A Day Trip to Catalina Island: Your Ultimate Guide

A Day Trip to Catalina Island is filled with beauty and adventure just off the Southern California coast. My family and I had an amazing time wandering and exploring this fascinating island.

A short ferry ride transports you to this picturesque paradise, where rugged hillsides meet pristine beaches. There is something for everyone on Catalina Island, as we quickly discovered.

Your 1-Day Itinerary for a One Day Trip to Catalina Island

Lagunaliz.com includes affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. Please see full disclosure on the Privacy Policy Page on lagunaliz.com.

• Catalina Flyer (book a same-day round trip voyage)

• Catalina Coffee and Cookie Company

• The Catalina Casino

• Catalina Aerial Adventure

• Descanso Beach Resort

• Catalina Golf Cart Rentals and Tours

• Catalina Island Conservancy / Trailhead Adventure Center

• Return on the Catalina Flyer

  
  

Whether you seek snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, hiking scenic trails with breathtaking views, or simply strolling through quaint shops and eateries, Catalina offers both relaxation and excitement. Catalina Island is a great day trip for those looking for a memorable Southern California coastal escape.

Getting to Catalina Island

Getting to Catalina is easy. The Catalina Flyer departs from Newport Beach, while the Catalina Express sails from Dana Point. We chose to take the 7:45 AM voyage from Newport Beach, and we seemed to arrive on the island in no time at all.

Avalon Bay shimmered in the beautiful morning light, providing an amazing foreground for the quaint, crescent-shaped town climbing up the hillsides.

After a stroll through the fun streets flanked with cottages and shops, we found the Catalina Coffee & Cookie Company. The peanut butter cookie was amazing, and the coffee was just what I needed before our next adventure on the island.

Adventure Awaits: Aerial Adventure

Walking along the shore, past the majestic and iconic Catalina Casino, we checked in at the Aerial Adventure. This is an amazing elevated obstacle course hanging from trees in a small valley behind Descanso Beach Club.

After our guide, Ian, made sure our harnesses were secure and that our helmets fit, we tested our strength for the next two hours. We balanced, hoisted, pulled, and pushed our bodies over fun obstacles hanging by ropes from tree to tree.

Our group had teenagers in it, so we kept to the intermediate and advanced options. However, there are great beginner options for younger (or much older) adventurers. This was an amazing experience and is an absolute must-do if you come to Avalon with teens or young adults.

Lunch at Descanso Beach Resort

After the unforgettable experience at the Aerial Adventure, we walked back to the Descanso Beach Resort and had lunch at the outdoor patio/bar. This was the place to be, with people everywhere, a DJ, swimmers, loungers, and happy kids. Great food, great drinks, and great fun!

We walked back to the main part of town by the harbor, passing the Catalina Casino. While it is no longer a casino, it is open for tours.

We chose to admire the amazing architecture and murals from the outside and made our way to a golf cart rental shop across from the Trailhead Adventure Center, which is the Catalina Island Conservancy’s visitor center.

Exploring Avalon by Golf Cart

Armed with a free map and an easy-to-follow route, our 6-seater cart zoomed us up and around the hills of Avalon. We made numerous amazing photo stops for our postcard-worthy pictures. Another must-do for a first-time tourist to Catalina.

Back in town after the 90-minute rental, we found plenty of options to fill our time before boarding the ferry back to the mainland. Ice cream shops, outdoor basketball courts, kayaking, paddle-boarding (SUP), shopping, or simply relaxing on the beach were all within easy reach.

For a day trip full of adventure and fun, Catalina Island promises a memorable experience.

Your Catalina Island Adventure Awaits

Catalina Island is a treasure trove of experiences waiting for you. From thrilling adventures to relaxing moments by the beach, this island has it all. I hope my guide helps you plan your perfect day trip.

Are you ready to explore? BOOK YOUR CATALINA ISLAND ADVENTURE and make unforgettable memories!