Day Trip to Catalina Island: Plan the Perfect Mini Vacay from LA

Though it’s located just 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island feels like a world away. Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip to Catalina Island or romantic weekend escape, this charming getaway of the Pacific offers outdoor adventure, natural wonders and plenty of options to simply relax and unwind.

I’ve visited the island during every season over the years and I have to say that fall and winter are my favorite.

Why?

Because there are fewer crowds, prices are usually a little cheaper and the weather is still nice — and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t like cold weather. Whenever you decide to go, Catalina Island is a delightful way to break away from your routine and make new memories.

Start Your Day Trip to Catalina Island Aboard Catalina Express

Before your trip begins, the best way to get to the island is Catalina Express. This fleet of high-speed vessels will take you from the mainland (there are ports in Long Beach, Dana Point and San Pedro) to the island in about an hour — and what a fun ride it is! Just being out on the water is refreshing, and if you’re lucky you’ll see dolphins along the way. If you can, upgrade to the Commodore’s Lounge for an extra $20 per ticket — not only will you get to board the boat before everyone else, but you’ll also have VIP access to the top indoor deck and get a complimentary drink and snacks.

The ferries run daily round trips starting as early as 6am and as late as 11:30pm, depending on the season. Be sure to check out the Catalina Express website for the most up-to-date schedule info.

Discover the Island on an Easy Hour-Long Tour

While there are plenty of pricey tours you can take on Catalina Island, your best bet is probably the Discover Avalon tour. This tour is about an hour long, costs $25 per person ($23 for seniors, military and kids ages 2-11) and offers a good lay of the land. The driver will take you through the center of town and up the hillsides around the island to share the history and folklore of the area.

While the Discover Avalon tour is ideal for first-time visitors, it’s also a fun and informative tour for return visitors — my husband and I took family members during our most recent Catalina Island day trip and we still enjoyed every minute of it.

Enjoy the Seaside Charm of Avalon

The heart of Catalina Island is Avalon, a town that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back to a simpler place and time. Just walking along the stretch of shops and cafes is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Whether it’s the pier or the bay or the little side streets, this center of Catalina is a huge part of the island’s charm.

Have a Blast Getting Around With a Golf Cart on Catalina Island

Golf carts, golf carts, everywhere a golf cart! One of the most popular things to do in Avalon is rent one of these fun little rides to get around the island. Since it’s pretty much impossible to get car permits on Catalina (it’s one of the reasons this island is so charming), golf carts will be your main mode of transportation. You can rent a four- or six-passenger cart to explore and discover at your leisure. No required routes, just your sense of adventure and imagination.

Just to give you an idea about cost, on the latest visit to Catalina Island in October 2023, my husband and I rented a four-passenger golf cart for $120 for two hours. It’s not cheap, but it’s so worth it as you can drive way to the top of the island and enjoy the most spectacular views and see a lot more than you would just on foot.

Explore the Iconic Catalina Casino

There’s nothing more iconic about Catalina Island than the Catalina Casino. This beautifully restored, circular Art Deco building is not only an architectural stunner, but it’s also an historic treasure. Just don’t expect to gamble here. The casino takes its name from the Italian term meaning a “gathering place.”

Originally opened over 85 years ago, the Catalina Casino has hosted countless celebrities over the decades. There’s a movie theatre on the lower level, lined with spectacular murals, where you can catch a movie at night, a museum and a ballroom upstairs where events regularly take place, including weddings.

You can take a tour led by friendly and informative guides who will bring the history of this place to life. You’ll get to experience the theatre acoustics for yourself (seriously, you’ll be amazed) and learn fun trivia like looking under the theatre seats. You’ll find original holders for top hats — a necessity for gentlemen back in the day!

The VIP Backstage Tour is well worth the $38.50 price tag ($2 less for kids, seniors and military) or you can explore the space on your own by purchasing a general admission ticket for $19.50 per adult.

Walk Along the Pier to Take In the Sights of Catalina Island

If you’re looking for action-packed activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, zip-lining or parasailing, Catalina Island has plenty of options. But if you prefer more of a chill vibe, it’s enough to simply walk the pier and take in the sights. Strolling along the pier, center of town, and neighborhood streets is one of the best free things to do on Catalina Island.

Get Up Close to Birds of Prey With the Catalina Falconry Experience

Whether you’re nine or 91, one of the most memorable activities you can do on the island is the Catalina Falconry Experience. This is your chance to get up close to some of the coolest birds of prey who keep the pesky seagulls away without actually killing them. You can take a lesson on how to hold and call a hawk to your glove and meet & greet an owl. Make sure to take pictures because there’s a good chance you won’t believe your eyes.

The Catalina Island Falconry Experience is $94 for adults and $84 for children (ages 7-11), seniors (ages 55+) and military. The entire experience lasts about an hour or so.

Enjoy Delicious Meals With a View at Bluewater Grill and Avalon Grille 

While there are plenty of culinary tourist traps on the island, Bluewater Grill and Avalon Grille are two spots foodies shouldn’t miss. With locations across California, Bluewater Grill is a popular restaurant offering fresh fish and other seafood. The Avalon location is right on the water with a deck offering great views.

Meanwhile, Avalon Grille focuses on seasonal American cuisine, with dishes ranging from gourmet burgers to fresh seafood. For those with dietary restrictions (vegan, for example), the chef and crew will do everything they can to accommodate you. If you let them know in advance, even better. Sit by one of the large windows overlooking Avalon Bay or on a warm day, sit on the open-air patio.

Take in the Views and Celebrate a Special Occasion at Mt Ada

If you have the funds to splurge on the most luxurious experience on Catalina Island, then you’ll want to book a stay at Mt. Ada, a one-of-kind, four-star hotel with the most stunning views overlooking the Avalon Bay. Once the home of William Wrigley Jr. and his wife Ada, this six-bedroom inn is perched nearly 400 feet above the Pacific Ocean. You can even see the baseball field down below where the Chicago Cubs would practice back when Wrigley owned the team.

Walking through the living room and property feels like stepping back in time and the staff is more than happy to tell you about its history. Just be warned that you’ll probably never want to leave. Rooms start over $500 per night and can even surpass $1,000 per night, so it’s definitely a splurge — perhaps best for an engagement, milestone anniversary or honeymoon.

For a more affordable way to stay overnight on Catalina Island, check out the Pavilion Hotel. Located right in the center of Avalon along with all the shops and cafes, this intimate retreat offers casual-chic rooms, landscaped tropical gardens, a large outdoor fire ring and laidback courtyard lanais with views of the ocean and sidewalk action.

The good news is, even if you don’t stay overnight on Catalina Island, you can still drive up the hillsides with your golf cart rental to enjoy the most spectacular views across the island and ocean.

Have a Blast on a Biofuel-Powered Hummer Tour

Last but not least, one of the most adventurous, fun and unforgettable things you can do while on Catalina Island is to get on board an open-air, biofuel Hummer and take the two-hour Ridgetop Eco Adventure Tour to the summit above Avalon. Your driver will tear through five miles up rugged interior terrain where you just might see some of the island’s famed buffalo (we had to settle for bison dung).

This bumpy ride isn’t recommended if you have back problems or other health issues, but if you’re a bit of a thrill-seeker, you’ll love the views of the coastline from way up high and the trip down the deep canyons below.

Enjoy the Best of Catalina Island No Matter How Long You Stay

Whether you’re planning a day trip to Catalina Island or want to stay a little longer, you can always find fun things throughout the year.

Explore the scenic beauty, enjoy outdoor activities like walking and golf carting, or relax by the beach. If you’re on a tight budget but still want a fun activity, you can’t go wrong with booking the hour-long tour. If you can afford a little more, renting a golf cart is definitely worth it.

Have you been to Catalina Island? What’s been your experience? Let me know in the comments!

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