Catalina Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, charming streets, and historic landmarks that make exploring on a guided tour a smart choice. With its small-town feel, breathtaking coastal views, and rich history, the island is especially fun when experienced through a guided tour that highlights its best features.
Among the options, we particularly like the Private Guided City Tour for its personalized touch and eco-friendly approach, and the Catalina Island City and Scenic Mt. Ada Tour for its comprehensive sightseeing and photo-worthy scenery.
These tours give you a chance to learn about Avalon’s past while enjoying the island’s stunning vistas. If you’re thinking about how to make the most of your visit, keep reading for our picks.
Quick Overview
Our list includes two standout city tours that cater to different interests and budgets. The Private Guided City Tour up to 12 Passengers offers a relaxed, intimate experience with a fully electric, fish-shaped golf cart that can accommodate your group comfortably.
On the other hand, the Catalina Island City and Scenic Mt. Ada Tour provides a narrated, scenic tram ride highlighting iconic landmarks and natural beauty on a more affordable per-person basis. Both tours showcase the island’s charm, but each has its own vibe and appeal. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Private Guided City Tour up to 12 Passengers
This private guided city tour is perfect if you’re traveling with friends, family, or a small group who want a personalized experience. For $450 per group (up to 12), you get about 1 hour and 15 minutes of relaxed exploration around Avalon. The tour is conducted aboard the only fish-shaped golf cart on the island, and it’s fully electric, making it an eco-conscious choice.
The guide shares insights into Catalina’s history, culture, and local life—plus, you’ll get plenty of chances to stop for photos at scenic spots. The route is a gentle drive through Avalon’s streets, with highlights like the waterfront, colorful architecture, and panoramic views.
The small group setting means you can customize the experience, ask questions, and really get a feel for the island without feeling rushed.
What makes this tour stand out is its fun, quirky vehicle and the knowledgeable local guides who love sharing Catalina’s stories. It’s ideal for those who want an intimate, comfortable, and eco-friendly way to see Avalon at a relaxed pace.
Bottom line: If you value privacy, personalization, and a playful twist on sightseeing, this tour offers exceptional value for its price, especially for groups. It’s a great way to avoid the crowds and really get to know Avalon with a local expert.
2. Catalina Island City and Scenic Mt. Ada Tour
For around $45 per person, this 50-minute narrated tram tour offers a fantastic overview of Avalon’s most iconic sights. The tour takes place aboard the brand-new safari tram, The Eagle, with a naturalist guide providing lively commentary on Catalina’s landmarks and natural surroundings.
Highlights include the Catalina Casino, which is famously not a gambling hall but a grand venue built in the 1920s with the largest circular ballroom without support pillars.
You’ll also visit Lover’s Cove, known for its calm waters and snorkeling, the elegant Wrigley Mansion, and enjoy breathtaking views from Mt. Ada—the former Wrigley family estate perched above Avalon Bay. The tour also includes a stop at Descanso Beach, allowing you to soak in the scenery and take photos.
Guests appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the ease of riding in comfort on the safari tram. While reviews note some confusion with directions initially, the overall experience is highly positive, with visitors remarking on the beautiful vistas and the engaging narration. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, scenic overview with plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value for those wanting to see Avalon’s top sights without a strenuous walk, especially if you appreciate engaging storytelling and scenic views.
How to Choose
When selecting a tour on Catalina Island, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and what kind of experience appeals most. If you’re traveling with a small group or family and want a tailored, eco-friendly experience, the Private Guided City Tour is a standout choice. It’s perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace and enjoy a fun, personalized adventure.
Conversely, if you’re after a quick, informative overview with beautiful photo opportunities, the Catalina Island City and Scenic Mt. Ada Tour provides excellent value and requires less planning—just hop on the tram and enjoy the ride.
Think about your fitness level, the amount of walking you’re comfortable with, and your interest in history or scenery. For a more intimate experience, opt for the private golf cart tour. For a broad overview and great photo stops, the tram tour is hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
Catalina Island offers a variety of city tours to match different interests and budgets. The Private Guided City Tour is perfect for small groups seeking a personalized, eco-conscious experience, while the Scenic Mt. Ada Tour appeals to those who want a quick, scenic overview with engaging narration. Both provide a memorable way to explore Avalon’s highlights and natural beauty.
No matter which you choose, we recommend booking early, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot. Whether you prefer a relaxed, private outing or an engaging narrated ride, Catalina’s charm is sure to leave you with plenty of great photos and stories to tell.
Enjoy your visit—Catalina Island’s combination of coastal beauty and historic charm makes it a must-see destination. Happy exploring!