A Catalina Day Trip - Amazing Catalina Island Activities and Wheelchair Accessible Tips
Avalon, Santa Catalina Island
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A Catalina Island Day Trip
Santa Catalina Island is one of Southern California’s true gems. A one-day trip to Catalina is all you need to experience the beauty of this island. Though it’s certainly a great place to get a hotel for the night and explore at a more leisurely pace. I’ve spent both a long weekend in Catalina and stopped by for the day while on a cruise. Both were enjoyable experiences. But if you only have a day, rest assured you can see and do a lot in that time.
In this post, I’ll take you through some amazing Catalina Island activities, fun things to do, and help you plan the perfect Catalina Island day trip.
Catalina Island is located approximately 30 miles off the coast of Southern California. Making it a short 1-hour ride by ferry from Los Angeles and Orange County and approximately 90 minutes from San Diego. With a population of approximately 4,000 people and around 22 miles in length, Catalina is the perfect one-day getaway that makes you feel like you’ve traveled far off the mainland on an exciting adventure.
So, let’s get ready to explore Catalina Island and all the top Catalina activities!
The Catalina Flyer
How to Get to Catalina Island
Taking a Catalina day trip should be on everyone’s LA Bucket List. To visit Catalina Island for the day you have two options, by sea or by air. The cheapest way is by boat. The fastest way is to take a helicopter.
Catalina Island by Sea - Catalina Island Ferry Tickets
To get to Catalina by sea you’d take a ferry. Ferries are operated by two different companies, Catalina Flyer, and Catalina Express. There are 5 different ports to travel out of; Long Beach, San Pedro, Newport Beach, or Dana Point. Travel by ferry takes about an hour from these ports. Additionally, you can choose to leave out of San Diego which will take about 90 minutes.
Ferry tickets cost about $75 for a round-trip excursion. Discounts are available for seniors and children. Catalina Express also offers free tickets on your birthday.
All ports and ferries are wheelchair accessible.
Catalina Island by Helicopter
Your second option to get to Catalina Island for the day is IEX Helicopters. This option will get you to Catalina in about 15 minutes. You can catch a helicopter ride from Long Beach, San Pedro, John Wayne Airport, and Burbank Airport.
A helicopter ride will more than likely cost upward of $250.
IEX Helicopters are wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get Around Catalina Island
There are no car rentals on Catalina Island. In fact, you’ll see very few cars in general. Most people get around by foot, bike, golf cart, taxi or bus.
The Garibaldi Community fixed route bus is operated by the city of Avalon and runs from the ferry landing to Casino Way and up-canyon to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden. The cost is $2 per ride, children under 5 are free. All buses can easily accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
Taxi service is also available operating from the Catalina Island ferry terminal, as well as the taxi stand, located on the corner of Crescent Avenue and Metropole Avenue. Wheelchair accessible taxis are available and can take you to all areas of Avalon.
Catalina Casino at Night
Catalina Island History
Just to give you a really quick overview of Catalina Island’s history, Santa Catalina Island has been inhabited for nearly 8,000 years. The island was originally inhabited by the Pimungan people who called it Pimu. The first Europeans to reach the island arrived in 1542. These Spanish settlers later claimed the island and renamed it Santa Catalina in honor of Saint Catherine. In the following years, the island was used by otter hunters, ranchers, miners, and smugglers, as well as for military operations.
In 1887, Geoge Shatto purchased the island with dreams of turning it into a resort destination. Later, in 1919 William Wrigley, Jr of the Wrigley Chewing Gum empire purchased the island and developed Avalon as a resort, bringing his Chicago Cub baseball team to the island for spring training. This lasted from 1921-1951.
During this time the island also became a favorite filming location for Hollywood. In the 1920s 14 bison were brought to the island to film a western. The bison were left behind by production. Today a herd of approximately 150 bison roams the island’s interior.
In the 1970s Wrigley transferred 88% of the island to the Catalina Island Conservancy so it could remain undeveloped and scientists could learn about its incredible ecosystem.
In 2013 the city of Avalon celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Looking down at Avalon, Catalina
Catalina Island Things to Do
If you’re wondering what to do on Catalina Island, I’m here to give you ample options. Whether you’re visiting for a Catalina Island day trip or overnight stay, there’s plenty to see and do. Even if you’re stopping by Catalina for a few hours on a cruise, I’ll help you decide how to best spend your time. And as always, I’ll make note of the accessible activities and how to best get around the island if you have mobility issues.
Catalina Island offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for thrill-seeking adventures, explorations under the sea, a relaxing time on the beach, a boozy getaway, a great time exploring nature, or to learn about the island’s rich history, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s get to it. These are things to do in Catalina Island for a day…
Bison of Catalina
See the Bison
Visitors are lured in by the picturesque seaside town of Avalon, but you haven’t truly experienced Catalina until you’ve taken a tour of its incredible interior. this unspoiled wilderness is the most magical thing about Catalina. To see the interior you need to get a permit from the Catalina Island Conservancy or sign up for a tour. Permits can be obtained if you click the link.
Catalina Island Tours can be done via a 2 Hour Tour with a Conservancy Naturalist as your guide.
On a trip to the interior, you’ll be able to see exciting things like the incredible wild bison of Catalina, bald eagles, and island foxes. Sadly, these tours are not wheelchair accessible. Catalina Adventure Tours does offer the most accessible of the interior island tours, however, participants must be able to transfer into their vehicle, which requires going up 4 steps.
Experience a Catalina Island golf cart tour
2. Golf Cart Tour
The best way to see Catalina Island is by renting a golf cart and driving around the island to take in the stunning views. This will also spare you from doing a ton of walking. There are several golf cart rentals available in downtown Avalon. A few companies will allow you to rent carts by the hour. Along with the golf cart, you will receive a map of the island so you can orient yourself as you go along. You only need an hour or two to explore via golf cart as visitors are not allowed into the interior of the island without signing up for an interior island tour or obtaining a permit to hike.
For exploring on your own, I recommend the following golf cart rental companies:
Island Rentals Inc - 125 Pebbly Beach Road, Avalon, CA 90704 Phone (310) 510-1456
Cartopia Cart Rentals - 625 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704 Phone: (310) 510-0369
If you don’t like the idea of exploring on your own, you can sign up for a private golf cart tour and see all the highlights. I recommend this Wheelchair-Accessible Avalon Highlights Private Golf Cart Tour.
Catalina Island Botanic Garden
3. Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden
The Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden is another of Catalina’s gems operated by the Catalina Island Conservancy and my top pick for Catalina Island things to do for free. To get to the garden and memorial it's a 30-minute walk up Avalon Canyon from downtown Avalon. Visitors can also opt to take the Catalina Trolley, or rent a golf cart.
The idea for the botanical gardens came from Ada Wrigley, wife of Chicago Cubs owner and chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley. She supervised the original desert plant collection installed by horticulturalist Albert Conrad. By 1969, the gardens had expanded to almost 38 acres.
The emphasis of the garden is on California island endemic plants which grow naturally on the Channel Islands but nowhere else in the world. Many of these plants are on the endangered species list, so it’s well worth taking a golf cart ride up to see them.
My one day trip to Catalina Island - Enjoying Wrigley Memorial
The Wrigley Memorial is located just on the other side of the gardens. Its quarried Catalina stones are highlighted in the facade. The blue flagstone rock on the ramps and terraces was brought in from Little Harbor on Catalina Island’s windward side. The colorful handmade glazed tiles were all made at the Catalina Pottery Plant which ran from 1927 to 1937. The structure is wheelchair accessible. Standing inside the memorial you’re also able to look downhill toward fabulous ocean views. It makes for great photographs. As evidenced by my diva-like photo above.
Location: 11400 Avalon Canyon Road Avalon, CA 90704
Avalon Harbor
4. Descanso Beach Club
If you’re just looking to put your feet in the sand and relax, look no further than Descanso Beach Club. The area is home to Catalina island’s only beachside restaurant and bar. There are a few things that make Descanso Beach club special, first, you can actually drink alcohol on this beach, a rare occurrence in California, and second, it’s one of the last private beaches in California open to the public.
Visitors can relax on the Club’s soft, imported sand, and enjoy time in a private cabana, chaise lounge, ocean-view table, or beach towel while delicious food and drinks are delivered directly to you.
Lunch is available from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm daily. During the summer months, live DJs play at the Beach Club every Saturday.
The Descanso Beach Club Restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
Location: 1 St Catherine Way Avalon, CA 90704
The Catalina Casino
5. Catalina Casino
The Catalina Island Casino is not a gambling institution, but rather a nearly century-old art deco landmark. The Catalina Island Casino symbolizes the glamorous era of Catalina when the island was a popular destination for those in Hollywood and it was flooded with glamour. Take a tour of the Casino, learn about the building’s history, see its brilliant art deco murals, and classic pipe organ, and view the massive ballroom where popular big bands once played.
I recommend this Wheelchair-Accessible Discover Catalina Island Casino Tour.
Location: 1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704
Chicago Cubs Photos from the Catalina Island Museum
6. Catalina Island Museum
The Catalina Island Museum offers exhibitions in art, history, music, and dance, as well as lectures by guest speakers and screenings of silent, documentary, and international films. The museum also features collections of Santa Catalina artifacts including a Chicago Cubs collection, and an exhibit on the island’s involvement in WWII. If you want to learn more about the island’s rich history, this is a must-see spot.
Tickets are $18 for adults. There are discounts for seniors, active military & veterans, healthcare workers, children, and students.
The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
The Catalina Island Museum is wheelchair-accessible.
Location: 217 Metropole Avenue, Avalon, CA 90704
Relaxing is for the birds.
7. Green Pleasure Pier
Jutting out 407 feet, this pier is packed with history. Originally constructed to help ease the congestion brought on by incoming boats and fishermen, the pier is now the place to go to find comfort foods, book a Catalina Island activities package, island excursions, and more. This is the place to go if you need any Catalina questions answered.
The Catalina Island Company is located here. they offer a wide variety of tours both on land and in the sea. I recommend their Nautilus Semi-Sub Tour.
You can also stop by Joe’s Rent-A-Boat to rent a paddleboard, motorboat, kayak, or snorkel/SCUBA gear at Joe’s.
You’ll find a few Catalina Island restaurants here at Green Pleasure Pier. At the end of the pier, you can dine on fresh seafood at Avalon Seafood, a restaurant, and market. Avalon Seafood is famous for its fish and chips and spectacular views of the harbor.
If comfort food is more your thing, try Eric’s on the Pier. I recommend the buffalo burger. Though many prefer the clam soup in a bread bowl.
Or you could just enjoy my favorite pastime, chilling out and looking at marine life, like the giant pelican above who stopped by for a photo op. And don’t miss the brightly colored orange Garibaldi swimming near the pier, the spotted sea bass, and the sea lions who call the area home.
Whatever it is you’re looking for it can be found here on the Green Pleasure Pier. Fun for all ages!
Location: Near the junction of Crescent Street and Catalina Avenue
8. Catalina Wine Mixer
Fellow wine lovers rejoice once a year at the Catalina Wine Mixer, held at Descanso Beach Club. It’s advised that you book tickets well in advance as they sell out quickly. The event is filled with wine, food, music, dancing, and fun. There’s no better day to plan your day trip to Catalina Island than during this wine mixer event. More information can be found here on the Catalina Island Company website.
Catalina zip line
9. Catalina Zip Line Eco Adventure
Looking for adrenaline rush activities? This zip line eco-adventure is for adventurous types. Visitors can experience 2-hours of adrenaline-fueled fun taking in incredible ocean views as they soar high above the tree tops. A shuttle takes you to a ridge 600 feet above Descanso Beach Club where you’ll zigzag across the canyon over eucalyptus trees on five separate lines at speeds up to 35 mph.
To participate you must meet health and safety standards. For that reason, the zip line is not wheelchair accessible.
Location: 1 Catherine Way Avalon, CA 90704
10. Tropical Gardens Mini Golf
If you’re not into risking life and limb on a zip line, I have a decidedly more tame activity on the ground… mini golf! Catalina’s Golf Gardens has been around for more than 40 years providing family fun. Located just one block from the beach, the par 51 layout is one of the most beautiful mini golf courses in the world and one of the most challenging.
Golf Gardens is open year-round, weather permitting. Tickets can be purchased at any Catalina Island Company ticket booth or at the main entrance.
Unfortunately, the mini golf course is not wheelchair accessible. But it is stroller accessible for those interested in bringing young children.
Location: 10 Island Plz, Avalon, CA 90704
11. Catalina Island Snorkeling
The waters surrounding Catalina Island are rich with kelp forests, bright orange Garibaldi fish, and other amazing sea creatures. Catalina Island is one of the few great snorkeling locations in southern California. The best way to see this delightful undersea world is to book a snorkeling tour. Expert tour guides take you to the best areas to view aquatic life on a 2-hour adventure.
In order to participate in a snorkeling tour guests must be ambulatory and able to access the ocean via one set of stairs. Guests must be 8+ years old.
Location: Casino Point Dive Park CDS Booth Saint Catherine Way, Avalon, CA, 90704
Parasail or snorkel over Catalina Harbor
12. Catalina Island Parasailing
Experience the thrill of parasailing with California Parasail. Soar high above the ocean waters as you look down on beautiful Santa Catalina Island with California’s premier parasail operator.
Flights range from 8 to 10 minutes and cost $95 per person.
It is not necessary that you know how to swim to parasail, but due to the sometimes bumpy nature of the rides, it is recommended that those with spinal injuries not partake in parasailing.
Location: 105 Pebbly Beach Road Avalon, Catalina 90704
The Green Pleasure Pier, where your Catalina Island adventure begins
13. Glass Bottom Boat Ride
Discover life under the surface of the Pacific Ocean without having to get wet or wear a bathing suit in public. Explore Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve with a small group aboard a glass-bottom vessel. You’ll be able to see colorful fish, coral, and sea life with the help of a knowledgeable captain. I recommend the Catalina Island Small Group Glass Bottom Boat Tour.
Unfortunately, boats are not wheelchair accessible.
Location: 46 Green Pleasure Pier Avalon, CA 90704
14. Take an Underwater Cruise
Explore Catalina’s undersea kelp gardens and amazing underwater world in a semi-submersible SS Nautilus. Designed after America’s first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, this version takes guests on a 45-minute underwater journey into a preserved marine sanctuary known as Lovers’ Cove. Guests can even fire “torpedo buttons” loaded with fish food to create a feeding frenzy right outside the viewing area of the vessel.
On the trip back from Lovers’ Cove guests can enjoy harbor views from the top deck of the vessel.
I recommend the 45 Minute Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina From Avalon.
Unfortunately, the vessel is not wheelchair accessible. However, service animals are permitted.
The heart of Downtown Avalon, Catalina
15. Play at the Three Palms Avalon Arcade
There’s fun for all ages at the Three Palms Avalon Arcade. Enjoy time with the family, bring a date, or indulge your inner child with bowling, arcade games, great food, beer, wine, cocktails, and big-screen TVs. Try your hand at winning some prizes or relax with the island vibe.
Three Palms Island Arcade is wheelchair accessible.
Location: 205 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704
16. Golf at the Catalina Island Golf Course
Admittedly, golf isn’t my game. I never much mastered a swing on account of having boobs that very much get in the way, but I’d like to include it on my list because the Catalina Island Golf Course is the oldest operating golf course west of the Mississippi and the former home of the Bobby Jones Invitational Tournament.
The 2,100-yard course offers nine challenging holes, including two sets of tees for those looking for 18-hole play. If you’re into golf you’ll be hard-pressed to find a prettier course. The Catalina Island Golf Course offers gorgeous views of Avalon Bay and the iconic Catalina Casino. With small greens and deep bunkers, it proves challenging to most golfers. The course also offers a driving net. Another cool aspect of the course is the frequent wildlife appearances by deer, hawks, and island foxes.
Location: 1 Country Club Drive Avalon, CA 90704
View of Catalina from Wrigley Memorial
17. Catalina Aerial Adventure
Looking for some thrill-seeking adventure? Look no further. Catalina Aerial Adventure offers a ropes course high above Avalon. With several skill levels, most people can find one that suits their needs. You’ll feel like you’re deep in the woodlands as you climb, crawl, and swing through a series of aerial obstacles suspended over a grove of towering eucalyptus trees.
The five self-guided, self-paced courses are made up of rope ladders, balance beams, log bridges, zip lines, and other elements and are offered at three different levels, beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
The course is not wheelchair-accessible and not recommended for guests with back or heart problems. Travelers must have a moderate physical fitness level.
Location: 1 St. Catherine Way, Avalon, CA 90704
Aerial view of the Wrigley Memorial
18. Haunted Catalina Ghost Tour
This wheelchair-accessible tour allows visitors to explore the spooky side of Catalina Island. Guests will tour the historic village of Avalon with a local historian and learn all about the paranormal history of Catalina. You’ll learn the difference between a spirit and a ghost. I always assumed the former was a strong distilled liquor and the latter was an apparition of a dead person. But this is why I’m not a tour guide.
I highly recommend the wheelchair-accessible Haunted Catalina Ghost Tour. It was voted one of the top 10 ghost tours in the country by USA Today.
Location: 1-22 Green Pleasure Pier Avalon, CA 90704
The entrance to the interior of Catalina Island. Accessible with permit only.
Visit Beautiful Catalina Island
I hope you enjoyed this list of Catalina Island Activities and found some exciting and or relaxing things to do on Your Catalina Island day trip. If you’ve been to Catalina Island and have something to add, please add it in the comments below.
