The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Catalina Island in California

View of rocky landscape and sailboats in the ocean at Catalina Island.

If you are setting sail on a Pacific Coast cruise and have a craving for Mediterranean-like vibes, look no further than Catalina Island in California. Located 24 miles southwest of Los Angeles, you’ll discover a gorgeous landscape of beaches, mountains, coves and canyons. Here is a guide to help you make the most of a day on Catalina Island during a Pacific Coast cruise.

Getting to Catalina Island

There is no need to coordinate separate travel plans to get to Catalina when you are on a Pacific Coast cruise. Just make sure Avalon is a featured cruise port on the itinerary you choose.

Preparing for a Day of Fun

Tip #1: Book shore excursions early.

Shore excursions can book up fast, so make sure you book in advance of your trip. Consider a scenic tour to explore the island’s coastline and search for wildlife, including sea lions and dolphins. Examples of shore excursions include:

Luxury Scenic Sailing
Coastal Wild Dolphin Adventure
Seal Safari – Cruising to Seal Rock Small Group

Tip #2: Dress for the weather and activity.

Check the forecast to ensure you dress according to the weather, as it can vary throughout the day. Wearing comfortable clothes and shoes is especially important if you plan to hike or do a lot of walking. Do not forget your beach attire and sunscreen if you plan on having fun in the sun and in the water.

Tip #3: Safety first.

Though there are beautiful places to hike on Catalina Island, you may experience slow or spotty cell service at times. If you go hiking, bring friends with you and let someone know where you are going. Also follow local guidelines, including staying on trails and not feeding wildlife. Watch out for rattlesnakes and do not approach bison.

View of tree at Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden.
Enjoy beautiful sights across the island, including Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden.

What To Do in Catalina

Explore the shops, restaurants and history of Avalon.

There is plenty to do when you step off the ship, from visiting art galleries and jewelry stores to indulging in delicious restaurants. Catalina Casino, Catalina Island Museum and Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden are also popular among visitors.

Fun Fact:
Catalina Island was originally purchased in 1919 by William Wrigley, Jr., the chewing-gum magnate. Once upon a time, the island served as the spring training ground for the Chicago Cubs baseball team.

Dive into water activities.

If you enjoy snorkeling, check out Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve. Here you’ll discover beaches, reefs, kelp forests and a rocky landscape home to moray eels, kelp bass, horn sharks and more. Other water activities on the island include kayaking and paddleboarding.

Relax at the Descanso Beach Club.

Rent a cabana and soak up sunshine. Bask in the beauty of the island as you sip a margarita and relish tasty food from the menu.

Go on a hike.

Catalina Island is meant to be explored. It has more than 165 miles of trails. It is also home to one of the oldest private land trusts in California, with 88% of the island being within the Catalina Island Conservancy. The Garden to Sky Trail, which is about 3 miles, is a popular hike with incredible views of the island and ocean.

If you’re looking for a unique destination with Mediterranean flair along the Pacific Coast, consider visiting Catalina Island in California. It’s a gem for those who love exploring new places or just relaxing on a California beach. If you have visited Catalina Island and have additional tips, share in the comments below.

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