Just a short trip from the Southern California coast, Santa Catalina Island welcomes visitors with its breathtaking views and rich history. Though Avalon is a small town, it boasts a wide range of activities designed for couples who want to spend quality time together.
Offering a unique mix of tranquility and excitement, this island is the ultimate destination for a romantic getaway. Enjoy everything from serene spa experiences to thrilling outdoor activities.
Planning your trip to Catalina Island? Here are the best tours, hotels, and ferry service:
📸 Best Tours In Catalina Island:
- Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon (see more sights in less time)
- Mermaid Photo Shoot
- Bison Expedition
- 2 hour Inside Adventure Tour (visit the highest point of the island!)
- Undersea Expedition Tour (5 feet below the sea)
- 45 Minute Semi-Submarine Tour (best thing to do with kids!)
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour (see fish without scuba diving or snorkeling)
😴 Best Hotels On Catalina Island:
- Hotel Atwater (💲) (free access to Descanso Beach Club)
- The Avalon Hotel in Catalina Island (💲💲) (360 views of Avalon!)
- Hamilton Cove (💲💲💲) (includes golf cart to explore the island)
⛴️ Best Ferry Service: Catalina Express (cheapest and quickest way)
Romantic Things to do in Catalina Island
Whether you’re a couple who loves a quiet getaway in a quaint beach town or a couple who is craving adrenaline and adventure, Catalina Island has it all.
Even the ferry ride over to Santa Catalina on the Catalina Express adds some quality time adventure to your trip.
Pick your romantic accommodations, choose from delicious food with amazing views, and match activities to fit your couple’s personality.
Looking for a budget-friendly scenic tour? Check out this Catalina Scenic Tour.
Romantic Places to Stay and Eat in Catalina
Choose a room with a view of Catalina harbor and a meal looking over Avalon Bay. You can even choose to do a Catalina food tour to make the most of what food Catalina has to offer. Select your lodging, meals, and treats to reflect the type of romantic getaway you’re looking for.
1. Select A Romantic and Historic Hotel or Cozy Campground
There are so many lodging options when staying overnight on Catalina Island. You can book a hotel, rent a beach house, or even decide to camp. Hermit Gulch Campground offers both campsites where you bring and pitch your own tent, as well as canvas glamping tents complete with cots.
If you’re familiar with San Diego’s historic Hotel Del Coronado for its terrace views, then check out The Avalon Hotel in Catalina Island for its 360 views.
Established in 1891, this Victorian-style hotel has been upgraded to meet modern comforts and hold design influences from classic Hollywood. The beach is only 200 feet from this perfectly located hotel centered alongside Avalon’s shopping and restaurants.
Other excellent choices for the best place to stay include Hotel Metropole and Hotel Atwater. Hotel Atwater was the first hotel by Avalon Bay built by the Catalina Island Company. Hotel Metropole is an upscale, luxury accommodation.
2. Indulge in a Romantic Dinner Together at a Catalina Island Restaurant
Antonio’s Pizzeria and Cabaret has tables with classic red and white checkered tablecloths overlooking Avalon Bay. Enjoy waterfront cocktails and Italian Cuisine as the lights twinkle on the boats in the marina at sunset.
If you’re not specific about a table by the water, then check out the best place to eat at NDMK Fish House. This family-owned restaurant offers fresh seafood and other delicious appetizers, entrees, and beverages.
3. Ice Cream from Lloyd’s Old Fashioned Candy Shop
What type of date night is complete without ice cream? Santa Catalina has a few ice cream places, but the best is an old-fashioned candy shop named Lloyd’s of Avalon. Lloyd’s has ice cream, salt water taffy, homemade fudge, caramel apples, and so much more. Pick out your sweet treat then walk a few steps to sit on the wall overlooking the ocean.
Tour underwater in this 45-minute tour in a semi-submarine at Lover’s Cove.
Romantic Places to Walk in Catalina
There are many romantic things to do on Catalina Island, and the easiest (and cheapest) of them is walking. Walk to a specific destination, or just meander around town and the island. Either way, you’ll spend quality time together with an amazing view of Avalon bay.
4. Stroll Along The Waterfront
The waterfront walk on Santa Catalina Island goes by all of the shops and restaurants and is a great way to enjoy the atmosphere of Avalon.
Look one way to see the shopping and the other way to see the boats and the ocean. It’s a great way to enjoy some quiet time together just taking in the sites around you.
Book this amazing 45-minute underwater cruise around Catalina Island.
5. Visit Catalina Island Casino
Take Saint Catherine Way from the main shops all the way to the Catalina Island Casino. You’ll see tiled murals on the walls, get a different view of the bay and enjoy the impressive historic sight of the Casino.
Now functioning as a museum, the Catalina Island Casino used to be the island’s center for nightlife. It opened in 1929 as a “gathering place” for music, dancing, dinners, and movies. The first floor is the Avalon theater while the second floor is a stunning ballroom.
Take a narrated walking tour, or plan your visit when the ballroom of the casino hosts an event. Private events and weddings can also be booked in this historic space.
Book a guided tour of the Catalina Island Casino
6. Visit the Catalina Island Museum of Art & History Museum Together
Find out more about Catalina Island by visiting the Catalina Museum of Art & History. Catalina has a strong connection with the Chicago Cubs, so there are a lot of fun facts for baseball fans.
For history buffs, Catalina played a large part in World War II. The Catalina Island Museum also hosts music and dance performances as well as documentary films and other activities.
7. Visit the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens
The Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden were created in the 1930s to honor William Wrigley Jr. His memorial is composed of material found on Catalina Island, and his wife added the surrounding botanical gardens.
There are 5 zones of gardens representing different plants from various ecosystems: Catalina Island Endemics, Exotic Succulents, Desert Plants of the Americas, Plants of the Channel Islands, and the California Native Plant Walk.
About 30 minutes from town, the botanical gardens are right next to the Hermit Gulch Campground. You can walk the mile and a half, rent a golf cart, or take the city bus.
Romantic Adventures in Catalina
What’s a romantic vacation without fun things to do? In addition to your typical kayaking, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and glass bottom boat tours, Catalina has a lot more to offer. If you and your partner like a little bit of extra adventure or adrenaline, try these best things from Santa Catalina Island’s adventure opportunities.
Interested in a Catalina Glass Bottom Boat Tour? Check this one out!
8. Hike to a beautiful Ocean View
Hermit Gulch trail is a more moderate hike, but the view at the top is absolutely stunning. You ascend just over 1,100 feet in elevation in this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail.
Once you arrive at the summit, the rewarding view shows the ocean on both sides of the island. It is pretty steep and there is no shade, so make sure you’re prepared with lots of water.
The trailhead starts just behind the Hermit Gulch campground. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Los Angeles and Long Beach.
9. Exploring the Island by Golf Cart or Bicycle
Rent a golf cart or bicycle to go around Avalon’s perimeter. You’ll have a great bird’s eye view of the town and the ocean.
Just be sure to check your rental time frame (typically 2 hours) and bring the golf cart back before your time is up!
Out of the romantic things to do, this one allows you to explore your own way and stop for some amazing photo opportunities.
Book a guided golf cart tour of Avalon’s highlights.
10. Take a Helicopter Ride over the Island
What better way to take in the views than by helicopter? IEX Helicopters has a lot of helicopter tour packages available.
Make it extra romantic by booking a gourmet Heli-Picnic tour where you’re dropped off by helicopter to enjoy a romantic picnic with an extraordinary view.
Bond over an extra adventure by booking a Heli-Hiking tour. The helicopter will drop you off at the start of your hike where you then test your skills as you make your way unguided back to civilization.
There are also full-island and half-island tours for those just looking to take in the views.
11. Parasail in Tandem
Fly 800 feet above the ocean in tandem with your significant other with this adventure. Some tour companies, like California Parasail, offer a photo package and wet or dry parasailing options. It’s a great way to add a romantic water sport to your vacation.
12. Golf Gardens Mini Golf
A classic date night activity, mini golf is extra fun on Catalina Island. It’s been around for over 50 years and offers a more natural garden setting as opposed to windmills and cartoon structures.
The 18-hole course offers loops and other challenging but fun mini-golf experiences.
13. Zipline Eco Tour on Catalina Island
Looking for some more adventure? Try zip-lining with Catalina Island’s Zipline Eco Tour. Shuttle up to 600 feet before taking a series of 5 zip lines back down to Descanso Beach Club.
You can get up to 35 mph and get great views of Catalina’s wildlife and plants. Enjoy food and drinks at Descanso’s beachside bar after you’re done.
Catalina Island Romantic Beach Days
Some of the best things to enjoy on a romantic vacation would be beach days, sunsets, and spa relaxation. You can get all of that and more on this Los Angeles island.
14. Enjoy an afternoon at Descanso Beach Club
Just past the Catalina Casino, you’ll find Descanso Beach Club. It’s the only beachside restaurant and bar on the island.
Rent a chaise lounge or a cabana to elevate your beach experience. Packages include extras such as food and beverage service, beach towels, and water depending on the package.
15. Spa Day at Island Spa Catalina
Receive a couples massage for romantic relaxation or just get a day pass to enjoy the amenities offered by Island Spa Catalina.
There’s an ocean viewing deck, eucalyptus steam room, jacuzzi, sauna, fitness studio, and more. Island Spa Catalina also offers a full massage and facial menu to choose from in addition to their spa amenities.
16. Watch the sunset from the shore
Sunsets are always amazing, but even more so when it’s over the ocean. Pick your spot from a hotel balcony to the beach to the top of a hiking trail and just take in the beauty.
The best place to watch the sunset on Catalina Island is from Buena Vista Point where you get a great view of Avalon and the iconic Catalina Casino.
That being said, there’s no wrong place to see the sunset. Visitors have loved the setting sun from along the waterfront all the way up to the Botanical gardens.
17. Feed the Garibaldi fish at Lover’s Cove
One of the best things to do in Santa Catalina is to follow Pebbly Beach Road to Lover’s Cove for some romantic beach time. The shore is a rocky beach, perfect for skipping stones.
Before walking down the stairs, you can buy some fish food to feed the Garibaldi fish. The Garibaldi is bright orange and is California’s state saltwater fish.
Bring your snorkeling gear if you’re comfortable swimming without a guide. Just watch out for the wake from passing boats.
Where To Stay On Catalina Island
Catalina Island has a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options:
Budget-Friendly Option: Hotel Atwater
Mid-Priced Option: The Avalon Hotel in Catalina Island
Lux Option: Hamilton Cove
Planning Tips For Your Trip To Catalina
How To Get To Catalina Island
Now that you have Catalina Island on your list for your next romantic getaway, you need to know how to get there.
You can extend your helicopter tour to arrive by air, or take a boat.
The most common approach is to take the Catalina Express. This ferry boat launches from Long Beach, San Pedro, Newport Beach, or Dana Point along the coast of Southern California.
Getting to Avalon will take about 1-1.5 hours depending on which port you leave from. Keep in mind that you will need to pay for overnight parking unless you shuttle or taxi to the pier.
The boat ride is part of the fun things to do on a Catalina adventure. There is an excellent chance to see marine life such as dolphins, whales, and sea lions.
The Catalina Express also has snacks and drinks available for purchase. An outdoor seat in the wind can help with motion sickness, as well as offer a better view of the ocean.
How To Get Around Catalina Island
The best way to explore this island is by walking around. But the next best way (that we recommend!) is to get around in golf carts.
You’ll see locals traveling around in golf carts. It’s a fun way to check out the island! You can either rent a golf cart or book a golf cart tour.
You can also take the bus and choose among these options: Avalon Transit, Wildlands Express Shuttle, and Catalina Transportation Services (which also has a taxi service).
While there is no Uber or Lyft on the island and you can’t take your car either, you can get a taxi. You’ll also find taxis as you exit the ferry terminal and the taxi stand (where Metropole Avenue meets Crescent Avenue).
What To Pack For Catalina Island
Catalina Island has beautiful weather, but it does typically cool down at night. Pack essentials like layers including a light jacket or windbreaker.
The weather is typically between 60-70℉ and can get into the low 70s during summer and high 50s during winter.
A bathing suit is a must, but keep in mind the Pacific Ocean is cold off the coast of California. The water around Catalina Island gets up to 70℉ in August and as low as 55℉ in February.
Many tours that book snorkeling or SCUBA diving include wetsuits. If not, get a durable wetsuit.
Sandals and a light towel for beach time are perfect, while a good pair of walking shoes let you explore the island in comfort.
Depending on your chosen activities, pack a romantic beach dress or hiking boots to accommodate the type of romantic getaway that matches your relationship.
Best Time To Visit Catalina Island
The best time to visit Catalina Island would be in spring or fall. With the water temperature never really getting much above 70℉, a summer visit isn’t necessary. Plus summer months can bring more or a marine layer, limiting visibility.
Winter can be a bit too chilly, so spring and fall visits are the perfect mix of good weather and clear visibility during your visit. Plus you miss the summer vacation crowds.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Catalina Island depends on what you want to do while on the Island:
Get Discounts with Santa Catalina Island Conservancy
The Catalina Island Conservancy works hard to preserve this gem of an island in the Pacific Ocean. If you live in or near Los Angeles county, becoming a donating member of the conservancy can help keep the island pristine while offering you discounts.
Catalina Island Conservancy members receive benefits such as admission to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens as well as discounts to select tours on the island.
Your Romantic Getaway to Catalina Island
If you want fun things to do on a romantic vacation while relaxing with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean and California coast, then look no further than Catalina Island. There are so many romantic things to do in Catalina Island that you can spend days on this beautiful land.
This post was written by guest writer, Katie Restrepo.
Bio: Katie is a Disney-obsessed bookworm who loves to explore with her husband and their 2 girls. You can find her learning fun facts about animals or eating sour candy while planning another fun adventure. She created Family Travel Folio to help and inspire parents to travel with their kids from outdoor adventures to theme park fun and more.
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