Everything You Should Do This Summer on Catalina Island

It’s the summer of 2025, and there’s a lot of buzz around Catalina Island. New York Times best-selling author Michael Connelly has written a book set in the island town of Avalon. In this new novel, “Nightshade,” locals will recognize street names and familiar spots in what promises to be a thrilling-murder-mystery-beach-read this summer. The island has often been the backdrop for movies, TV shows, and even some celebrity vacations, and this book will likely inspire a wave of visitors this summer. Catalina makes a great setting for paging through novels (or writing them), paddling through the harbor, walking through small town streets, discovering great restaurants, and hiking through gorgeous hills and canyons. Write your own noteworthy story when you spend a few days—or even a few weeks—on Catalina Island this summer.

A great summer begins with a great adventure. Catalina is special because you can’t just drive on over; instead, you can choose to fly or ferry to the island. Boats are available out of a handful of Southern California cities including Long Beach, San Pedro, Newport Beach, and Dana Point. On a ferry ride, you may even get the chance to whale watch, spot dolphins, or just enjoy some ocean breezes as you cross the channel. Boat rides typically have amenities such as comfortable seating as well as snacks and drinks for purchase. For those who’d like to fly, there is a helicopter service that takes off from Long Beach. The flight is quick, and the aerial views are nothing short of amazing.

Book the best room in town. If you’re going to have all kinds of island adventures, you’re going to want to set yourself up with an ideal home base. The Aurora Hotel is the best choice for your summer stay on Catalina. Conveniently located in Avalon, the Aurora offers a selection of intimate rooms and larger suites. Opt for an ocean view room, and take in majestic views of the Pacific, or reserve the celebrity suite, one of the largest rooms on the island, that includes a fireplace and a private sundeck. All guests of the Aurora can use the space of our ocean-view roof-top deck, which is the perfect place for a morning mug of coffee or happy hour toasts. Complimentary continental breakfasts will fuel you for your summer days around the island.

Explore the ocean. Whether you rent a small watercraft for the day, go out on a fishing charter, do some scuba diving, or kayak around Avalon, there are so many options for ocean-oriented fun. You can dive or snorkel to see the sea life around the island. It’s abundant and beautiful—from colorful Garibaldi to sleek eels, shimmery opal eye, and gorgeous kelp gardens. Not ready to get in the water? Book a glass bottom boat tour—one of Catalina’s classic attractions. Prefer a day at the beach? Walk right down the street from the Aurora to set up your chairs and towels on one of Avalon’s sandy beaches.

Take a tour. Are you a traveler who loves to get to know the place you’re visiting? There are plenty of Catalina tours that will take you around the town of Avalon or even to the interior of the island to see more of and learn more about Catalina. You could even spend some time learning a little more about history and culture at the Catalina Island Museum or at the Catalina Casino building.

Discover your wild side. If you’ve done enough relaxing, there are options for some more intense activities. You can zip line through the canyon near Descanso Beach, or do an aerial adventure—swinging, climbing, and making your way through obstacles. If seeing some wild animals is more your speed, explore the island’s wildlife on a guided tour to look for deer, Catalina Island fox, birds, and bison. 

Be a kid again. Have ice cream for dinner. Use your spending money on souvenirs and arcade games. Get in a round of mini golf, and then make a stop by the candy shop. Splash in the ocean on a giant floatie, and play mermaids on the beach. Catalina has been a family favorite summer destination for decades. Why not have a “yes day” of your own this summer, and explore the island with childlike wonder.

Love the nightlife. If a cocktail and some live music is more your speed, you can find what you need in the evenings on Catalina. There are famous beachside bars as well as some fine dining establishments that can offer just the right ambience for your summer night out. On occasion, the Catalina Casino theater will show films in the gorgeous movie theater.

Reach out to the Aurora Hotel. Our team is ready to help you book your room and make some just right recommendations for your summer trip to Catalina Island. We even offer packages—like the Dash of Romance or the Authentic Catalina Adventure—that include great extras and transportation. Book your stay at the Aurora by calling 310-510-0454, and let us help to customize your Catalina getaway.