The Step by Step Guide To Planning A Catalina Vacation

Since the Banning brothers built lodges and ran tours in the late 1800s, Catalina Island has been a desirable resort destination. In 2025, Catalina remains a great vacation spot for families, couples, friends, guys trips, girls trips, and everything in between. There is so much natural beauty and so many ways to explore the island, and there are activities and amenities to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Need help planning it all? Read on to discover a step-by-step guide to planning your Catalina vacation.

1.)   Select your travel dates.  Summer is the busiest season on Catalina, and it’s no wonder why. The weather’s warm, and Avalon is bustling with locals and tourists alike. There’s a fun 4th of July celebration along with all the things that make summer great: days spent in the sunshine, ice cream cones, seaside happy hours, seafood dinners, and after dinner strolls. But truly, Catalina is a fabulous destination any time of year. Pick the date that works best for you so you can set yourself up for the next step.

2.)   Book your transportation! Getting to Catalina can be an adventure in itself. Be sure to book your tickets in advance. The island is accessible by ferry, helicopter, or by personal boat or plane. Ferries tend to be the most popular mode of transportation; they’re available to the island from the cities of Newport Beach, Dana Point, Long Beach, and San Pedro. Plan for paid parking at the boat or helicopter terminals.

3.)   Reserve your room at the Aurora Hotel. Check out all the great options the Aurora has for hotel rooms. The Aurora offers enticing packages like the Dash of Romance or the Authentic Catalina Adventure.  For every guest, the hotel provides Concierge service as well as a daily continental breakfast. Check out all the amenities here.

4.)   Learn how to get around the island. Getting from the ferry to the Aurora is easy. Avalon is a walkable town, and there are taxis available. You can walk along the waterfront to get to the hotel on Marilla—though there is a bit of a hill climb. Learn more about getting around Catalina by taking a tour of the island, using a local map, and asking the staff at the Aurora for any transportation advice you may need.

5.)   Plan for excursions and activities around Catalina. It’s a good idea to sketch out your plans day-by-day.

• Arrive and explore. You can walk or taxi to the Aurora from the boat landing. Once you’ve checked in, you can regroup and get great views of Avalon from the rooftop at the Aurora Hotel. 

• Have a water Day: Whether you want water activities or underwater activities, you’ll find no shortage of options on the island. Take a boat tour—glass bottom, pedal, fishing, kayak, paddleboard, or submarine; there are so many different ways to get out on the water. Link up with Catalina Divers Supply to plan a snorkel or a scuba dive during your stay.

• Take a tour: Want to see more of the island? Rent a golf cart, play a round of golf or mini golf, take a tour of the interior, take a hike, or go ziplining. There are so many options, and the staff at Aurora can help you decide on the best activities for your group.

• Make time for beach time: Avalon has a few different beach fronts to enjoy. Spend a day at Descanso Beach, where you can rent a cabana, order lunch, and have a cocktail—just steps from the Pacific.

• Treat yourself: Whether you splurge on souvenirs or sweet treats, you’ll love strolling through the shops and streets of Avalon. Find your favorite kind of treasure during a day downtown.

  
  

6.)   Get packing. Because it’s a coastal climate, you’ll want to be prepared for cooler morning and evening temps and warm days during the summer. All year round, it’s a good idea to pack layers for your Catalina trip. Don’t forget swimsuits, sunscreen, and flip flops and comfortable shoes for all of your adventures. Avalon has lots of shops and boutiques in case you need to pick up an extra sweatshirt or bathing suit. 

7.)   Make a meal plan. When you’re staying at the Aurora, your breakfast is covered. If you’re into having second breakfast, Catalina Coffee and Cookie Company is a great spot for coffees, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. The island has a local grocery store if you want to pack snacks and waters for your daily excursions. Some favorite spots for lunch and dinner include Maggie’s Blue Rose, the M, and the Lobster Trap. If you want to plan for a fancier night out, be sure to make reservations at Steve’s Steakhouse and Seafood.

8.)   Ask the Aurora. If there’s anything you need during your Catalina vacation, reach out to the Aurora Hotel. Our team is happy to help with recommendations for things to do, places to eat, and everything in between.

Make your Catalina vacation extraordinary, and book your stay at the Aurora. Learn more at our website, or give us a call to plan your visit at 310-510-0454.