Honeymooning on Catalina Island

Icon Share

SHARE

Advisor - Anna Reid
Curated By

Anna Reid

  • Adventure Travel

  • Couples Travel

  • California

  • Relaxation

  • Bucket List

  • Island

Advisor - Honeymooning on Catalina Island
Curator’s statement

Growing up in Southern California, Catalina was a fun day trip or weekend getaway. It is also a popular cruise stop on west coast itineraries. Catalina has a plethora of natural beauty, from bison, to snorkeling and more. You can camp, or spend a luxurious and romantic getaway on the island, only a ferry ride away from multiple Southern California ports.

The Fora Difference

Book with Anna to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

Icon Travel Perks
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

Icon Recommendations
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

Icon Inside Knowledge
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Unlock perks by contacting Anna to book your trip.

Day 1: Arrival

You'll likely arrive by ferry mid-afternoon. If local, you can bring your car or even bikes on the ferry with you. There are some wonderful hotel options, and I particular would suggest the Catalina Island Inn or La Paloma. After checking in, spend the rest of the afternoon and evening relaxing and hanging out by the beach

Grab dinner at M Restaurant for delicious Italian food. Head back to the hotel, or check out the surrounding area by foot/bike or even car. If the sun is soon to be setting, rent a local golf cart and catch the sunset, getting a feel for the island and your surroundings.

Day 2: Island exploration

Stop for breakfast at Cafe Metropole before renting golf carts and doing a self-guided tour of the island (must be 21). If self-guided isn't your thing, you can always opt for a guided one.

One option of a self-guided tour

Begin by passing through Lovers Cove and looping up to Mt. Ada before heading inland towards the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens. Spend as much or as little time as you want checking out the sites and enjoying the scenery. Continue along the route via golf cart. Enjoy some breathtaking views and then stop by the Zip Line Eco Tour and Chimes Tower from above before heading back down the coast

Once back in town, take a stroll along the pier and check out the local shopping. Grab some lunch/dinner at Maggie's Blue Rose or Bluewater Grill and enjoy sunset on the beach.

Day 3: Beach and water sports

Today, you'll likely have a good feel and feel comfortable with the island. Hike Hermit Gulch trail loop and grab lunch near the beach. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach, relaxing and enjoying some relaxation from the previous day's island tour.

If you aren't wanting a relaxing day, rent kayaks or paddle boards or go for a swim in the water!

Note: The hike is more rigorous, so you may want to take a nap/head to the hotel and relax after a hot morning in the sun

Day 4: Relaxation and local fare

After a few days of beaching in the sun and adventuring, you may want to rejuvenate at the spa. Catalina Sea Spa is voted the number one Spa on the Island and offers numerous experiences for whatever you may be in the mood for

Afterwards, you could hop on a submarine tour to explore the underwater beauty while keeping your massage, facial, ect. intact.

Grab a nice dinner at the Lobster Trap and enjoy the local-caught sea food of the day before retiring to your hotel or to shop or whatever you enjoy.

Day 5: Farewell

If you are staying longer than four days, check out my additional itinerary ideas for the best things to do on Catalina Island!

Need to know

Other must-do activities

  • Snorkeling and kelp forests

  • Scuba diving

  • Parasailing

  • Fishing adventure (tour, deep sea, shore fishing)

  • Jeep tour (spot some local bison!)

  • Jet-skiing

  • Boat tour around the Island

Advisor - Anna Reid

Travel Advisor

Anna Reid

Get in touch with Anna

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Anna within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our California page.

We use cookies to enhance the user experience. Read our Privacy Policy here.