Santa Catalina Island provides a range of activities and experiences for those seeking to explore its unique environment. Visitors can engage in structured tours, enjoy various beaches, or venture into the island’s interior. Planning ahead for activities and understanding local transit options can enhance a visit.
Among the notable experiences are private golf cart tours, which offer a way to navigate Avalon's highlights without extensive walking. One such tour, led by a guide named Dudley, includes stops and views of locations such as Pebbly Beach, the Catalina Casino, the Inn at Mt. Ada, the pet cemetery, and Bell Tower Road. Participants can also observe fish at Casino Point Dive Park, see the Dive History Exhibit, and pass by the Botanical Gardens, gaining insights into local history during the ride.
Walking food tours present another opportunity to experience Avalon, focusing on local culinary offerings and historical context. A tour guided by Janet started at Old Ben Park and progressed along Front Street, showcasing early 20th-century Catalina tiles. It included stops at six tasting locations, featuring fresh seafood, handmade sweets, and a beer float. Specific establishments mentioned include Catalina Charlie’s for spicy shrimp tacos, El Galleon for buttery fish bites, and Lloyd’s for a house-made treat. The tour also incorporated "local lore and fun facts" between stops.
The island offers several beaches, each with distinct features. Descanso Beach Club, located beyond the Catalina Casino, provides amenities such as cabanas and loungers for rent, along with full food and drink service. Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear are available for rent at this location. Along Crescent Avenue in Avalon, South Beach is noted for groups, sunbathing, and swimming, while Middle Beach and Step Beach offer smaller spots to observe boats in Avalon Harbor. Lover's Cove, a rocky beach, is identified as a prime location for snorkeling due to excellent water visibility for viewing marine life; water shoes are recommended here. In the northern part of the island, Two Harbors features Harbor Sands, a quieter beach area with open-air beach huts called palapas for daily rental. This location is situated near the Harbor Reef Restaurant, allowing for food and drink service directly to the palapas.
For those interested in aerial perspectives, parasailing tours provide an opportunity to soar above Catalina Island. After initial instructions, participants board a boat near Avalon's shore. Options are available to fly with up to three people, subject to weight restrictions, while others can view the island’s coastline from the boat.
Further exploration opportunities include island safari tours through Catalina's rugged interior and underwater experiences such as IMMERSED, which allows exploration of the underwater world.
General advice for visiting the island includes reserving activities and tours in advance, as experiences can sell out. Packing light with dry-fit clothing, swimwear, and comfortable evening wear is suggested for an active visit involving walking, swimming, and sun exposure. Traveling mid-week is noted to reduce crowds and contribute to a calmer atmosphere regarding hotels and activities. Transportation around Avalon can be done by foot, golf cart rentals, or using COAST Public Transit, an on-call electric golf cart shuttle. A two-day itinerary, focusing on Avalon's highlights, wild landscapes, and selected tours, is suggested for a comprehensive visit without feeling rushed.
