Day Trip from Long Beach to Catalina Island

Looking for the perfect SoCal day trip that feels like a vacation? Catalina Island offers scenic natural beauty, outdoor activities for the whole family, and fun shopping, dining, and attractions–all just a short ferry trip away. It’s a convenient escape from life on the mainland and easily accessible from Long Beach at any time of year. Here are some ideas for all the fun things to see and do on Catalina Island, and info on how to get there from Long Beach.

ESCAPE IN NATURE

Catalina Island is one of the best places to experience the Southern California coast’s natural beauty. Spread out on the beach to enjoy a picnic and splashing in pristine waters, or rent snorkeling gear to explore the kelp forests surrounding the island. Many also travel to Catalina for its network of hiking trails. For a moderate hike that can be completed on a day trip, check out the Garden-to-Sky Trail, which departs from the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden (1400 Avalon Cyn Rd, Avalon) and offers stunning views of both sides of the island at the summit.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Fancy a tour to see bison in the island’s interior or a glass bottom boat ride to see the kelp forests? Outdoorsy types will find a paradise on Catalina, with a wealth of fun adventures to choose from. Catalina is known as a great destination for wildlife and nature tours, scuba diving, zip lines, kayaking, and parasailing, among other activities. Hop on an expedition truck for a tour of the island’s scenic interior or a semi-submarine offering incredible underwater views with Catalina Adventure Tours (1 Green Pleasure Pier, Avalon). More recently, horseback riding has returned to the island, with Catalina Island Horseback Adventures (602 Avalon Cyn Rd, Avalon) offering guided group and private tours.

DINING ON THE ISLAND

Enjoy a meal at one of Avalon’s restaurants, where you can try everything from locally made pizza and fresh seafood to perfectly scooped ice cream and craft beers. Try a sampling of several eateries by joining a walking Catalina Food Tour. Foodies will also love the island’s annual Taste Around Avalon event held in May, when local eateries offer samples for tasting and attendees vote for their favorites.

MUSEUMS

Learn about Catalina Island’s unique plants and animals at the Catalina Conservancy Nature Center (708 Crescent Ave, Avalon), where you can also secure a hiking permit. From the nature center, you can walk to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden (1400 Avalon Cyn Rd, Avalon) to enjoy ocean views and a stroll through native plant beds. The Catalina Museum for Art & History (217 Metropole Ave, Avalon) is a cultural hub on the island, offering exhibitions, performances, guest speakers, and film screenings, as well as festivals and other events. The Catalina Island Casino (1 Casino Way, Avalon), Avalon’s most recognizable landmark, is open for daily walking tours to explore its art deco interiors.

GETTING THERE

Catalina Island is 22 miles off the Southern California coast, and Catalina Express (320 Golden Shore) offers daily ferry service departing from Long Beach. The ride aboard their high-speed catamarans from Long Beach to Avalon only takes about an hour. Upgrade to the Commodore Lounge for priority boarding, complimentary beverage and snack service, and larger seats. Get to the island even faster with Maverick Helicopters, which offers 15-minute flights to Catalina’s Airport in the Sky, departing from the Queen Mary Terminal (1175 Queens Hwy). For more details on the logistics of traveling to Catalina, visit our blog.

CREDIT: Matthew Dagilis / The Adventure Guys

WHEN YOU RETURN

You’ve had a beautiful day in the sun on Catalina, and now you’re back on the mainland in Downtown Long Beach, the perfect place to enjoy a night out, with more than 100 restaurants and bars in an eight-block radius. From Pine Avenue to Shoreline Village, there are abundant dining options, including those that are open late. Try some of the city’s best fine dining options, or check out the bar scene. And why not stay the night? Many of Long Beach’s best hotel accommodations are located within 2 miles of the Catalina ferry terminal for a convenient overnight stay.

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for over 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.