring a picnic-style sandwich or salad.
A variety of sweet and savory baked items are offered throughout the day.
If you seek a quick and light meal while on the move, Bistro at the Atwater may be the ideal choice.
Address: 119 Sumner Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
2. The Avalon Ball
The Avalon Ball, affiliated with the Art Deco Society in Los Angeles, is a nostalgic event.
The Avalon Ball, held in the Catalina Island Casino Ballroom, once accommodated 3,000 attendees on its ballroom, featuring performances by renowned performers who provided exceptional music.
The custom persists to this day amidst a display of rainbow illumination.
If you seek a unique experience while visiting Santa Catalina Island, your itinerary should feature this 1920s replica of nostalgic hobbies.
The total area is around 10,000 square feet; hence, if you are not fatigued at the conclusion of the event, it is time to elevate your efforts!
Address: 1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
3. Three Palms Avalon Arcade
Three Palms Avalon Arcade
Let us be candid.
When did you last visit an arcade?
Despite this being a “vacation,” there is no necessity to be excessively fixated on the sun at all times.
The Three Palms Avalon Arcade will evoke old sensations of joystick and button-mashing enjoyment that you have not experienced in a long time.
The games are underway and the alcohol is abundant, so take a few hours off before you get severe sunburn!
Address: 205 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
4. Golf Gardens Mini Golf
Golf Gardens Mini Golf
Avalon’s Golf Gardens is an ideal destination for families, particularly if you seek to expend your child’s energy via enjoyment and exhilaration.
If you are on Santa Catalina Island today or will be this weekend, it is an opportune moment to visit the mini-golf course and enjoy the California sun and refreshing breeze.
This mini-golf course is devoid of whimsical clowns or absurd structures; rather, it caters to the discerning mini-golf aficionado.
Indeed, there are numerous locations that are unparalleled anyplace else on Earth.
For extended stays on the island, it may be prudent to note this location on your calendar.
Address: 10 Island Plz, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
5. Enchanted City Tour
Enchanted City Tour
Prepared for some otherworldly narratives and other enigmatic escapades surrounding Catalina Island?
Consider the Enchanted City Tour.
The island exhibits numerous indications of extraterrestrial activity, with some individuals reporting sightings of UFOs in the California night sky.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide, you will encounter historical narratives interwoven with passages from the book “Mysterious Island Catalina,” authored by Jim Watson.
You will be securely seated in a coach and driven to numerous monuments and picturesque vistas, as the intricacies of clandestine meetings are revealed to you incrementally.
California is familiar with such narratives, making it unsurprising that Catalina Island is a focal place for alien encounters or inexplicable phenomena.
Address: 1 Cabrillo Mole, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
6. Nature Center at Avalon Canyon
Nature Center at Avalon Canyon
California is renowned for its remarkable parks and mountain ranges worldwide.
This natural area, established and preserved by the Catalina Island Conservancy, is rich in flora and fauna, embodying both history and passion.
The Nature Center at Avalon Canyon is designed for anybody seeking to be captivated by the marvels of the natural world.
It is an interactive venue that contains numerous educational resources and an exceptional outdoor experience.
The Nature Center contains the inaugural Interpretive Center established by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, which narrates the official history and natural heritage of Santa Catalina Island.
Although self-guided tours are available at the site, it is a fascinating experience to learn about the harsh terrains and mountainous regions that contrast with the vast blue ocean.
The holistic geology of the Channel Islands, encompassing marine and terrestrial symbiosis, is thoroughly described at the Nature Center of Avalon Canyon.
The notion of “Biodiverse Hotspots,” which are scarce globally, can be viewed, investigated, and studied on Catalina Island.
Address: 100 Avalon Cyn Rd, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
7. Catalina Museum For Art & History
Catalina Museum For Art & History
California possesses a storied past characterized by abundant sunshine and limitless beaches.
At a distance of 22 miles from the Southern California shore, one may easily overlook the art that has either developed or thrived within the state.
If you are on Santa Catalina Island today or this weekend and have an interest in the arts, the Catalina Museum for Art & History is an excellent destination.
The Catalina Museum for Art & History offers rare images and rotating exhibits showcasing notable painters from the past, providing an excellent opportunity to spend a few hours in enjoyment.
The Catalina Museum for Art & History is the sole institution dedicated to the century-long history of Catalina Island.
The exhibits within the museum’s walls are significant representations of Catalina’s evolution, providing tangible evidence for public observation.
Recent exhibits included a Titanic display showcasing authentic objects, individuals, and narratives associated with the “Unsinkable” Titanic, alongside Canvas Art displays by Gary Miltimore, which harmoniously complement the island ambiance of Catalina.
Venture forth to explore the Island, but ensure to give respect where it is warranted.
Address: 217 Metropole Avenue, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
8. Flying Fish Voyage
Flying Fish Voyage
Engaging in a maritime activity is a crucial objective when visiting Catalina Island, or any island, for that matter.
The Flying Fish Voyage offers you and your companions the opportunity to witness something extraordinary in the waters of California.
Prepare to embark aboard “The Cyclone” for a nocturnal spectacle of flying fish.
Be advised, these excursions often sell out rapidly; therefore, if interested, it is advisable to secure your tickets one to two months in advance.
The only thing swifter than the ticket sales is the velocity at which the fish leap from the water!
The tour boats, reaching speeds of 37 miles per hour, must be outfitted with strong lights to stimulate the fish to leap.
The peak seasons occur from May to September when the ocean reaches its highest temperatures, and participating in these excursions is deeply rooted in the culture of Catalina Island.
The Flying Fish Voyage offers an excellent opportunity to engage with a traditional aspect of Catalina Island’s history, originating in the early 1900s.
Address: Avalon, CA, United States
9. Silver Canyon Pottery
Silver Canyon Pottery
Established in 1988, Silver Canyon Pottery studio originated as a basic production facility.
Silver Canyon Pottery thereafter became engaged in the reproduction of tiles across Catalina, which had historically been poorly maintained and in deplorable condition.
The “Catalina Tile Experience” provides guests with an in-depth exploration of one of Catalina Island’s most iconic enterprises and significant contributors to the island’s aesthetic transformation.
If you are interested in pottery and gardening, you may arrange a private tour for yourself and your family to gain a deeper understanding of Silver Canyon Pottery’s mission and its contributions to Santa Catalina Island.
Address: 22 Pebbly Beach Rd, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
10. Take a Walk Down the Waterfront
Waterfront
Always remember that one of the most advantageous aspects of residing on a sunny island is that walking along the beaches and traversing the parks is typically among the complimentary activities available on Catalina Island.
The Avalon Waterfront of Catalina Island features numerous boutiques and picturesque dining vistas.
Catalina is renowned for its tourist appeal, with numerous pebbly beaches and crystalline waters for exploration or diving.
Experiencing a Catalina Island sunset can be one of the most enlightening moments of your life.
Capturing a couple photographs with the Casino and horizon as the backdrop is undoubtedly an exceptional concept to conclude the experience.
Address: Avalon, CA, United States
11. The Lobster Trap
The Lobster Trap
Identifying a venue in California that offers $4 pints and daily food specials is uncommon; but, between 2 PM and 5 PM, The Lobster Trap provides a welcoming ambiance reminiscent of home.
The Lobster Trap offers the advantage of serving excellent cuisine both during midday and in the early morning hours.
If you visit Catalina Island for leisure between Labor Day and July 1st, you may purchase a burger and a beverage for $11.
In the absence of a variety of Lost Coast and Craft Beers, it is certainly worthwhile to explore another excellent institution on Catalina Island.
Address: 128 Catalina Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
12. Steve’s Steakhouse
Steve’s Steakhouse
Where exceptional steaks are found, outstanding seafood typically accompanies them, and Steve’s Steakhouse exemplifies this principle.
The breathtaking vistas from the restaurant, coupled with the exceptional cuisine and meticulous preparation of each dish, render Steve’s Steakhouse an essential experience during any visit to Catalina Island.
The cuisine is exceptional, and the ambiance establishes it as a premier destination for an authentic dining experience on Catalina Island.
Address: 417 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
13. The Naughty Fox
The Naughty Fox
Contemplate “Tempura Fried Lobster Tail Handrolls” and subsequently secure a reservation.
Situated within the Bellanca Hotel, The Naughty Fox offers some of the finest cuisine on Catalina Island.
The outside dining with an ocean view is unparalleled in the area, and their menu is influenced by a consensus of Master Chefs rather than a conventional beach atmosphere.
The Naughty Fox will astonish you and is among the finest dining establishments along the beach.
Address: 111 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
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14. Descanso Beach Club
Descanso Beach Club
For a highly soothing experience on Santa Catalina Island, consider the Descanso Beach Club.
The Descanso Beach Club is a private beach and cove offering numerous tranquil and romantic activities on Catalina Island.
Renowned primarily for its exceptional nightlife, basking in the California sun on a fully serviced paradise is as appealing.
During a visit to Descanso Beach Club, engaging in outdoor activities like as snorkeling, scuba diving, and the renowned zip line tour is highly recommended.
For guests boarding at the Descanso Beach Club, the Pavilion Hotel offers a blend of contemporary luxury and charming island aesthetics.
The majority of the rooms feature a private balcony, allowing you to relish the sun or the warm night sky at your convenience.
The Descanso Beach Club, situated near the tranquil parts of Catalina Island, offers a premier experience.
There is no urgency; the cabanas and massages will be available at your convenience.
Address: 1 St Catherine Way, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
15. Catalina Island Golf Carts
Catalina Island Golf Carts
If you are uncertain about how to enjoy your day, be assured that you will appreciate this!
The capability to utilize a four-passenger Golf Cart for traversing the island enhances the allure of exploration.
Upgrading to a six-passenger cart is essential if you like to discover your preferred area of the island or merely seek to occupy a few hours this weekend.
Exploring Catalina Island has numerous attractions, making the consideration of a golf cart as a mobility alternative potentially transformative for your vacation experience.
Address: 625 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
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16. Catalina Island Casino
Catalina Island Casino
Three generations have elapsed, and the Catalina Island Casino persists in its elegant prominence.
Established in 1929, the Catalina Island Casino serves as the principal venue and a significant attraction for travelers.
The Catalina Island Casino offers enjoyable activities through social gatherings and is also a highly romantic destination for couples.
The cinema offers an opportunity for intimacy, or if you like, you may reserve a “Behind the Scenes” tour.
Upon entering the Catalina Island Casino, one is welcomed with towering walls and artistic architecture adorned with tiled murals.
The Casino, owned by the Wrigley family, has a magnificent view of the ocean, particularly striking on a clear, sunny day.
With sufficient fortune or meticulous planning, you may have the opportunity to participate in one of the principal events hosted by the Casino in their Grand Ballroom.
Address: 1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
17. Parasail Catalina
Parasail Catalina
The Catalina Island Parasailing Adventure, priced from $25 and $80, is among the premier activities on Catalina Island.
Ascending to altitudes of 600 to 800 feet over the California grasslands provides a thrilling experience, while offering a panoramic perspective of the attractions on Santa Catalina Island.
That experience is unparalleled.
Not suitable for the faint-hearted, although undoubtedly rewarding for the thrill-seeker.
Address: 105 Pebbly Beach Rd, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
18. Bison Expedition
Bison Expedition\
California, particularly Santa Catalina Island, offers an abundance of destinations and activities for visitors.
While visiting the beach and bars may remain perpetually on your agenda, when was the last occasion you embarked on a Bison Expedition?
Although it is a prominent tourist attraction on the island, it often represents an excellent decision that visitors may not initially recognize as necessary.
A convertible Hummer transports you through the island’s natural environment, providing you to observe remarkable critters and stunning vistas.
The capacity to traverse the undulating hills of the arid regions of Catalina Island will enhance your appreciation of California’s natural features.
The Bison and diverse fauna of the arid regions are remarkable to observe, while the descent into Avalon presents one of California’s most stunning vistas.
Address: Avalon, CA, United States
19. Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden
Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden
The Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, dedicated to William Wrigley Jr., is situated in Avalon Canyon and is integrated into the “Garden to Sky Trail.”
Spanning thirty-eight acres of verdant meadows, it harbors numerous endemic California plant species, many of which are threatened.
A tower containing the Wrigley Memorial is essential for those interested in exploring the life of one of history’s most successful individuals.
Address: 1400 Avalon Cyn Rd, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
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20. Catalina Island Helicopter Tour
Catalina Island Helicopter Tour
Nearly every community in California provides some form of helicopter trip.
Nonetheless, the environment of Santa Catalina Island will consistently evoke a sense of wonder.
On the Catalina Island Helicopter Tour, you will experience some of the most remarkable vistas that California presents.
You will observe dolphins and whales residing in the safeguarded waters of Channel Island, while also traversing rugged landscapes and learning about the island’s intriguing history.
The Helicopter Tour is among the most enjoyable activities on Catalina Island and should be a primary consideration for those seeking engaging pursuits or unique points of interest for their vacation itinerary.
Address: Avalon, CA, United States
21. Mt Ada
Mt Ada
Another iconic tourist destination is Mt. Ada, formerly the residence of William Wrigley Jr.
It is currently a six-bedroom bed-and-breakfast for travelers who prefer opulent environments.
For reservations at Mt Ada, ensure you reserve many months in advance of your travel dates, since the Spring and Summer seasons tend to fill rapidly.
Nonetheless, even if you are not residing at Mt Ada, you may still witness the magnificent display of the former home.
On weekends, the Inn offers a special brunch or lunch eating experience that is entirely accessible to the public.
Address: 398 Wrigley Rd, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
22. Luau Larry’s
Luau Larry’s
What would an island off the California coast be without a tiki bar?
Amidst the plethora of amazing activities available on the island, Luau Larry’s offers a grounding experience with excellent cuisine and beverages.
The menu features an array of traditional bar fare, like wings and fries, providing the essential comfort foods your soul craves.
We advise ordering the “Wiki Wacker,” a rum-based specialty from Luau Larry’s.
The highlight is that you will be presented with a palm frond to indicate to other beach-goers that you have engaged in playful activities with Wiki Wackers.
23. Bluewater Grill
Bluewater Grill
With more than 25 years of culinary experience, the Bluewater Grill is an institution on Santa Catalina Island.
Bluewater Grill offers a cuisine replete with delectable seafood selections and adheres to ethical and sustainable fishing practices.
The restaurant, while emphasizing traditional preparation, incorporates a contemporary look into its culinary technique.
Address: 306 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, United States
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