The most visited tourist destination on Catalina Island is the city of Avalon. With so many activities to choose from, your visit to Avalon can be as adventure-packed or restful as you want. With its year round Mediterranean climate, it’s the ideal place to enjoy ocean air and sunshine.
While in Avalon, visitors enjoy swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, shopping, strolling the museum and art galleries, a day at a spa, guided sightseeing tours and renting golf carts to explore the island on their own.
Don’t miss seeing the beautiful interior. Isolated coves, private beaches, miles of hiking trails, beautiful plants and native animals abound.
Beaches
South Beach, Middle Beach and Step Beach are all located in the center of town and within easy walking distance from hotels.
The Descanso Beach Club, located beyond the Casino Building is the perfect place to snorkel, kayak or swim in the crystal clear water. Restrooms, outdoor showers, dressing rooms and chair/umbrella rentals are available. Descanso Beach also offers the only seaside bar and restaurant in Avalon.
Bicycling
There’s no better way to get around and tour Avalon than by the seat of a bicycle. Hour, half day and full day rentals are available.
- Browns Bikes (310) 510-0986
- Catalina Auto & Bike Rental (310) 510-0111
Dining
Visitors seeking out seafood, Mexican, Italian or American cuisine won’t have to look far. The city of Avalon has 35 restaurants and most are conveniently located within walking distance from hotels. Whether you crave casual, beachfront dining or something more formal, the island offers a little something for everyone from burgers and hot dogs to steak and lobster.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed on the Green Pleasure Pier, on the mole or rent a skiff and explore the many caves and reefs.
- Afishinado Charters (323) 447-4669
- Avalon Boat Stand/Joe’s Rent-A-Boat (310) 510-0455
- Flip’s Cheapo Charters (310) 510-2277
- High Tide Traders (310) 510-1612
- Island Water Charters (310) 510-9280
- Shamrock Charters (310) 510-3474
- Avalon Sailing Charters (310) 510-9505
Golf
Tee off on one of the West Coast’s oldest golf courses. The unique 9-hole, 2,100 layout is easy to walk and can be played in about two hours. This course offers not only beautiful vistas but is great for golfers of all levels of expertise.
Golf Cart Rentals
Renting a golf cart in Avalon is a common activity and visitors will rent a cart for sightseeing more often than for playing golf. This allows you to take in the sights at your own pace. Hourly rentals available.
- Cartopia Golf Cart Rentals (310) 510-2493
- Catalina Auto & Bike Rental (310) 510-0111
- Island Rentals (310) 510-1456
Hiking
There’s great hiking all throughout Avalon. See Catalina’s endemic plants, wildlife and dramatic vistas. Hiking permits are required for extended treks into the interior, are free and are available at the campground office or at:
Horseback Riding
Enjoy guided rides throughout the hillside of Avalon. See spectacular views of the bay. Riders must be at least eight years of age.
- Catalina Stables (310) 510-0478.
Kayaking
Explore Catalina’s coastline along magnificent cliffs and into secluded coves. Kayak rentals are available as well as guided excursions. No experience necessary.
- Avalon Boat Stand/Joe’s Rent-A-Boat (310) 510-0455
- Descanso Beach Ocean Sports (310) 510-1226
- Wet Spot Rentals (310) 510-2229
Massage & Spa
Escape from the stresses of daily living by relaxing in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Catalina is an exceptional place to enjoy massages, facials, and spa treatments.
- A Spa at Catalina (310) 510-9255
- A Touch of Heaven (310) 510-1633
- Catalina Massage with Rick (310) 510-0921
- Massage by Michelle (310) 510-8920
- Island Breeze Day Spa Salon (310) 510-7242
- Island Wave Salon (310) 510-9283
Movie Theatre
Located inside the historic casino building and restored to its original grandeur, the art deco masterpiece offers first-run movies nightly and daily
Motor Boating
Drive the boats yourself for sightseeing, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Motorboats, kayaks, pedal boats, paddleboards, as well as fishing tackle rentals are available.
- Joe’s Rent-A-Boat (310) 510-0455
Ocean Eco Tours
Power inflatable trips along Catalina's pristine coastline. Snorkel, visit the rustic village of Two Harbors, play with dolphins and learn about our Island's history, geology and wildlife.
- Catalina Ocean Rafting (800) 990-Raft
Please visit our website for more information. www.catalinaoceanrafting.com
Parasailing
Take sightseeing to new heights over Avalon Bay!
Sailboat Charters
Charter trips in and around Avalon and the island of Santa Catalina. Relax and rejuvenate while enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings.
- Avalon Sailing (310) 510-9505
Scuba Diving
Catalina Island is the most popular dive destination in California with clear water and visibility ranging from 40-100 feet. Casino Point Marine Park has an abundance of marine life. Giant kelp forests and several wrecks and artificial reefs have been established to provide additional habitats.
- Avalon Boat Stand/Joe’s Rent-A-Boat (310) 510-0455
- Catalina Divers Supply (800) 353-0330
- Catalina Scuba Luv (310) 510-2616
- Catalina Snorkel & Scuba Adventures (877) 282-2348
Shopping
Strolling along quaint streets, you’ll find a wide variety of specialty shops, offering everything from resort-style clothing to unique gift items. Wandering from shop to shop is a great way to get acquainted with the town.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is an easy and fun way to experience the natural beauty of Catalina Island. Snorkeling on Catalina Island is some of the best anywhere from Lover’s Cove to Descanso Beach to the Casino Point. Snorkelers meet face to face with hundreds of species of fish and invertebrates. Several places offer gear rentals and tours.
- Catalina Ocean Rafting (310) 510-0211
- Avalon Boat Stand/Joe’s Rent-A-Boat (310) 510-0455
- Catalina Divers Supply (800) 353-0330
- Catalina Scuba Luv (310) 510-2616
- Catalina Snorkel & Scuba Adventures (877) 282-2348
- Descanso Beach Ocean Sports (310) 510-1226
- Island Water Charters (310) 510-1707
- Snorkeling Catalina (877) 510-3115
- Wet Spot Rentals & Kayak Tours (310) 510-2229