Top 10 Most Instagrammable spots: Catalina Island

(Last Updated On: May 22, 2023)

Planning an island vacay ? Then you have to visit Catalina Island. It’s a quaint little island town just an hour off LA coastline. Full of colorful cliff side homes, pebble beach fronts , charming cafes and restaurants and endless breathtaking views; this place is the closest you can get to an European dream on the Pacific Ocean.

Check out my guide for top Instagram spots on Catalina.

1.BUENA VISTA POINT SCENIC OVERLOOK

One of the best places to get a photo of Avalon and its beautiful harbor, is Buena Vista Point. This spectacular location, is accessible by golf cart! A quick 10-minute golf cart ride up the mountain gets you to this beautiful spot, with lots of scenic views along the drive.

Location: Wrigley Rd, Avalon, CA 90704

2. CASINO WAY

Walk along the coastline in Avalon via Casino Way for breathtaking views of the cliffs and the harbor. The palm tree lined path has multiple Instagram-worthy spots. You won’t have to go too far to get a few great photos! There is a window overlooking the harbor, at the Via Casino archway which is also a good spot.

Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704

3. CASINO

The most iconic spot of Avalon is The Catalina Casino; Dominating the Avalon landscape from its regal perch on the edge of Avalon Bay, the Casino exemplifies the style and romance of Catalina Island. But its not an actual casino, its a theater + ballroom. And undoubtedly one of the best spots in Avalon to get an Instagram photo. The Mediterranean architecture, domed ceiling , soaring murals and lavish medley of rose-hued walls, and Tiffany-like chandeliers cannot be missed.

1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704

4. DESCANSO BEACH

Located at the other end of the Casino Way, this white sand beach is perfect to spread out your beach towel and get some sun tan. The Descanso Beach club has some beach side cabanas + great drinks to sip on and enjoy your beach time.

1 St Catherine Way, Avalon, CA 90704

5. THE PAVILION HOTEL

We stayed at The Pavilion Hotel during our visit to the island and the views alone made this an incredible spot to stay on the island. A tropical jungle right in the center of the town with tall palm trees in the background and sweeping ocean views from the courtyard; It was a Californian Dream.

513 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704

6. WRIGLEY MEMORIAL AND BOTANIC GARDEN

A thirty-minute stroll up Avalon Canyon from town center, the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical garden is also accessible via cart and bus. Walk along the trail with exotic and rare species of plants and cacti to the beautiful memorial building with a great view and gorgeous blue tile murals. We reached the memorial building at sunset and was just the perfect spot to get some pastel sunset shots.

1402 Avalon Cyn Rd, Avalon, CA 90704

7. WRIGLEY FOUNTAIN

Located in the town center, this is a quintessential photo op. The beautiful glazed tiles on the fountain gives it a cool retro vibe. You can get a panoramic view of the town + palm trees from this spot.

8. CRESCENT BEACH

Crescent Beach is the main beach on Avalon Bay in the town of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island. It is a great spot to get some photos of the pleasure pier and crescent bay of Avalon with the Casino in the background.

9. Casino Point Dive Park

This dive park is right behind the casino, and as we strolled around the casino we found lots of great photo spots. One of my favorites was this rocky overlook, which gave us a great backdrop of the cliffs, Hamilton Cove and the ocean.

10. THE FOUNTAIN BY THE ISLAND SPA

I think this was “that So-Catalina Photo”! The iconic fountain in the town center right by the Island spa –we found this spot on our evening walk and with no traffic on the streets, I had to run to get some photos !

Those are my picks for the best Instagram spots on Catalina Island! Hope this Instagram guide helps you take some great photos in Catalina. Got questions? Comment or DM me on Instagram @preksharaj and I’ll be happy to help.

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