10 Things To Do on Catalina in the Winter

Since its early days as a resort destination, Catalina Island has always exemplified the ultimate summer. Beaches are packed with umbrellas and chairs. Boats fill the harbor. Fireworks light up the sky. Kids ramble around town with ice cream cones and candy. It’s a summer time paradise. But if you’ve never cozied up to Catalina in the winter, you’ve missed out. The town of Avalon slows down to a pace that truly embodies island living. 

You’ll want the best accommodations in Avalon when you make your winter visit; the Aurora Hotel is a conveniently located boutique hotel that boasts beautiful rooftop deck views and great rooms. Book a Best of Winter package to enjoy the best rates of the year. The package includes round trip transportation for two from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point, two nights in a standard room, and a continental breakfast. Now that your hotel is set, read on to learn 10 things to do on Catalina in the winter. 

1. Explore some more. You’ll arrive and settle into your room at the Aurora, which will serve as a solid base camp for exploration of the island. Upon arriving in Avalon, it can seem small. However, the island’s total area is approximately 76 square miles. Nearly 90% is protected by a local conservancy, but there are tours and trails you can take to see more of the rugged parts of the island. Rent a golf cart for a self-guided scenic tour, or book a bison expedition or an interior tour to see some wildlife and gorgeous terrain. 

2. Get some golf in. There are a couple of options for golf on Catalina: regular and miniature. The Catalina Island Golf Course is one like you’ve never played before. Its 9 holes are set beautifully among Catalina’s canyons. Golf Gardens, the island’s mini course, is fun for the whole family. It makes for a great activity; play for the 18-hole course takes about 1 hour. 

3. Be adventurous. The canyon near Descanso Beach is the setting for a couple of different island adventures: the Zipline Eco Tour and the Catalina Aerial Adventure. For ziplining: 5 different ziplines that drop in across the canyon from a ridge above Descanso—making for an exhilarating way to spend a winter’s day. Nearby is the challenging ropes course that makes up the Catalina Aerial Adventure. This self-guided activity offers 5 courses through the trees in Descanso Canyon. 

4. Make an escape. If the weather’s wet and windy, spend some time making an escape from Avalon’s escape room. Crack codes and solve riddles to solve the mysteries of the Catalina Pirate Challenge. 

5. Go on a spree. Avalon is home to a number of shops that offer more than just typical souvenir fare (though you can always find souvenirs, too). Find some new favorite things—clothing, home goods, art, and even candy, like locally made saltwater taffy—from Avalon’s stores. 

6. Learn something new. Spend time taking in the collections at the Catalina Museum for Art and History. Catalina has a fascinating history that’s worth learning more about. Check out the art collections as well as some cool rotating exhibits. Interested in more art? Visit the Catalina Casino. This iconic building was never a gambling casino; it’s a gathering place that is very special to the community. Take a tour to see the grand ballroom, the spectacular promenade, the theater, and the amazing tile work and art deco style of the Casino. 

7. Play like a kid. Play all the games, and win plenty of prizes at Avalon’s local Three Palms Arcade. In addition to arcade games, there’s mini-bowling and a little theater experience. You can even grab dinner at the adjacent café.

8. Go boating. Catalina is home to water crafts of all sizes. Giant cruise ships come into port throughout the year. Yachts and sailboats moor close by. Fishing boats head out on expeditions. As a visitor, you can rent motorboats, pedal boats, or kayaks. Prefer not to be captain? Plan to take an undersea submarine or a glass bottom boat tour from the Green Pier in Avalon. It’s a great way to enjoy being on the water and to see some sea life. 

9. Be a foodie. Avalon is home to some great restaurants. Of course, there’s local, fresh seafood. But you can also find Italian and Mexican cuisine, fine dining, as well as everyday café fare. For fun, take an Avalon food tour to sample lots of different local favorites. 

10.  Stroll through the gardens. Take time to visit the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden. The Wrigley family had a huge hand in creating the island paradise we know as Catalina today, and the family gardens are a tranquil space. You can take a leisurely walk through to see endemic plants and lovely views. 

Ready to book your winter stay on Catalina? After all your winter adventures, you can relax and unwind at the Aurora. The Best of Winter deal is available at the Aurora Hotel mid-week from November to March 13, 2026, and holidays are excluded. Book online, or call 310-510-0454 to reserve your room.