- Best snorkeling
- Lover’s Cove
- Landmark
- The Casino, 1929
- Wildlife
- Bison & island fox
- Big hike
- Trans-Catalina Trail
A day trip covers Avalon’s highlights. A weekend lets you get underwater and into the interior. Start here:
In and around Avalon
The Catalina Casino
The round white landmark at the end of the harbor, finished in 1929. It never held gambling: “casino” is the old Italian word for a gathering place. Inside are a grand ballroom and the art deco Avalon Theatre. Guided tours run most days, and the Catalina Island Museum sits nearby.
Snorkel and dive
Catalina has some of the clearest water in Southern California. Lover’s Cove, a short walk from the ferry landing, is a protected marine area full of bright orange garibaldi. The Casino Point Dive Park, behind the Casino, has kelp forest and wrecks a few kicks from shore. Dive shops rent gear and run guided dives. Find dive and snorkel shops →
Get on the water
Glass-bottom and semi-submersible boats show the kelp forest without getting wet. Kayaks and paddleboards rent by the hour along the waterfront. Parasailing and seasonal whale and dolphin trips leave from the pier. Rentals →
Descanso Beach
A short walk past the Casino: a beach club with cabanas, food and drinks, and the start of the zip line that drops through Descanso Canyon.
Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden
Up Avalon Canyon, a memorial to William Wrigley Jr. with plants found only on the Channel Islands, and a view back down to the bay.
Golf
The Catalina Island Golf Course is one of the oldest in the West. There is also a mini golf course in town for the kids.
Beyond Avalon
Find the bison
About a hundred-odd American bison roam the interior, descendants of animals brought over for a 1920s film shoot. Jeep tours are the most reliable way to see them.
Airport in the Sky
A ridge-top airport with a café and some of the best views on the island. Reach it on a tour or the shuttle.
Two Harbors
The quiet village at the island’s narrow isthmus: one restaurant, a general store, camping and some of the best kayaking. Two Harbors guide →
Hike
From short climbs above Avalon to the multi-day Trans-Catalina Trail. You need a free hiking permit for the interior.
Quick answers
What is Catalina Island known for?
The round Catalina Casino, clear water for snorkeling and diving, golf carts, the bison in the interior, and the town of Avalon.
Where is the best snorkeling on Catalina?
Lover’s Cove, a short walk from the Avalon ferry landing, and the Casino Point Dive Park behind the Casino.
Are there really bison on Catalina Island?
Yes. A herd descended from animals brought over for a 1920s film shoot roams the interior; jeep tours are the most reliable way to see them.
Tours & activities on the island
See all →No photo yet Open nowAvalon8 min from the ferry5.0(7)- Avalon9 min from the ferry4.3(16)
No photo yet Avalon6 min from the ferry- Avalon7 min from the ferry
Diving & snorkeling on the island
See all →No photo yet Avalon11 min from the ferry- Opens Sat 8amAvalon6 min from the ferry4.1(56)
No photo yet - Opens 9am tomorrowAvalon11 min from the ferry4.8(198)
Boat & kayak rentals on the island
See all →- Opens 8am tomorrowAvalon6 min from the ferry3.8(41)
No photo yet Avalon5 min from the ferryNo photo yet Avalon16 min from the ferry- Opens 9am tomorrowAvalon2 min from the ferry4.8(69)
Sights & landmarks on the island
See all →- Avalon7 min from the ferry4.7(3)
- Avalon10 min from the ferry4.8(272)
- Open nowAvalon10 min from the ferry5.0(2)
Avalon26 min from the ferry
