Is Catalina Island Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons Why It Is

Catalina Island is located off the coast of Southern California in the United States. It lies approximately 22 miles (35 kilometers) southwest of Los Angeles and is part of California’s Channel Islands.

It’s a stunning and exciting place; you’ll soon discover why. 

In this post, you’ll learn why Catalina is worth visiting, the best things to do on the island, the best time to visit, where to stay, and much more.

15 Best Things to Do in Catalina Island, California

Taking one of the many Catalina Island tours is a great way to experience the island’s enchanting beauty.

On a group tour, you’ll discover its stunning vistas, vibrant marine life, and rich history.

A tour is a great idea, especially if you only have one day on the island.

We highly recommend the Private Golf Cart Tour, which is why it’s first on our list.

CA Girl Tip: Catalina Island gets very busy in the summer and even in the off-peak months. My partner and I tried to get ferry tickets during the off-season but could not get ferry tickets for the morning slots, so we had to change our trip. The top three tours listed here are likely to sell out. Please buy your ferry tickets first and tour tickets in advance. 

 1. Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 🏌🏻‍♀️ Check Rates and Availability

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 2 Hours
• Tour Rating: 5/5 stars out of 415+ reviews
• Included: Golf cart, water, tour guide, facility fees

We highly recommend this Private Guided Golf Cart Tour; it’s a low-hassle way to see the island. 

You get to sit back and enjoy the ride with a personalized tour and guide.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Rating: 5/5 for 415+ reviews

Explore local hangouts and iconic landmarks like the Inn at Mt. Ada and “three palms,” Avalon Diving History Exhibit, and the Catalina Casino.

Fantastic overview of the island. He showed us all around, gave us nice photo ops and shared details about the history, flora, and current issues. We were really impressed and thoroughly appreciated this great tour!

— Vanessa (read more reviews)

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• The golf cart is driven by a local who knows the history and lure of the island
• You leisurely see Avalon and iconic landmarks
• Pickup at hotel or the ferry terminal

---

2. Casino VIP Backstage Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1 hour | ♣️ Check Rates and Availability

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 1 Hour
• Tour Rating: 4.5 stars out of 30+ reviews
• Included: Tour guide

On this Behind the Scenes Casino Tour, visit the nearly century-old art deco landmark, the Catalina Casino.

What a fabulous step back in time. Loved learning about the history of the casino and walking all around the building. The ballroom was spectacular! Our guide was fabulous and informative.

— Lisa (read more reviews)

Enjoy a glimpse of old Hollywood glamour and history in a dramatic seaside setting.

This small-group tour gives visitors to Santa Catalina Island a chance to see spaces in the Casino that were long hidden from public view, including the historic projection room and green rooms used by stars including Errol Flynn and Cary Grant.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• This is a small group tour with a maximum of 9 participants
• See the world’s first cinema designed to screen “talkies”
• Stand on the stage where Benny Goodman became the King of Swing

---

3. Zip Line Eco Tour: Starts in Long Beach

⭐️ Rating: 4 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours |  Check Rates and Availability

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 2 Hours
• Included: Zip line, tour guide

If you’re in the market for adventure on Catalina Island, look no further than this Zip Line Eco Tour over Catalina.

Spend the day in Catalina and fly over Descanso Canyon in Avalon.

Our two zip line guides were absolutely amazing. They were so professional, made us all feel comfortable and confident and were extremely entertaining! We highly recommend this experience!

— Leila (read more reviews)

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Starts in Long Beach
• When you arrive in Avalon, the island’s largest town, take a 15-minute walk to meet your expert guide at the zip line launch spot
• Includes round-trip ferry transfers

---

4. Adventure Tour on Catalina Island

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 🦬 Check Rates and Availability

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 2 Hours
• Tour Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars/134+reviews
• Included: Tour guide and a visit to the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Nature Center with possible wildlife sightings

On this Adventure Tour, you’ll venture ten miles into the rugged interior with an experienced guide, and view the protected side of Catalina Island, seldom seen by most visitors.

Our tour guide was informative, friendly, and funny. We would definitely recommend this tour to friends and family.

—Nidia (read more reviews)

There’s a good chance to encounter wildlife such as bison, deer, bald eagles, ravens, or even the Catalina Island fox.

‼️Adventure Tour is likely to sell out, buy tickets in advance‼️

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• See a different side of the island with a local guide
•  Visit the Nature Center and peer down at one of Catalina’s original Native American gathering sites
• Tour starts right at the ferry dock

---

5. Haunted Catalina Ghost Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1.5 hours | 👻 Check Rates and Availability

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 1.5 Hours
• Tour Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars/100+ reviews
• Included: Tour the historic Village of Avalon with a local historian. Audio headphones included.

This tour received a “Badge of Excellence” from Viator.

USA Today voted this Haunted Catalina Ghost Tour one of the Top Ten Ghost Tours in the country!

Walk through Avalon while exploring Catalina’s spooky history and paranormal mysteries. Understand why Catalina is so haunted and why our guide has proof of the other side.

The Ghost tour was great. Jessica was great she knew the history of the town and the various sites that have been reported haunted. 

— remy (read more reviews)

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• See beautiful Catalina at night
• Tour the historic Village of Avalon with a local historian
• Listen to tales of the Casino while you stand in the Grand Entryway

---

6. Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 40 minutes | ⛴️ Check Rates and Availability

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 40 minutes
• Tour Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars/70+ reviews
• Included: Ride on a glass bottom boat in Avalon Harbor

Take an adventure on the sea on this Glass Bottom Boat Tour.

Board the vessel in Avalon and enjoy views of colorful fish, coral, and other sea life while you sail.

Listen to commentary from your captain about the local ecology and enjoy a relaxing time on this boating adventure.

Great tour guide! Great trip with the kids to see below the sea. A must do adventure on your Catalina Island trip!

— Heather (read more reviews)

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Great for children, this tour is short and sweet
• Small group with a maximum of 9 travelers
• Narrated cruise

---

7. Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina

⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 45 minutes | 🔊 Check Rates and Availability

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 45 minutes
• Tour Rating: 4 out of 5 stars/280+ reviews
• Included: Tour guide and submersion in Avalon Harbor

This Semi-Submarine Tour takes you six feet below the water’s service to see colorful marine life in action.

After the tour, take in views of the island from your vessel’s top deck during the return journey to Avalon.

Fun for the whole family. We had a great time. Saw lots of fish. Kids loved shooting the torpedo food.

— kathryn (read more reviews)

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Great for children and adults
• Semi-submersible SS Nautilus is designed after the USS Nautilus
• Cruise to a marine preserved sanctuary known as the Lovers’ Cove

---

8. Fantastic Catalina Race

⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1.5 hours | 🏃🏽‍♀️ Check Rates and Availability

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 1.5 hours
• Tour Rating: 4 out of 5 stars/14+ reviews
• Included: The hunt is all-inclusive, and covers clues, goodies throughout, snack and beverage, and prizes

Want to bond with family members as you’ve most likely seen on The Amazing Race?

Take the Fantastic Catalina Race around the island in this fun, interactive mystery adventure, and solve clues along the way!

We had a great time running around and solving the puzzles. We saw other teams arguing so just remember to keep your team(s) small, go with the flow and have a great time. It was super fun!

— Jack (read more reviews)

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• It’s a unique adventure and opportunity to bond with family members!
• Combines mystery with sightseeing
• Includes snacks, beverages, and goodies

---

9. Undersea Expedition

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 45 minutes | 🐟 Check Rates and Availability

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 45 minutes
• Tour Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars/30+ reviews
• Included: Tour guide and live commentary on board

This Undersea ExpeditionTour is great for the whole family, especially little ones.

You’ll glide five feet (1.5 meters) below the surface to look for marine life in their natural habitat out of your own porthole.

It was awesome! Especially interacting with the fishes. How close they got to the window. I highly recommend it.

— Araceli (read more reviews)

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• The reviews on this tour are outstanding ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• It’s quick and fun. This tour is great for kids, as it doesn’t take the whole day
• I have yet to do this tour, but now I really, really want to!

---

10. Discover Avalon: Catalina Scenic Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 50 minutes | 🚙 Check Rates and Availability

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 50 minutes
• Tour Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars/207+ reviews
• Included: Tour guide, driver, and live commentary on board

If you only have a few hours in Avalon or dislike walking, this Discover Avalon Tour is for you!

CA Girl Tip: this tour is likely to sell out!

Drive around the island along the waterfront, up the hillsides, and through the town center with a guide showcasing Catalina’s highlights.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Great for first timers to Catalina Island
• Small group, maximum 6 people
• Admire views of the Pacific as you travel along the beachfront and up into the hills of Catalina

---

11. Mermaid Photo Shoot

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1 hour | 🧜‍♀️ Check Rates and Availability

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 1 hour
• Tour Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars/10+ reviews
• Included: Mermaid tail, photographer, and online photo gallery with all of your photos

Let your inner goddess shine with a professional photo shoot (mermaid tail included) on Catalina Island in the sun.

This would be fun for the tween in your family who worships The Little Mermaid. This one-hour Mermaid Photo Shoot will be right up their alley.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Includes online photo gallery with ALL of your photos
• They offer all sizes for children, even toddlers, as well as women. Mer-men are welcome with sizing available from S-XXXXL
• Bring a bikini top or halter top; they only provide the tail

---

12. Self-Guided Audio Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 50 minutes | 🚶🏻‍♀️ Check Rates and Availability

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 50 minutes
• Tour Rating: 4 out of 5 stars/21+ reviews
• Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Go at your own pace on this Self-Guided Audio Tour.

This was one the best self guided audio tours I’ve had. The guides were engaging and the directions were very clear on where to go next. Lots of little side stories were fun.

—Aileen (read more reviews)

The audio commentary will play automatically as you hit each local highlight on a downloadable app!

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Go at your own pace
• You leisurely see Avalon and iconic landmarks
•  Audio commentary plays automatically as you hit each local highlight

---

13. Catalina Falconry Experience

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 75 minutes
• Availability: Spring to fall
• Hours: Saturday and Sunday at 9:45 am and 11:45 am
• Need to know: Minimum age: 7

Why You’ll Love This

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of falcons, hawks, and owls through the extraordinary Catalina Falconry Experience.

Encounter these magnificent creatures up close, discovering the art of handling them and summoning their return.

---

14. Catalina Aerial Adventure

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 90 minutes
• Hours: Open 9:00 am – last climb 3:00 pm
• Need to know: Minimum age: 7, at least 55 inches tall, and weigh between 50-270 pounds. Close-toed shoes are required.

Why You’ll Love This

I have yet to try this, but I want to! This Catalina Aerial Adventure looks terrific for those who are thrilled by heights!

Catalina Aerial Adventure is just a short stroll from Descanso Beach Club, but you’ll feel like you’re deep in the woods as you climb, swing, and crawl through a series of challenging obstacles suspended in a grove of towering eucalyptus.

They offer five self-guided, self-paced courses—each made up of rope ladders, log bridges, balance beams, zip lines, and other elements.

Each course is arranged into beginner, intermediate, and advanced configurations, offering aerial excitement for everyone, regardless of skill or athletic ability.

---

15. Ridgetop Eco Adventure

Tour Highlights:

• Tour Length: 2 hours
• Availability: Year-round
• Need to know: Bumpy ride

Why You’ll Love This Tour

On this Ridgetop Eco Adventure Tour you’ll experience the unparalleled thrill of embarking on a captivating expedition across the unspoiled wilderness of Catalina Island, all while comfortably seated in an open-air Hummer powered by biofuel.

This extraordinary journey allows you to intimately connect with Catalina’s distinctive landscape as you traverse the ridge, winding through untamed canyons that reach heights of up to 1,500 feet, culminating in the majestic East Peak.

---

How to Get to Catalina Island

The cheapest and easiest way to get to Catalina Island is via ferry. You can get the ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, Newport Beach, and Dana Point.

The Catalina Express runs from Long Beach and San Pedro to Avalon, and the Catalina Flyer runs from Newport Beach to Avalon.

Book a round-trip ferry to Catalina from San Pedro or Long Beach. Check availability.

🛫 If you’re coming to California and want to visit Catalina, the closest airport to jump on the Catalina Express is Long Beach Airport (code: LGB).

🚘 It’s usually much cheaper to fly into LAX (Long Beach is my favorite airport, but flights are on average $100 – $200 higher than fares to LAX) then you’ll need to rent a car to drive to Long Beach or San Pedro to catch the Catalina Express. 

🚁 You can always helicopter in for a price if you get seasick like me. You have to open your wallet! Try IEX Helicopter Tours, which can fly you from mainland California to Catalina Island.

Where To Stay On Catalina Island

There are many hotels and accommodations to choose from on Catalina Island, here are some that I recommend:

Best Beach Access: Catalina Island Inn

Best Luxury: Mt. Ada Bed & Breakfast (gorgeous views of Catalina!) 

Best for families with little kids: Hotel Atwater

---

Catalina Island Travel Guide & Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is Catalina Island?

Catalina Island is the southernmost island of California’s Channel Islands, about 22 miles south-southwest of Los Angeles.

How to Get from Avalon to Two Harbors

It’s a very short distance between Avalon and Two Harbors on Catalina Island.

The island itself is a mere 22 miles long. The distance between Avalon and Two Harbors is about 21 miles.

There are two (possibly three) options. The two obvious options are by land or by sea.

Sea: Via Cyclone Power Boat 🛥️

The cheapest and fastest way to reach Two Harbors from Avalon is the Cyclone Power Boat.

Taking the Cyclone from Avalon to Two Harbors is a great way to see the island from a different vantage point and get some refreshing Pacific Ocean air.

Catalina Island is a boat town; most people go to be on the water.

What you need to know about the Cyclone:

• Departs from Green Pier in Avalon
• The Cyclone Power Boat is only available seasonally from May to early October
• A one-way ticket costs $18
• Takes 40 minutes
• Check rates and schedule here

Land: Via Taxi 🚖

The second option is to take a taxi from Avalon to Two Harbors and back, which is more expensive than taking the Cyclone.

What you need to know about taking a taxi:

• Operates daily
• Pick up in Avalon
• Toyota Sienna minivan
• It holds up to seven people
• Book taxi here
• One-way fares start at $250
• Take around 1 hour and 15 minutes

FAQs: Is Catalina Island Worth Visiting

Below are the most common questions about visiting Catalina Island off the coast of California.

What month is best for Catalina Island?

The best time of year to visit Catalina Island is during the spring and fall. Minimal crowds, excellent weather!

How many days is enough on Catalina Island?

Based on my recent trip to Catalina Island, spend at least two nights. That way, you can spend time in Two Harbors and Avalon and fully immerse yourself in island life just outside of mainland California. Take in the ocean breeze, swim in the Pacific, have a few meals, and head back. Two days is perfect.

What is the best day of the week to visit Catalina Island?

Planning your island getaway midweek means you can avoid the busiest days; Saturday and Sunday. Cruise ships visit the island on Mondays and Tuesdays, so in the summer, the least crowded days are typically Wednesdays and Thursdays

Is it worth going to Catalina Island for the day?

Yes, a day trip to Catalina Island can be quite enjoyable. My partner and I just spent a day there. Make sure you purchase your Catalina Express return ticket when you buy your ticket from Long Beach or San Pedro. All the best tours are 2 hours or under, so you may be able to do a couple of tours before heading back on the 1-hour ferry. 

What is the hottest month on Catalina Island

August tends to be the hottest month in Catalina, with an average high of 71° Fahrenheit.

How long is the ferry ride to Catalina Island?

The Catalina Express is a one-hour high-speed boat ride.

Do you need a car on Catalina Island?

No, cars are restricted to a limited number on Catalina Island. However, you can rent golf carts, bikes, e-bikes, and scooters to make it easier to get around the island than walking.

Can you walk everywhere on Catalina Island?

Yes, you can walk almost anywhere in Avalon, the main hub on Catalina Island. If you want to go from Avalon to Two Harbors, it requires a taxi or a boat. 

How do you get around Catalina Island?

You can get around Catalina Island by walking, public transit, taxi, or golf cart. Touring Catalina Island in a golf cart is a fun way to see the island!

Is Uber available on Catalina Island?

No. Uber and Lyft are restricted from operating on the island. California limits the number of automobiles on Catalina, so many locals and tourists rent golf carts. 

What is the cheapest way to get to Catalina Island?

The Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach is the cheapest way to get to Catalina Island. 

How do you get to Two Harbors on Catalina Island?

There are several ways to get to Two Harbors on Catalina Island. You can take the Catalina Express from San Pedro to Two Harbors, but they don’t have a regular schedule. Taking a ferry from San Pedro or Long Beach to Avalon is best. Then, you can get to Two Harbors from Avalon by boat or taxi.

Does Catalina Express sell out?

Yes, the Catalina Express does sell out often. Make reservations in advance, particularly in summer and on holiday weekends. 

Best Time To Visit Catalina Island

The ideal time to visit Catalina Island varies depending on what type of activities you’re most interested in.

The summer months are recommended if you enjoy water activities because they are warmer.

Conversely, if you prefer to avoid large crowds, the winter season will suit you best.

Spring: Spring means fewer crowds and mild weather.

👉🏻 See also: Spring Weather Info For Catalina Island: March, April, and May.

Summer: Warmer temperatures, great for the many water activities on Catalina Island.

👉🏻 See also: Summer Weather Info For Catalina Island: June, July, and August.

Fall: Fall means fewer crowds and mild weather, and is one of the best times to visit. 

👉🏻 See also: Fall Weather Info For Catalina Island: September, October, and November.

Winter: Winter means fewer crowds and a bit cooler weather. Great time to hike on Catalina Island. 

👉🏻 See also: Winter Weather Info For Catalina Island: December, January, and February.

Wrap-Up: Best Catalina Island Tours

Optimize your time on Catalina Island with these top-notch tours that showcase the island’s key highlights. 

If you’re aiming for just one tour, we strongly suggest reserving the Private Golf Cart Tour to enjoy a personalized and efficient experience, allowing you to see more in a shorter duration.

Read More of My Tips About Visiting Catalina Island

• Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island
• Wrigley Botanical Garden & Memorial on Catalina Island
• Renting a Golf Cart on Catalina Island & What You Need to Know
• Catalina Island in June
• Catalina Island in July
• Catalina Island in August

---