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🏝️California hidden getaway: Santa Catalina Island
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items Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a day trip, this is my curated guide to experiencing the best of Catalina Island. From scenic beaches and local favorites to memorable stays, great food, and thoughtfully chosen travel essentials, everythin...
Sections
6
🌊 Things to do
🏨 Hotels
🍽️ Places to eat
🛥️ Getting there
🧳 What to pack
📸 Best photo spots
🌊 Things to do
One of Catalina’s most iconic landmarks. Even if you don’t take a tour, it’s worth walking around to admire the beautiful Art Deco architecture and panoramic views of Avalon Harbor. It’s a must-see piece of the island’s history.
The Catalina Casino
A great way to experience the quieter, wilder side of Catalina. The guided tour takes you beyond Avalon to scenic overlooks, native wildlife, and landscapes you wouldn’t otherwise see.
Catalina Island Eco Tour | Official Wildlands Tour
One of the easiest ways to explore Catalina’s underwater world without getting in the water. The clear views of colorful fish and marine life make it a fun experience for all ages.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
If you’re looking for crystal-clear water, this is the spot. It’s one of the best places on the island for snorkeling, swimming, and spotting marine life just offshore.
Lover's Cove State Marine Conservation Area
Seeing Catalina from above is unforgettable. The views of the coastline and turquoise water make this one of the most memorable experiences on the island.
Catalina Xtreme Parasail: Parasailing Catalina Island - Book Today
Equal parts adventure and sightseeing. You’ll glide above canyons with incredible ocean views while learning a little about Catalina’s unique landscape along the way.
Catalina Zipline Eco Tour
One of the best ways to explore Avalon at your own pace. The scenic drive offers beautiful viewpoints, charming neighborhoods, and plenty of opportunities to stop for photos.
Catalina Island Golf Cart: Homepage
Paddling along Catalina’s coastline gives you a completely different perspective of the island. The calm, clear water makes it an enjoyable activity for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.
Descanso Beach Ocean Sports - Catalina Island
A peaceful way to enjoy the ocean while taking in Catalina’s stunning scenery. Early mornings usually offer the calmest water and the best views below the surface.
WET SPOT RENTALS :: Catalina Island Kayak Rentals | Snorkel ...
If you’re up for a hike, this trail rewards you with sweeping views of Avalon, the harbor, and the surrounding coastline. Bring water and take your time it’s worth the climb.
Garden to Sky - Modern Hiker
A fun, relaxed activity that’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a break from the beach. It’s an easy way to spend an hour in the heart of Avalon.
Golf Gardens Mini Golf - Catalina Island
This semi-submersible tour offers an up-close look at Catalina’s underwater ecosystem while staying completely dry. A great option if you want to experience marine life without snorkeling.
Undersea Sub Expedition - Catalina Island
Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, Catalina’s waters are known for excellent fishing and beautiful coastal scenery.
Fishing Charters & Tours in Santa Catalina - Tripadvisor
Descanso Beach Club is one of those places that instantly puts you in vacation mode. The waterfront setting, calm water, and laid-back vibe make it a must-visit whether you’re staying for a few hours or the whole day.
Descanso Beach Club | Cabanas, Dining & Daybeds - Catalina Island
🏨 Hotels
Stylish, comfortable, and conveniently located within walking distance of Avalon Harbor, shops, and restaurants. A great home base for exploring the island.
Hotel Atwater | Avalon Catalina Island –Official Site & Best Rates
Modern coastal design paired with beautiful ocean views makes this one of Avalon’s most charming boutique hotels.
Catalina Island Hotels | Bellanca Hotel
Just steps from the beach and harbor, this hotel is known for its beautiful gardens and relaxing courtyard. It’s an ideal choice if you want to be close to everything.
Pavilion Hotel Catalina | Hotel in Avalon Catalina
A peaceful boutique hotel with rooftop views and a more intimate feel. Perfect if you’re looking for a quieter stay.
Aurora Hotel | Boutique Hotel in Avalon, Catalina Island | Ocean ...
Spacious rooms, a central location, and easy access to Avalon’s main attractions make this a popular option for couples and families alike.
Hotel Metropole
A charming historic hotel with personalized service and a welcoming atmosphere. It offers a cozy stay while keeping you close to the waterfront and downtown Avalon.
The Avalon Hotel on Catalina Island: Lodging in Southern California
🍽️ Places to eat
Fresh seafood, harbor views, and a relaxed atmosphere make this a favorite for lunch or dinner. If you enjoy seafood, it’s hard to go wrong here.
Bluewater Grill
A longtime island favorite serving flavorful Mexican dishes in a welcoming setting. It’s a great place to unwind after exploring Avalon.
Maggie's Blue Rose | Mexican Restaurant on Catalina | Catalina ...
A classic breakfast stop that’s loved by both visitors and locals. Perfect for starting the day before heading out to explore the island.
ORIGINAL JACK'S COUNTRY KITCHEN -
Known for its elevated dining experience and beautiful waterfront views. A great choice for a special dinner while you’re on the island.
Steve's Steakhouse and Seafood
Casual, welcoming, and known for generous portions of fresh seafood. It has the kind of laid-back island atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
Lobster Trap Catalina
A cozy neighborhood-style spot with a creative menu and relaxed vibe. Great for brunch, lunch, or a casual dinner.
The Naughty Fox
🛥️ Getting there
You can take a short Ferry trip from 3 major points!
Ferry from Long Beach:
The most popular and convenient way to reach Catalina. The ride is comfortable, scenic, and offers beautiful ocean views before you even arrive in Avalon.
Ferry from San...
Catalina Express | Ferry to Catalina Island
If you’re short on time—or simply want an unforgettable arrival—the helicopter offers breathtaking aerial views of the California coastline and gets you to the island in minutes.
Helicopter Flight Long Beach or Santa Monica to Catalina Island
🧳 What to pack
Get ready for your next adventure with this reef-friendly sunscreen!
All Good Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30+
Unseen Sunscreen with SPF 50 - Keep your skin protected without the white cast. It's light and oil-free!
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Primer
Keep your skin safe with this sunscreen while enjoying the outdoors.
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Face Stick Sunscreen
This sunscreen is perfect for travel and has a great SPF of 50. It's also oxybenzone free!
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, 3.4oz
These oversized cotton towels are perfect for lounging at the beach or by the pool.
Utopia Towels Pack of 4 Oversized Cotton Beach Towels
Essential for beach trips! These floating waterproof phone pouches keep your phone safe and dry.
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch, Universal Case, IPX8, 2 Pack
Charge your devices quickly with this power bank. It's perfect for travel and fits in your pocket easily!
INIU 45W 10000mAh Fast Charging Power Bank
Stay hydrated on the go with this stylish and practical water bottle. Keeps drinks cold or hot for hours!
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle 24oz
Comfortable shoes is a mist have!
Comfortable walking shoes!
This camera is perfect for capturing those special moments with 16MP and a 4x optical zoom!
Kodak PIXPRO FZ45 16MP Digital Camera
Got the perfect camera for all your memories. Super easy to use!
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Pink Bundle 2026
Great for keeping your valuables protected during boat rides, water activities, or beach days.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag with Phone Case
Makes carrying towels, snacks, sunscreen, and everything else for a beach day simple and organized.
Becokan Large Waterproof Sandproof Beach Tote
Catalina’s crystal-clear water is one of its biggest highlights. Having your own snorkel gear lets you explore whenever you want.
Aegend Snorkel Mask with Dry Valve & Mesh Bag
Budget friendly compared to a go pro! & A great way to capture underwater adventures and scenic views that your phone might miss.
AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS 20MP WiFi Action Cam
Convenient for ferry travel, weekend getaways, and saving space in your luggage.
15-Piece Women’s Travel Toiletry Kit with Shampoo & More
Perfect for a relaxing beach day or a quiet afternoon by the water—just be mindful of those around you and local beach rules.
Ortizan Bluetooth Speaker 1st Gen, IPX7, 30H Playtime
📸 Best photo spots
One of the island’s most photogenic locations, with turquoise water, palm trees, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere that feels like a tropical getaway.
Descanso Beach Club | Cabanas, Dining & Daybeds - Catalina Island
The heart of Catalina and one of the first views you’ll see when you arrive. The boats, waterfront, and colorful hillside homes create a picture-perfect backdrop.
Avalon Harbor
A peaceful escape filled with native plants, beautiful stone architecture, and elevated views overlooking Avalon. It’s one of the island’s hidden gems for photography.
Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens - Catalina Island
Lined with shops, restaurants, palm trees, and ocean views, this lively waterfront street captures the charm and energy of Avalon.
Crescent Avenue
A quieter stretch of shoreline with beautiful blue water and fewer crowds. It’s a peaceful spot to take in Catalina’s natural beauty and capture a different side of the island.
Pebbly Beach on Catalina Island in Avalon, CA - California Beaches