Things to do & places to visit in Catalina Island, California, United States

Catalina Island island in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 10:43.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Silver Canyon Pottery (128 reviews)
- Pottery Pleasure Pursuit
Spent 1-2 hours Lessons & Workshops

Silver Canyon Pottery offers an intimate glimpse into tile production on Catalina Island. Small, all inclusive tours, personally led by the artist, educate guests about the history, geology, artistic traditions, and techniques that created the historic tiles that define Catalina. Most fun of all, guests don an apron, role up their sleeves and create their own tile! Great family activity. See more..
5.0 Escape Room Catalina (46 reviews)
- Must do!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Escape Games

Join the Crew with the Catalina Pirate Challenge. Compete against the clock in this one-hour escape room experience. Enjoy the free charging stations and temperature controlled rooms as you work together to beat the captain and win your freedom. Free photos with every admission See more..
5.0 The Spa at Catalina (23 reviews)
- Greatest Couples Massage
Spas

We booked this couples massage for our 5 year anniversary and it exceeded our expectations. We stayed at the At Water Hotel and Ali informed us that were able to take a free shuttle up to the massage studio which was very helpful. Once we arrived we were greeted by the wonderful Ali who immediately made us relaxed and comfortable. The massage itself was wonderful - we received the body scrub which made our skin so soft. The music, ambiance, and masseuses made the whole experience so relaxing and calm. At the end we were able to shower and given chocolates to top it off. Overall absolutely wonderful experience, would highly recommend to anyone spending time at Catalina. See more..
5.0 El Rancho Escondido (3 reviews)
- Inner Island History
Ranches

Nestled in a small valley nearly 12 miles outside of Avalon is El Rancho Escondido, "the hidden ranch." Still a working ranch, it was originally started as the Wrigley family's Arabian Horse Ranch. The facility's prizewinning horses, historic memorabilia, and entertaining exhibits make it a favorite stop on Discovery Tours Inland Motor Tour. See more..
5.0 Garden to Sky Trail (1 review)
- Incredible views & worth the effort
Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails

This is a difficult trail, you need to be in somewhat good shape to hike, but you hike all the way up to the summit and when you get there you can see the ocean on both sides of the island. Incredible views as you hike and once you get there. Bring plenty of water and be patient, it will be worth it. It took us a about 2 hours to hike from Avalon. You go through the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden and pay the $8 admission fee at the entrance. See more..
4.5 Catalina Island Casino (892 reviews)
- The Best Way to Access Behind the Scenes at this Magnificent, Historic Gem. Hollywood Should Take Note.
Casinos

The iconic Catalina Casino epitomizes everything glamorous about Santa Catalina Island. On the lower level the building features extraordinary Art Deco murals and a classic 1929 pipe organ inside the Avalon Theatre, which still shows movies on its massive screen.The top level of this 12 story high architectural wonder features the beautiful, world-famous Casino Ballroom, a masterpiece of design and a long-standing venue for the world’s best musical performers and big bands. It is also a popular venue for weddings and special events. The only access to the building is through an exclusive Casino Tour offered through Discovery Tours. Once on the tour you’ll soon understand why many call this the most romantic place in Catalina. See more..
4.5 Descanso Beach Club (828 reviews)
- Best Beach in Avalon!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bars & Clubs

Surrounded by the rugged beauty of Descanso Canyon and the clear blue Pacific Ocean, Descanso Beach Club features Avalon’s only beach side restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy appetizers, entrées and signature cocktails, like our famous Buffalo Milk. For the ultimate beach club experience, you can have your food and drinks delivered to your own private cabana or chaise lounge. Descanso Beach Club also serves as the Base Camp for the Zip Line Eco Tour, Catalina Aerial Adventure, Catalina Falconry Experience and a 32' Climbing Wall. Kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and snorkeling are also available. Seasonally, Descanso Beach Club's party scene is well known among locals and visitors alike, DJ tunes and live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. See more..
4.5 Catalina Express (442 reviews)
- Smooth Ferry Ride
Ferries

With 8 boats and up to 30 daily departures year-round from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, Catalina Express is the best way to get to Catalina Island. In about an hour, you could be hiking, biking, shopping, diving, snorkeling, fishing, dining, stand up paddling, kayaking, relaxing at a spa or kicking back at the beach club. Just 22 miles from LA, but a world of difference. (Don't forget to upgrade to the Commodore Lounge and skip the lines with priority check-in, express boarding, plus a complimentary cocktail or soft drink, and more. Just $15 each way.) See more..
4.5 Airport in the Sky (392 reviews)
- Very unique airport
Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Airport in the Sky occupies a 1,602-foot-tall mountaintop at the center of the Catalina Island, 10 miles from the city of Avalon. It's a great destination by tour or shuttle bus, bicycle, on foot whether hiking the Trans Catalina Trail or walking over from Black Jack, or of course, via private or chartered small plane. Its single 3,250-foot-long runway was constructed by blasting and leveling two adjacent peaks, then using the resulting debris to fill in the gaps.The image is of a T-34 Beechcraft that flew in to participate in one of the Airport in the Sky's monthly Aeroclub Fly-In Days. See more..
4.5 Catalina Island Casino Ballroom (297 reviews)
- A must do tour
Historic Sites • Theaters

Few words can describe the ambiance of the Catalina Casino: it epitomizes everything glamorous and romantic about Catalina Island. The one-of-a-kind venue is simply stunning inside, outside, and all around. If the meticulously decorated walls could talk, they’d tell countless stories of romance and celebration gathered from decades of memorable events. The immense, Deco-themed ballroom is large enough to contain weddings, large meetings or lectures or musical events. The Casino has retained its signature lavish style: a stunning medley of rose-hued walls, an arching, 50-foot ceiling with five Tiffany chandeliers, an elevated stage, raised seating areas surrounding the wooden dance floor, and a vintage full-service bar anchoring the back. A sweeping veranda surrounds the ballroom with stunning 360-degree views of Avalon Bay. See more..
4.5 Avalon Theater (286 reviews)
- Stunning... entertaining too...
Theaters

The Avalon Theatre is located in the lower level of the Catalina Casino building. It was built in 1929 as one of the first theaters designed for talking movies. The original Page organ still is played before the movies on Friday-Sunday nights. The theater features first-run movies, seats 1,184 people, is 138 feet across and 43 feet high. Art deco murals by John Gabriel Beckman (designed the artwork in the Grauman's Chinese Theater)adorn the walls and create a glamorous ambiance. See more..
4.5 Catalina Island Museum (258 reviews)
- Great Little Museum!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums

Located in the heart of Avalon, the Catalina Island Museum offers the best in art and history exhibitions, music and dance performances, lectures by guest speakers from all over the world, and the finest in silent, documentary and international film. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, plus New Year's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. See more..
4.5 Golf Gardens Miniature Golf (255 reviews)
- Fun way to kill and hour or so.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Miniature Golf

18 hole course that has delighted visitors for 50 years! Internationally known as one of the world’s most challenging and beautiful miniature golf courses. No fancy electronics, just a good old fashioned challenging & fun layout. Great for the whole family. Landscaping was re-done a year ago featuring native and endemic plants from the Island. Open every day of the year, weather permitting. Open extended hours during summer months. See more..
4.5 Catalina Island Conservancy (241 reviews)
- Excellent, do it1
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Islands • Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Trailhead is the perfect place to begin your Catalina adventure! It is the flagship facility for Catalina Island Conservancy, serving as the gateway to the Island's wildlands. Resources found at the Trailhead help you make the most of your time exploring the Island's 42,000 acres of open space. Visitors to Catalina Island maximize their experience with a stop at the three-story, 9,000-sq.-ft. Trailhead. While there, obtain hiking and biking permits, detailed information on campgrounds, native flora and fauna, ecology and history. It's also a great place to fuel up before your Catalina adventures, with breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily at Toyon Grill. The Trailhead is a destination, complete with interpretive exhibits and an expansion of the Conservancy's popular lecture series. With a rooftop garden that offers stunning views and an extensive collection of retail items, you won't want to miss the Trailhead. See more..
4.5 Catalina Sea Spa (156 reviews)
- Best customer service! Completely accommodating!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spas

Located just steps from the beach in beautiful downtown Avalon, Catalina Island. We not only specialize in Couples massage but single massage as well. Let us relax you and your loved one in one of our beautifully decorated couples rooms each with a different theme. Wonderfully soothing coconut foot massages, peppermint scalp massages, and Lavender facial massages can be added to any service. Our packages can include hot stones, deep tissue, swedish, pregnancy, lomi-lomi, and swedish/thai combination. Whatever you choose you will LOVE our well trained and nurturing staff. Next time you are on the island come by and let us get our hands on you. See you soon! See more..
4.5 Hermit Gulch Trail Loop (81 reviews)
- Great half day hike!
Hiking Trails

We spent one day on the island and this was the first thing we did upon arriving in the harbor. We took a taxi to the campground and started from there (no fee). It is unable uphill trek to get to the top so make sure to bring water and sunscreen.one at the top you go left at the road and it is an easy downhill trail from there with more of a paved path. Once you get closer to the memorial, you have a great view ahead of you and you'll finish off in the gardens, which is a wonderful way to end the hike. From there we paid $2 for the trolley to take us back into town See more..
4.5 Afishinados Gallery (78 reviews)
- What a wonderful inspiring and beautiful shop
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Afishinados Gallery, fine fish art, jewelry and gifts that are made by local and regional artist friends. Everything in the store is hand made, nothing is imported. If you need to buy a gift for a fishy friend are looking to add a beachy piece to your boat or home or just enjoy marine-inspired art you will love a walk through this unique gallery. See more..
4.5 Two Harbors (67 reviews)
- Family Vacation
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Village of Two Harbors, located on the west end of Catalina Island where Catalina Harbor and Isthmus Cove are separated by just 1/4 mile. A favorite destination for boaters from the mainland, with 720 moorings, pier and shore boat service. The village offers two restaurants, two bars, general store, marine repair, PADI certified SCUBA, snorkeling, kayak and Mt. bike rentals. There is also a large campground and a lodge. See more..
4.5 Island Spa Catalina (65 reviews)
- A must when you visit Avalon!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spas

Reflecting Catalina Island's rich history and relaxed seaside vibe, Island Spa Catalina offers a variety of thoughtfully selected treatments and rejuvenating therapies reflecting intrinsic island botanicals. See more..
4.5 Nature Center at Avalon Canyon (63 reviews)
- Learn about the island!
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Nature & Wildlife Areas

Exhibits and films about Catalina Island’s wildlife, visit with a Naturalist, and get a hiking permit. See more..
4.5 Green Pleasure Pier (44 reviews)
- The one and only Green Pleasure Pier!
Piers & Boardwalks

The Green Pleasure Pier has been welcoming visitors to the shores of Catalina for a very long time, and the pier has retained the authentic charm for every visitor stepping foot on this historic pier. See more..
4.5 Trans-Catalina Trail (23 reviews)
- Amazing trip
Hiking Trails

The Trans-Catalina Trail stretches 37.2 miles from the Renton Mine Trailhead on the East End to Starlight Beach on the West End. It winds up hills and down valleys offering spectacular views across the 43,000-acre Nature Preserve of the Catalina Island Conservancy known as Catalina's wildlands. The picture is of Parsons Landing. See more..
4.5 County of Los Angeles Public Library, Avalon Branch (7 reviews)
- LOVE IT!!!!
Spent 1-2 hours Libraries

I was able to get a library card online and check out books and other resources on a regular basis. I also love the friends of the library boxes around town for barter... I can't wait for the Library to open again for patrons indoors!!! See more..
4.0 Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden (657 reviews)
- Travel to the Gardens
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Monuments & Statues • Gardens

The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden is located at the top of Avalon Canyon - just a short 30 minute stroll up from town! The Garden features a collection of native plants from both Catalina Island, and the surrounding Channel Islands. The Garden also features a collection of succulents from around the world. The park is also home to the Wrigley Memorial. This iconic island landmark was built in 1934 in honor of Catalina Island patron William Wrigley Jr. The unique structure incorporates a variety of native rock and stone, as well as the famed "Catalina tile." See more..
4.0 Catalina Museum For Art & History (216 reviews)
- THE INSIDE STORY OF CATALINA
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

Located in Avalon's historic Casino building, the museum has updated its entire facility to include an expanded museum store, a digital theater, a number of galleries dedicated to the history of Catalina Island and a special exhibitions gallery which changes 3-4 times each year. See more..
4.0 Catalina Island Visitor Center (114 reviews)
- Beautiful Catalina Island
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Formerly the Catalina Island Chamber & Visitors Bureau, Love Catalina Island is the the Catalina Island Tourism Authority. Offering information on Catalina Island, Southern California's only island destination. Open 364 days a year and ready to assist with accommodations, events and things to do on Catalina Island. See more..
4.0 Catalina Island Golf Cart (113 reviews)
- Nice scenic drive
Gear Rentals

We enjoyed our time. A bit spendy, but a great way to get some great views. The two hours also allowed us enough time to make a quick visit to the Wrigley Memorial and botanical garden. We were surprised when they asked for a cash deposit. Who carries $60 cash around any more, I mean you have my credit card already and my insurance. They took the $20+ we could scrape together as the deposit and were friendly about it. Cart was very underpowered, on purpose I'm sure to keep kids from racing them, but I was wondering if we were going to make it up the hill a couple of times. See more..
4.0 Santa Catalina Island Interpretive Center (19 reviews)
- Hiking in Catalina Island
Nature & Wildlife Areas

From the Wrigley Memorial we hiked the Garden to the Sky trail as recommended in the interpretive Center. A little steep on the way up, but the views were spectacular. At the top one can see the ocean on both sides of the island. The trail continues for another 6 miles to Avalon. It is 2.8 miles round trip from the interpretive Center. See more..
2.0 Starlight Beach (1 review)
- Nothing Special
Beaches

Secluded beach on Catalina Island. See more..
Saint Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church (0 review)
Churches & Cathedrals
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