10 Best Things to Do on Catalina Island

Zip Line Eco Tour offers 2 hours of adrenaline-driven fun as you experience stunning ocean views while sweeping down on a zig-zag zip line over 600 feet long. You'll whip through groves of eucalyptus trees, view the unique flora and fauna of the region, including 60 animal species that are only found here, and learn all about the island ecology. Your tour will then end at an iconic beach club where you can get a bite to eat, relax with drinks, and share your experiences with all of your friends and family.

The Catalina Island Country Club and Golf Course covers 2,100 yards and offers 9 holes with 2 sets of tees at each, so you can enjoy an 18-hole experience. The course is the oldest operating course in the Western United States and bills itself as "a great example of Catalina's charm and history." It has hosted such iconic events as the Bobby Jones Invitational. The course offers a selection of par-4 and par-3 holes, small greens, and tough bunkers. The experience takes you through a canyon that leads toward the ocean and offers brilliant views of Avalon Bay.

The Catalina Climbing Wall offers 32 feet of rock-climbing excitement and 8 color-coded routes to challenge climbers of almost every skill level. It's located near a zip line course and is just steps away from one of the island's iconic beaches, so after you get your climbing in you can head for the shore to cool off in the surf, or you can just relax in the soft sands. Whether you're looking to practice your skills or you want to race your friends up the wall, it's a safe and fun way to get in your outdoor adventures. Auto-belay lines are in place to safely and slowly lower you to the ground after your ascent.

A Jeep Eco Tour lets you enjoy an open-air experience of the rugged island terrain and unique wildlife and flora as you rumble over unpaved roads in an all-terrain Jeep. This tour features open-top Jeeps and is guided by friendly tour drivers who will educate you about the history of the island and what makes it unique and about the native species of plant and animal life, like bison and the Catalina fox. These tours have access to over 165 miles of road and offer a different way to experience the island and its natural history.

The Catalina Casino has been in operation since 1929 and is a premier event venue on the island, renowned for its historic renovated ballroom. What makes it unique is that it's not a gambling venue—"casino" is an Italian word that means "gathering place," and that's just what this is. The building is a masterwork of art deco and was among the first theaters built to show talkies (motion pictures with sound). Private tours are available where you can learn all about the rich history of this building that hosts major events to this day.

Helicopter tours are an alternative means to travel to Catalina Island besides the ferry and to get a panoramic view of the island's rugged terrain and unique flora and fauna. Some people enjoy helicopter tours to approach the island because they get seasick and don't like the ferry. Others just enjoy the adrenaline-packed thrill of looking down on the island from high above. Your tour guide will be able to provide education, trivia, and interesting facts about the ecology and history of the island as you tour its geographic features. A variety of helicopter tours are available throughout the region.

The Descanso Beach Club is a great place for a stroll along the waterfront past casinos and fine-dining establishments and for relaxing on the beach, cocktail in hand. At this iconic location, you can enjoy peaceful, serene mornings on imported, cotton-candy-soft sand as the waves crash on the shore, and rent a private cabana where food and drinks are delivered to you. Spend your day swimming, sunbathing, and trying various watersports, or just build sandcastles and enjoy your getaway.

Luau Larry's is an iconic restaurant that offers a tiki theme and Hawaiian fusion menu with unique tropical cocktails, live music, and astounding views of the local harbor. The restaurant, just steps from the beach, prides itself on its lively and fun setting and is a draw for those looking to cut loose and blow off steam in a laid-back environment. Some of their signature cocktails include the Wiki Wacker, Banana Berry Breeze, and Tasmanian Zombie. Menu highlights include everything from shrimp cocktail and crab cakes to craft pizza and Hawaiian hamburgers.

The Bluewater Grill is a bistro-style restaurant offering cocktails and specialty seafood dishes in an open and laid-back waterfront space featuring a deck and exposed beams. The overall effect is that of a classic seaside eatery where you can enjoy quality food right on Avalon Bay. The building is historic and once functioned as a waterfront terminal. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the menu is moderately priced and features iconic seafood dishes like swordfish, lobster rolls, and the classic fisherman's platter of deep-fried fish, shrimp, and scallops.