A Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip – the Complete Guide

Are you planning a day trip to Catalina Island? Then continue reading! I’ll share everything you need to know to create your perfect Catalina Island day trip.

Santa Catalina Island, which is generally referred to simply as Catalina Island, is located less than 30 miles off the coast of California’s mainland. It’s one of the easiest island getaways from Los Angeles and Orange County.

With a population of just over 4200 people and around 22 miles (35 km) in length, this tiny Californian island makes for an amazing, fun-filled day trip.

I recently got the chance to visit Catalina Island and was blown away by its breathtaking beauty, which quickly turned Catalina into one of my all-time favorite travel destinations.

In this guide, I will go over all of the best insider tips on how to have a successful Catalina Island day trip.

How to Get to Catalina Island

There are two different options to choose from to get from the mainland to Catalina Island: by sea or by air.

The most common way to get to Catalina Island for the day is by taking a ferry to Avalon, the main town on the island.

There are 4 different ports to travel out of: San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach, or Dana Point. The ferry rides are operated by two companies: Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer and take about an hour.

The next option will have you in Catalina in just about 15 minutes and that is by helicopter with Maverick Helicopters. You can catch a helicopter ride from San Pedro, Long Beach, John Wayne Airport, and Burbank Airport.

While the ferry usually costs about $90 for a round trip (discounts available for seniors and children), it is by far the most cost-effective way for your Catalina Island day trip. A helicopter ride starts at $199 per person for a one-way flight.

Tip: Catalina Island makes a perfect day trip from both Los Angeles and San Diego

Things to Do During Your Catalina Island Day Trip

Catalina Island Day Trip at a Glance

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here’s a quick overview of what I think are the best things to do during a Catalina Island day trip.

Looking For:	Best Activity:
Beautiful views	Rent a golf cart and explore Avalon’s scenic viewpoints.
Marine life	Go snorkeling at Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve.
A relaxing afternoon	Spend some time at Descanso Beach or Avalon Beach.
Adventure	Take the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour.
A family-friendly activity	Join the Nautilus semi-submarine tour.
Great local food	Enjoy fresh seafood or join a guided food tour in Avalon.
Getting out on the water	Rent a kayak or paddleboard in Avalon Bay.

If you only have one day on Catalina Island, I recommend combining one activity on the water, some time exploring Avalon, and either a golf cart tour or a visit to Descanso Beach. That gives you a great mix, and a perfect opportunity to enjoy the laid-back island atmosphere Catalina is known for.

Here are all my recommendations for things to do on Catalina Island in more detail:

1. Rent a Golf Cart

Renting a golf cart is one of Catalina’s classic experiences and one of the most popular ways to explore Avalon. I loved driving around in our golf cart, taking in all the beautiful views the island offers.

In downtown Catalina, you’ll find several golf cart rental companies that will let you rent carts by the hour. Along with a golf cart, you will be given a map of the island and sent on your way to let your wanderlust run wild.

We rented our golf cart for 2 hours, but 1 hour ended up being more than enough time to drive around and discover the island.

Tip: If you really want to see all the best places on the island then this private golf cart tour is a great option.

2. Walk Around Downtown

Avalon is the main town on Catalina Island, and that is where you find downtown Catalina.

Filled with delicious restaurants, shopping boutiques, and some fun nightlife, downtown Catalina is the perfect way to unwind and spend your day.

Whether you’re in a shopping mood or would like to enjoy a seaside cocktail, this quaint neighborhood is the perfect place to hang out and relax.

While you can easily get through all of downtown within 30 minutes, it’s perfect because it leaves time for the rest of the activities you can do during your Catalina Island day trip.

3. Go Snorkeling

If there is an activity that I can’t recommend enough it’s to go snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the island. With an abundance of different snorkeling locations, there is absolutely no better way to spend your day in Catalina.

Snorkeling is one of my favorite activities in the world, so it’s needless to say that whenever I am anywhere near water, I try to fit some snorkel time into my itinerary.

While I have been snorkeling more times than I can count, in more places than I can count, Catalina blew me away with its out-of-this-world snorkeling spots. With hundreds of fish swimming around you, this is the perfect activity for your day in Catalina.

4. Take an Underwater Cruise

Looking to catch a glimpse of the underwater world but don’t want to get wet? There is this cool semi-submarine called Nautilus.

They offer trips that last 45 minutes and take you to a marine sanctuary to see the fish from your own porthole. Especially if you are visiting Catalina Island with kids, this is a great activity!

You’ll be taken through Lover’s Cove, a State Marine Conservation Area sanctuary where you’ll see amazing undersea gardens and ocean habitats in a semi-submersible vessel designed after America’s first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus.

Also Read: Things to Do on a Family Day Out in Los Angeles

5. Zipline Across the Island

What better way to view Catalina than from 300 feet above the ground?

While this activity might not be for the weak-hearted, it is definitely worth it and probably one of the most exhilarating things to do in Catalina Island.

Catch views like no other, all while getting a good adrenaline rush by zip-lining through the island. There truly is not a more liberating feeling than traveling through the air at high speeds while basking in the beauty that Catalina offers.

You can book a zipline tour here.

Tip: if this zipline sounds a bit too much for you, check out this activity. It gets you to climb bridges, ladders, and other challenging obstacles suspended in a grove of towering eucalyptus. Great to do with kids as well!

6. Lay Out on the Beach

If you’re looking to just take it easy during your Catalina Island day trip, there is nothing wrong with just grabbing a cocktail, laying out on the beach, and enjoying the sunshine.

And to be quite honest, you can never go wrong with a beach day. The main beach at Catalina is breathtaking and it’s the perfect way to unwind during your vacation.

7. Kayak Through the Waters of the Island

Another famous activity in Catalina is kayaking. Rent a kayak for a few hours and go out into the water for a fun day at sea.

Kayaking is the perfect way to explore the beauty of the island as you get to spend time with the hundreds of fish that will be swimming around you. And with crystal clear waters, it will be easy to spot all the different types of fish in the waters of the island.

You can rent kayaks, and also paddle boards, and snorkeling gear from Wet Spot Rentals. They are located in Avalon Bay, just a short walk from the dock where the ferries arrive.

Tip: Looking for more of an adrenaline rush? You can go parasailing in Avalon as well. So instead of admiring Catalina’s beautiful coastline from a kayak, you could also do so from the air!

8. Enjoy the Good Food

Santa Catalina Island is known for its good seafood restaurants. The Lobster Trap is a favorite, but there are many options around Avalon.

Stop by Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co for a cup of coffee and a delicious sweet treat (including vegan options).

If you’re looking for the best homemade ice cream, go to Scoops.

And check out Descanso Beach Club if you want to enjoy a cocktail and some food by the beach.

If you love meeting new people and getting to know where the locals eat, then this food tour is a great option! It takes you to several local favorites and teaches you a bit about the island’s culinary history as well.

The Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip

Although small, Catalina is filled with so many fun activities for anyone who visits the island. From the beautiful surroundings to the locals who so warmly welcome you in, the food, and the ocean.

You can never go wrong with taking a day trip to Catalina Island.

While of course, it would be nice to spend a few extra days on the island. If you do have more time, check out this article about the best places to stay on Catalina Island.

But, even if you only have one day, that’s still perfect to have the time of your life in such a gorgeous place.

In fact, Catalina Island is often listed as one of the best day trips from Los Angeles.

Tip: If you are looking for hotels in Southern California, check out this list of unique hotels worth staying at.

Also Read:

• 2 Days in Los Angeles – the Must-Sees on a Short Trip
• Things to Do on a Family Day Out in Los Angeles
• The Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara
• Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz, California
• 15 Must-See Places in San Francisco
• What to Do in San Diego
• Things to Do in Big Bear Lake – A Perfect 2 or 3 Day Trip from LA or San Diego

Or check out an overview of all articles about California.

 

Like this article about the perfect Catalina Island day trip? Pin it!

This article about a perfect Catalina Island day trip contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.