Three must-see Catalina attractions
There are so many places to see and things to do on Catalina that it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the options. Especially for first time visitors to the island the myriad tours, activities and things to do can lead to decision overload. Here are our three must-see Catalina attractions.
The Catalina Casino – This iconic landmark has come to represent Santa Catalina Island. It’s in millions of photographs, hundreds of thousands of postcards and thousands of paintings. Replicas grace everything from cookie jars to Christmas tree ornaments. And you need to see the inside. From the murals in the theatre that will leave you open mouthed with awe to the spectacular view from the promenade around the ballroom, this is a Catalina attraction you can’t miss. To get the inside view take a tour – check out the Discover the Casino tour or the Casino Behind the Scenes Tour.
Underwater – Catalina Island is one of the top dive destinations in North America for good reason. Dramatic kelp forests and prolific marine life mean there’s always something to see – and there are plenty of ways to see it. More adventurous explorers will want to take the plunge and scuba dive – if you’ve never tried it, check out Discover Scuba, a great first-time experience open to anyone who can swim. Snorkeling is another option for those who like to get in the water. Prefer to stay dry? No problem. Check out the Glass Bottom Boat Voyage or the Undersea Expedition.
The Catalina Island Museum – It doesn’t matter if it’s your first visit or your 101st. The Catalina Island Museum’s engaging look at Santa Catalina Island history and culture as well as its ever-changing array of intriguing exhibits make it a must-see Catalina attraction for any visit to the island.
Scuba divers walk down steps into water at Casino Point, Catalina Island, California, Pacific