What to Do in Catalina Island for a Day

From the Author: I tried to book the Catalina Express for October, and the early morning ferries from Long Beach were sold out three weeks in advance. So, even in the off-season, book your ferry in advance.

Key Takeaways

Wondering, what to do in Catalina Island for a day? As someone who lives in Los Angeles, my partner and I frequently go to Catalina Island for a day, because it makes for the perfect day trip from LA.

But you do have to plan. We have recommendations for visiting Catalina Island for one day.

The first thing you must know is to book your ferry tickets in advance, even during the off-season.

When visiting Catalina Island for a day, you’ll want to book the early morning ferry and the latest ferry from the island in the evening.

These time slots book up the quickest.

See the link below to book Catalina Express Ferry tickets.

The Catalina Island Express boat in the Pacific Ocean.

No time to read this whole article? No worries!
Book the Catalina Express here! ⛴️

Things to Do in Catalina Island for a Day

Despite its small island status, there’s no end to things to do on Catalina Island.

You’ll need to keep two key things in mind: 1) plan ahead and 2) plan strategically.

To maximize your Catalina Island travel time, you’ll want to plan your one day getaway to Catalina Island itinerary carefully.

people on a ferry taking pictures of the water. — We rolled in on the first ferry of the day as the sun was coming up over Catalina, it was stunning

Step One: How to Get to Catalina Island

One day on Catalina Island is the perfect time to get to know this enchanting place.

Getting to Catalina is half the fun.

The fastest and cheapest way to reach Catalina Island is the Catalina Island Express.

Take a high-speed ferry from one of the ports on the coast of Southern California, and you’re on the island in an hour to an hour and thirty minutes, depending on which departure point you choose.

On the way, you’ll get stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

A map of Southern California and Catalina Island showing the entry ports to the island. — The four entry ports from mainland California to Santa Catalina, also known as Catalina Island.

There are four ports the Catalina Express Ferry, and the Catalina Flyer leave from to get to either Avalon on Catalina Island or Two Harbors on Catalina Island.

If you’re coming from Orange County, Newport Beach is the closest port.

San Pedro — drops off in Avalon and Two Harbors
Long Beach — Avalon
Newport Beach — Avalon
Dana Point — Avalon

Important note: It’s best to be dropped off in Avalon. It’s the central hub on Catalina Island. Two Harbors is nice, but there is less to do. You can always take another short ferry ride once in Avalon to get to Two Harbors.

Reserving a spot on the Catalina Express Ferry provides an excellent opportunity to explore all the island offers, including hiking, sightseeing, dining, and shopping.

Please reserve in advance; tickets sell out, especially in the summer.

Recently, during the off-season, I tried to get tickets to Catalina Island three weeks before my trip and couldn’t.

A fery docks at the dock — The **Catalina Express**.

I was trying to go for the day—Catalina Island makes a great day trip—but all the early-morning arrivals and late-night returns were sold out.

So, buy ferry tickets in advance. And make sure to purchase a round trip ticket.

Pro tip: Long Beach has the greatest number of daily departures.

When you arrive on the ferry — 7:30 to 8:30 am

If you arrive on the Long Beach ferry, you’ll be dropped off at Avalon, the central hub. Grab coffee.

If you get the 6:00 am ferry, you’ll arrive in Avalon a little after 7:00 am, still time for some caffeine, and you’ll need it, it’ll be a packed day.

When I arrive in the main town of Avalon at the ferry terminal, it’s usually in the early morning, so I go directly for an espresso at either Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co or Bistro at the Atwater.

A man smiling for the camera behind two women in line at a coffee shop. — My partner smiling for the camera as we wait in line at the Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. It’s busy first thing in the morning.

Coffee & Cookie in the Metropole Market Place opens early and serves coffee, not espresso. But the coffee is excellent and strong.

Both have great coffee and espresso, and the former has great grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches.

It’s wise to fuel up for the day ahead.

Rent a golf cart right after coffee or take the Private Golf Cart Tour — 9:00 to 11:30 am

Gold carts are the primary mode of transportation on Catalina Island. There is no bridge to Catalina Island, so you can’t drive or take your car on the ferry.

California limits the number of vehicles on the island, so renting a golf cart or taking the Private Golf Cart Tour for four (highly recommended) is the way to get around Catalina Island.

And, it’s a blast.

a hot man sits in a golf cart with clouds and palm trees in the background — My partner in the golf cart we rented on Catalina Island.

To decide between the two, ask yourself, do I want to shut off my brain and be driven around by a local guide, or do I want to follow a map and have to think about directions? If you want to have a cocktail while touring the island and not think, go for the Golf Cart Tour.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rating: 5/5 for 250+reviews – this tour is likely to sell out

I highly recommend this Private Golf Cart Tour of Avalon; it’s a fun, zippy way to see most of Avalon in two hours.

The tour takes you to most of Catalina’s landmarks, like the iconic Catalina Casino, Pebbly Beach, Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, and much more, with a local guide who knows the history and allure of Catalina Island.

Five women holding up glasses and toasting on a blue golf cart. Wondering is renting a gold cart on Catalina Island is worth it. We thing so.

Book this Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon which has a perfect 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If tours aren’t your thing — I resisted them for a while, too — another great option is to rent a golf cart from one of the many golf cart rental places on the island.

I recommend Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals.

They provide a map of a 12-mile scenic route that takes about an hour to complete, which is a great place to start if it’s your first time on the island.

Drive up to the Buena Vista Point Scenic Overlook for the best views and take in all of Avalon from above and most of Catalina. Make sure you snap some photos of these beautiful views of the island.

Note: To rent a golf cart from Catalina Golf Cart Rentals, drivers must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. A $50 deposit (in cash) is also required for rentals. There is an ATM located nearby for your convenience.

Grab lunch at The Naughty Fox — 12:00 to 1:30 pm

I highly recommend The Naughty Fox for a healthy but delicious meal. They also have not-so-healthy food too, like burgers and fries.

The restaurant’s alfresco dining area provides a picturesque waterfront vista, situated across from the roundabout with the captivating backdrop of the Catalina Casino and the ocean.

The Naughty Fox specializes in coastal cuisine and boasts an impressive selection of wines and island-inspired cocktails.

people sit outside on a patio eating at a restaurant called The Naughty Fox — The Naughty Fox in Avalon. It’s has great food and great people watching.

Our favorites were their refreshing salads adorned with fresh tuna and the irresistible ahi poke nachos.

Delicious! 😋

The Naughty Fox is right on the main street which runs through Avalon. Sit outside on the patio and people watch while you eat and rest your legs from riding in the golf cart.

Take the Zip Line Eco Tour — 2:00 to 4:00 pm

After lunch, when your meal has settled in your stomach, head to the Zipline Eco Tour to spend an hour sailing over Descanso Canyon, Avalon, and Eucalyptus trees.

A white building surrounded by trees — This building is where you go to take the Zip Line.

This specific course offers a combination of thrilling ziplines, some reaching heights of approximately 600 feet, alongside gentler options that are perfect for those trying ziplining for the first time.

This zip line tour is especially nice to experience at golden hour when the sun is setting over Avalon.

Stroll to Descanso Beach Club past the Catalina Island Casino — 4:00 to 6:00 pm

Both the Descanso Beach Club and the Catalina Casino are famous spots on the Island. You can fit in an hour at both places.

A man stands on a balcony with his back facing the camera as he looks at a view of mountains and water — My partner looking at the water in Avalon Harbor from the balcony of the Catalina Casino. The tour is worth it.

First, you’ll pass the Catalina Casino on your left. My partner and I took the one-hour tour and it was worth it.

Step into the glamorous history of Catalina Island with a tour of the iconic Catalina Casino, a stunning Art Deco landmark overlooking Avalon Bay. On the tour, you’ll explore the breathtaking 1929 movie theater, admire the intricate murals, and take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about its rich Hollywood past.

Descanso Beach Club

Now, it’s time to relax. Kick back in a private cabana at Descanso Beach Club, the only beachside restaurant and bar on Catalina Island, where you can enjoy drinks right on the sand.

People sit and eat on tables by the beach — Relax at Descanso Beach Club with a drink while looking at the water.

Try exciting water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Descanso Cove.

Sip on a signature Buffalo Milk cocktail while soaking in the ocean views, then unwind with live music and beachside dining for the perfect island escape.

Dinner time at The Lobster Trap — 6:00 to 7:30 pm

The Lobster Trap, located at 128 Catalina Street in Avalon, is a beloved dining spot on Catalina Island, renowned for its fresh seafood and casual, welcoming atmosphere.

It’s a favorite to locals and tourists alike.

A bright blue building called the Lobster Trap. — The Lobster Trap in the heart of Avalon. It’s a local favorite.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it offers a diverse menu that caters to various tastes.

Indulge in signature dishes such as the local lobster served with shrimp stuffing, the lobster roll featuring chopped claw meat in a creamy tarragon sauce, and the savory bacon-wrapped scallops.

The restaurant also boasts a full bar, making it an ideal venue for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable meal in a chill setting.

Catch the last ferry from Avalon to Long Beach — 7:45 pm

Make sure to catch the last ferry at 7:45 from Avalon (where you started your day) to Long Beach. If you have time, grab some ice cream for the trip at Scoops Catalina.

Two cups of ice cream with pink spoons in them — We stopped at Scoops Catalina right before we boarded the Catalina Express, they have great flavors.

What to Do in Catalina Island for a Day

As the sun sets over Avalon, wrapping up your day on Catalina Island feels like the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Whether you’ve explored the island’s stunning coastline by kayak, wandered through the charming streets of Avalon, lounged at Descanso Beach Club, or taken in the rich history of the Catalina Casino, there’s no shortage of unforgettable moments.

A day on Catalina Island may be short, but it’s packed with enough scenery, activities, and island vibes to make you want to return again and again.

I know I will.

A man stand and takes a picture of the fog, water and trees on Catalina Island.

California Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?

100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)

💦 Can you drink the water in California?

Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.

🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?

Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)

🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?

For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.