The Best Things to Do on Catalina Island in the Winter (Yes, Winter)
Here’s the thing about winter on Catalina Island: it’s the island’s best-kept secret. While summer gets all the buzz, winter is when Catalina truly shines. Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures and a slower pace that lets you actually enjoy the island instead of rushing through it. If you’ve ever searched for things to do on Catalina in the winter, congratulations — you’re already doing it right.
At CatalinaTours, winter is our favorite season to show off the island. Not with megaphones or flashy promises, but with experiences that feel more personal, more relaxed and more authentically Catalina. Think discovery over distraction and quality over quantity.
Why Winter Is the Sweet Spot on Catalina Island
Winter days on Catalina are crisp and sunny, perfect for walking, exploring and lingering. Afternoons are cool but comfortable, and evenings invite a light jacket and a leisurely dinner. Hotels are easier to book, restaurants are less hectic and tours feel more intimate — which is exactly how Catalina was meant to be experienced.
This is the season for travelers who prefer hidden gems over headline attractions and stories over schedules.
Get Creative With Catalina Tile Making
Winter is the ideal time to lean into Catalina’s artistic side, and tile making is one of the most hands-on ways to do just that. Catalina has a long history with tile art, and this experience invites you to step into that tradition — no artistic credentials required.
It’s warm, creative and delightfully tactile. You’ll design and create your own piece while learning about the island’s artistic legacy, then leave with something meaningful to take home. It’s part souvenir, part story and entirely more satisfying than grabbing something off a shelf.
See Avalon From a New Angle on a Golf Cart Tour
A golf cart tour in the winter feels like having Avalon to yourself.
With fewer people on the streets and quieter viewpoints, these tours become less about traffic and more about storytelling. You’ll cruise through Avalon’s neighborhoods, hear the history behind iconic landmarks, and stop for photos without feeling rushed. Winter light adds a soft glow to everything, making views even more memorable and photos effortlessly better.
If you want context without crowds and insights without information overload, this is one of the smartest ways to explore Avalon in the cooler months.
Eat Your Way Through Avalon on a Catalina Food Tour
Let’s talk about lunch — specifically, lunch that moves.
Starting right before noon, the Catalina Food Tour is designed to be your lunch, not just something you do before or after it. You’ll stroll through downtown Avalon, stopping at a curated selection of local eateries to sample signature bites and learn the stories behind the food scene.
Winter adds an extra layer of charm here. Restaurants are more relaxed, chefs have time to chat and the experience feels unrushed and conversational. It’s social without being crowded, indulgent without being overwhelming and a fantastic way to taste the island while getting your bearings downtown.
It’s the kind of experience that fits naturally into a winter Catalina day — casual, flavorful and perfectly timed.
Photo credit: Catalina Compass
Explore at Your Own Pace on the Avalon Bay Discovery Walk
If guided tours aren’t your thing, but wandering without context feels like a missed opportunity, the Avalon Bay Discovery Walk hits the sweet spot.
This self-guided, GPS-powered audio tour turns your phone into a personal storyteller, leading you along Avalon’s waterfront and through key points of interest. You decide when to start, when to pause and how long to linger. Want to stop for coffee midway? Go for it. Want to replay a story while watching boats drift by? That’s built in.
Winter makes this experience especially appealing. Cooler temperatures and quieter walkways mean you can explore comfortably, soak in the views and truly listen to the island’s stories without distractions. It’s informative, flexible and refreshingly pressure-free.
Why These Experiences Shine in Winter
When people ask us about things to do on Catalina in the winter, we don’t hand them a generic checklist. We point them toward experiences that match the season: creative, walkable, immersive and unhurried.
Winter isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things.
A tile-making session in the morning. A golf cart tour to get your bearings. A food tour that replaces lunch with discovery. A self-guided walk that lets you explore Avalon on your own terms. These are the moments that turn a winter visit into a tradition.
And honestly? Once you’ve experienced Catalina this way, summer crowds feel optional.
If you’re planning a winter getaway and looking for authentic, memorable things to do on Catalina in the winter, we’re here to help you experience the island the way we love it most: relaxed, curious and full of small surprises that add up to something unforgettable.