Blessed with the beauty of flora, fauna and climate variation, Catalina Island is a treat for the eyes kind of place for many. Pinned on California’s Southern Coast, this place is a hive of activities. Every year, a large mob of people come by this destination to experience its vibes. However, the pandemic reduced the counting of visitors here; still, the panoramic Catalina Island started attracting visitors as soon as the restrictions were eased.
This picture-postcard beauty has not only been a perfect tourist spot but has also attracted the limelight from Hollywood. Give this article a read if you also want to know about things to do in Catalina Island that’ll give you a thrill.
Table of Contents
LIST OF THINGS TO DO IN CATALINA ISLAND
Have Fun At Descanso Beach
Who doesn’t love sitting on the beach surrounded by white sand and engulfing the sunset views? After all, that’s what most of us have been fascinated with since we were in kindergarten when we used to draw coastal landscapes! And the best part is- there’s a lot to do here other than viewing sunsets and chilling around the beach.
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If you can’t resist the temptations of your inner child, then gathering beach glass is one of the most exciting things to do in Catalina Island, and at this beach, you’ll find an abundance of them. 600 ft high zip line tours are a must for adventure adorers, and plus to that, you’ll also get familiar with the history of this place as your guide will keep on filling you with historical and interesting facts. You can go kayaking or paddle boating across Descanso Canyon. You’ll find several service providers who rent out paddle boats and kayaks here.
Snorkel At Lover’s Cove
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Covering a few km from the Avalon state, go snorkelling and diving at the magical Lover’s Cove. Not just snorkelling, you can also go scuba diving and equip yourself with the much-loved glass-bottom boat tour and witness the reefs, shipwrecks and several other attractions here. Believe it or not, all of these are going to be the most memorable activities that you will ever experience.
Witness The Flying Fishes
Yes, you read that right! This is unbelievable, but when you’re in the hidden paradise of Southern California, you can certainly expect pleasant surprises. Although one can catch the sight of this heartwarming experience for a limited time frame as the flying fishes visit Catalina Island for only a couple of months (from May to September), the wonderful Santa Catalina welcomes them with a warm four-day celebration. Make sure not to miss out on including this in your list of things to do in Catalina Island.
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The iconic moment of seeing a fish take to the air 30 ft high and drifting a considerable distance is surely going to mark a special place in anyone’s memory bank.
Explore History & Art At Catalina Island Museum
Established at 217 Metropole Avenue, the Catalina Island Museum is a hub of various knowledgeable sources which represent the history and culture of this place. Apart from paintings, films (and documentaries), and lectures, this museum also showcases the dance forms and musical tradition of Catalina Island. If you swear by collecting ancient artifacts, then you must pay a visit and spend some time shopping here.
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Also, you can enjoy several programs, including the Tuna Club Tour, First Friday Museum and Holiday Symphony Concert.
Gratify Your Inner Hiker
The 62 km Catalina Trans Trail will not only provide one with one of the best hiking experiences but will also open doors to discover the two key landscapes of Catalina Island- Two Harbors & Avalon. Catch glances at the well-preserved Catalina Island Conservancy established back in 1972 while your feet are set on hiking through here.
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It’ll take about 4-5 days to traverse across this track, and a total of 5 spots are designated for camping purposes which include- Hermit Gulch, Black Jack, Little Harbor, Two Harbors, and Parsons Landing. If you wish to see the beauty of nature closely, you must consider this among several other things to do in Catalina Island.
Go Fishing!
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The Green Pleasure Pier is a perfect fishing site for tourists. The pier, which was specially built as a way to divert the heavy flood of tourists, now forms an exquisite adventure spot on Catalina Island. Rainbow Smelt, Garibaldi, and many other fishes can be found here. And, you can munch on the classic meals as well.
Two Harbors Tour
Easily approachable via bus/boat from Avalon, Two Harbors make a resort village of Catalina Island. Since it is set up on Isthmus towards the west of the mainland, it is also known as ‘The Isthmus.’ Here, you’ll find scenic views in abundance that are second to none.
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No doubt exploring this scenic landscape that offers urban amenities in a rural set-up isn’t going to be overlooked while enlisting things to do in Catalina Island. You’ll only know what I mean when you’ll experience it yourself. Simple yet ecstatic living arrangements here in Banning House Lodge, Villa Santa Rosa and Villa Santa Cruz, altogether with bread-and-breakfasts, saloons, grocery stores, make this place a blissful heritage of Catalina Island.
Tour Around On Hummer
Catalina Island is home to many hard-to-find species such as American bison, quails, bald eagles and Catalina Island foxes. And, catching their glimpses while on an open Hummer is a not to miss kind of thrill. Can it get any better?
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Large crowds of people enjoy this Hummer expedition whenever they visit here.
Mt Ada- Former Wrigley’s Home
This 4-star hotel, which happens to be the former settlement of Wrigley’s (one of the investors of Catalina Island), is an example of lush and comfort. Turned into bread-and-breakfast, Mt Ada comprises 6 lavish suites, sea views, a bar and a fireplace. The terrace that offers a lookout to Avalon city is a much-sought spot to set your eyes on bald eagles.
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Though booking a suite at Mt Ada can be quite a tough task as a lot of people are already in the race every now and then, one can have access to open for public brunch or dinner here on weekends.
Helicopter Tour
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Be ready to include another over-the-top activity on your list of things to do in Catalina Island. And, that is- On-Air Tour. Watch out for this beautiful land from in-between the clouds, and surely experiencing this would make you feel like you’re in seventh heaven. The sights of picturesque lands, oceans and dolphins from such a height altogether are a feast for the eyes.
There are a lot of things to do in Catalina Island, and this article has covered the most blissful ones for you. This place is blessed with an exceptionally jaw-dropping environment, and a lot of efforts have been put up by the Wrigleys and Bannings to keep up its charm. Comment below which one of the above-listed activities has grabbed your attention the most.
