20 Unique Things To Do In Catalina Island, California

1. Spot Bison In The Wild

Catalina Island hosts a unique population of bison. These creatures were brought to the island back in the 1920s, and since then have become really wild. You can find them roaming openly inside the island. They are found mostly within protected areas belonging to the Catalina Island Conservancy.

Guided eco-tours are among the best ways to view these bison, as you will be taken to popular bison viewing spots. Seeing these large creatures in their native area with a beautiful Catalina landscape backdrop is a truly great experience.

2. Hike the Trans-Catalina Trail

Any hiker visiting Catalina Island must try the Trans-Catalina Trail. It is one of the hardest trails but brings some of the most pleasing views. The trail takes you from Avalon on the eastern side of the island to Starlight Beach on the west.

Seen on the way are diverse topographies, from the rugged hills to serene valleys, and breathtaking coastal views. This hike mostly takes a few days to complete still, if you want a short adventure, hiking a short part of it can be a great choice.

But, if you want to complete the entire trail, you will have camping opportunities in different scenic places. The Trans-Catalina Trail is going to offer a wholesome way to experience the natural beauty of the island by hiking.

3. Visit The Catalina Island Conservancy

The Catalina Island Conservancy, established in 1972, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the island's beauty and wildlife. The conservancy manages 88% of the island and takes special care to ensure its unique ecosystem is preserved.

The headquarters is based in Catalina Island Avalon. It is a great place to learn about all the present-day conservation works. You can also join their guided tours that take you to the interior of the island on an educational journey.

The tour offers knowledge about native plants, and animals, and their importance in the ecosystem. The Catalina Island Conservancy makes sure that the island stays a nature-packed destination for many more generations to come.

4 .Tour Catalina Casino

The Catalina Island Casino was built by William Wrigley Jr. in 1929 and it is a historic landmark. This beautiful building, despite its name, has never served its purpose of gambling. Rather, it has been used as an event venue for community events.

The biggest attraction of the casino is the beautifully styled ballroom that, for decades, has been used as a dance hall. The ballroom features stunning art deco design and sweeping ocean views. Visiting this place, you can have a casino tour, which gives further insight into its past and architecture.

5. Ride The Catalina Express

The Catalina Express is a popular means of reaching Catalina Island from the mainland. This ferry service runs daily from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dan Point to Avalon or Two Harbors.  Riding on one of these ferries is a beautiful way to overlook the extent of the Pacific Ocean.

Along the way, you will see stunning views of the ocean and the nearby islands. You might also spot a few water animals like dolphins and other fishes enjoying the water. As you come closer to Catalina Island, you will get a taste of Catalina's beautiful rugged coastline and clear water from a far distance.

6. Visit The Wrigley Memorial And Botanical Garden

If you are someone looking for a peaceful retreat on Catalina Island, this is the place you should visit. To reach this place you will have to travel around 1.5 miles from downtown Avalon. This garden was set during the 1930s as a tribute to William Wrigley Jr.

It is a remembrance of his contribution to the development of the island. Stepping inside the memorial you will find an architecture made using local materials. From here stunning views of Avalon and surrounding hills can be enjoyed.

Meanwhile, the garden itself boasts a wide array of native plantings, which also include rare and endangered species. You can walk through these plants and spend some time with nature. Along the walking paths, a lot of stopping places can be found to sit and appreciate the beauty around you.

7. Explore The Catalina Museum For Arts And History

Centered in Avalon the Catalina Museum of Art and History, provides a fascinating peek into the vibrant cultural heritage of this island. It has been sharing the art legacy of the island since 1953.

As of now, the museum features different exhibits that give a glimpse of its Native American roots. Housed inside are the displays related to the island's Hollywood linkage and World War II involvement. Moreover, the museum also hosts rotating art exhibits inspired by the beauty of the island.

By exploring this place you will get to understand the people and events that shaped Catalina. Before leaving the place don't forget to enter the gift shop. Who knows you might discover a unique item to bring back as a souvenir.

8. Discover The Village Of Two Harbor

On the west side of Catalina Island is the village of Two Harbors, twenty miles from Avalon. This place is well known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings.

You could hike or kayak on the beaches like the Catalina Island Descanso Beach Club, close to this village. Two Harbors also provides an ideal vantage point if you want to see the wildness of Catalina but in a peaceful setting. Buffalo Milk cocktail is the most popular stuff in this area that you should not miss to try.

9. Hike The Hermit Gulch Trail Loop

Without adventure, a trip to Catalina Island feels like nothing. And for that, the Hermit Gulch Trail Loop is the perfect place. It is one of the popular hiking trails found on the perimeter of Avalon. This trail gives excellent views of both the city and the coastline of the island.

Hermit Gulch Trial is a moderately challenging 1.7-mile round-trip loop. Starting at Hermit Gulch Campground, the loop moves out to a ridge from where you can watch panoramic vistas of Avalon and surrounding hills.

It will take around 1 to 2 hours to complete this loop. You must walk down this one to see Catalina from a totally different perspective.

10. Spend A Night Camping At One Of Many Campsites

Catalina Island camping is another fun and adventurous way to enjoy the island's natural beauty and connect with it. The island has many campsites where you can plant your camp to spend a night under the bright sky.

From these campsites, clear views of the entire island can be seen with sights of popular place like the Catalina Casino and Catalina Harbor. Camping on Catalina Island is suitable for both single travelers as well as families.

Many camping companies offer some of the best plans to help you make your trip memorable. This is a great adventure filled with fun and excitement.

11. Visit The Catalina Island Visitor Center

The Catalina Island Visitor Center is located in Avalon, close to the ferry terminal. It could be a very good starting point for a visit to Catalina Island. Here you can find brief information about the local attractions, activities, and events.

The staff at the center can assist in reorganizing your day, provide maps if you need them, and help respond to your queries. The Visitor Center also has brochures and guides in case you would like to look at the island at your own pace.

From outdoor adventures and dining recommendations to historical sites, the Catalina Island Visitor Center has information on just about everything to help you plan your trip more effectively.

12. Explore Airport In The Sky

The Airport in the Sky is the only airport on Catalina Island. Located approximately 10 miles from Avalon, the airport is perched at an elevation of about 1,602 feet. Briefly, this little airfield is on a plateau and began its operation in the 1940s.

From the airport, you can obtain views that will take your breath away with both an overview of the island and the surrounding oceans. You can either drive up or hike to the airport to enjoy these views. After a long hike, you can rest at the cafe inside the airport, which serves bison burgers and more.

13. Visit The Green Pleasure Pier

Standing at Avalon, the Green Pleasure Pier is one of the oldest massive landmarks constructed in 1920. The hosting of numerous shops, Catalina Island restaurants, and events makes the bright green pier the center of many activities focused on the water.

At the pier, visitors can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard or take a gondola cruise with a glass bottom to explore what lies down below in the waters of Catalina. On many days, it is also a great place to spend some fishing time.

You can often see locals casting a line into the clear waters below. Connecting with these locals can be a perfect way to spend your day on the pier.

14. Hike Or Drive To The Garden To Sky Summit

Another most favored treks on Catalina Island is the hike to the Garden to Sky summit. Similar to other trails, this trail, too, provides some beautiful views of the island and the Pacific Ocean, but from a different perspective.

Starting at the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, this trail follows a ridge top and offers views of both the east and west sides of the island. It's about 2.5 miles round-trip in length and should take 2-3 hours depending on your pace.

Still, if you are looking for an easier way up, you can get to the top using a car via Avalon Canyon Road. In either case, the views from the top would well repay the effort.

15. Spend A Day At Avalon Library

If you are on your way back from the Catalina Museum For Arts and Museum, the Avalon Public Library is a nearby place you can stop by. It is one of the best places to spend a quiet day on Catalina Island.

Although the library is small in size, you will find many books, magazines, and DVDs to refresh yourself. For a vibrant environment, you can visit the library during a community event that is often held. Most popular events hosted by the Avalon Library include story time for children and educational programs.

16. Play A Game At Catalina Island Golf Course

The oldest operational golf course on the island, the Catalina Island Golf Course has been in business since 1892. It is a 9 holes course that offers an exciting game amidst breathtaking surroundings. This course is situated in a canyon surrounded by hills and is suitable to escape the city crowd.

The course is both enjoyable and challenging and suits experienced players as well as first-timers. With narrow fairways and small greens, the entire course is well maintained. Just grab your clubs and visit the Catalina Island Golf Course for a friendly competition with your friends and loved ones.

17. Try Escaping A Room At Escape Room Catalina

As we come closer to the end of the list, the Escape Room Catalina is a fun place to visit with your friends as well as family members. This place gives an exciting, challenging experience that will test your problem-solving abilities.

An attraction located in Avalon, it has themed rooms where you will have to figure out puzzles and escape with your team within a given timeframe. Every room features a different scenario with a set of clues to be unveiled one after another to succeed.

However, not everyone is capable enough to escape in time. Despite that, the experience you get here is surely worth your time. If you win the game somehow, you might also receive some gifts from the Escape Room Catalina team to make your visit more memorable.

18. Visit The Glow With The Flow Art Gallery

Glow with the Flow Art Gallery is an interesting, very colorful art space found in Avalon. The bulk of works on display here feature the pieces of local talented artists who pay great attention to the beauty and spirit of Catalina Island.

The collection of this gallery includes paintings, sculptures and mixed media all curated with care by the artists. Established with a goal to promote local artists and their artwork, the gallery allows you to view as well as purchase art pieces.

You can even participate in some of the available art classes and workshops along with others. During these events, you can meet the rising artists and learn about their work and inspirations.

19. Have Fun At Three Palms Avalon Arcade

The Three Palms Avalon Arcade is a go-to place for families with kids. Although the arcade might sound like a place to entertain the kids, it is also a suitable place for parents to bring back past memories.

Situated right in the middle of Avalon, this family-appealing entertainment spot is filled with classic pinball machines, modern video games, and redemption games. It is really a nice spot to spend time with some fun action indoors. A warm, brightly-lit arcade with plenty of games, the Three Palm Avalon is entertaining enough to keep kids as well as you engaged throughout the day.

20. Explore And Shop At Afishinados Gallery

This is the place you want to visit before returning back from your trip to Catalina Island. Afishinados Gallery is one of the finest boutiques in the town. It is also a gallery that features a hand-selected collection of art, jewelry, and gift items that resemble the island's culture.

Most of the pieces found here are handmade by local artists, that you can buy to bring back home as souvenirs you won't find again. Furthermore, the pleasant staff will help you discover the right piece that suits your taste. Afishinados Gallery is the place where you can expect both fun and exploration.