Skip to main content

Unique Boating Experience! San Diego to Catalina Itinerary

Boating on the California Coast is truly a unique experience. Mild temperatures and sunny skies provide ideal conditions for water sports, visiting beaches, and sightseeing. This sample San Diego to Catalina Itinerary will get you dreaming about a California yacht charter.

San Diego is one of California’s most fascinating and populous counties, home to more than three million people. Catalina Island is a great vacation option from San Diego, offering proximity, adventure, and relaxation. A yacht rental in San Diego is a fantastic way to explore this beautiful area.

San Diego to Catalina Itinerary
Catalina Island. Image by Elias Shankaji on Unsplash.

Day 1 | San Diego

Begin and end your San Diego to Catalina Island in this lovely coastal town.

Things to do in San Diego

While in San Diego, spend some time seeing all this town offers. Before setting off (or when you return), you may want to explore these places:

  • San Diego Zoo. The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is an adventure the whole family will enjoy.
  • Museums. Just a few of the town’s many museums include the USS Midway Museum, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Museum of Art, and the 857 Whaley House Museum.
  • Art Galleries. San Diego has a lively arts scene. Some art galleries include Spanish Village Art Center, Michael J Wolf Fine Arts, Subtext Gallery, and Sparks Gallery.
  • Gardens. San Diego has many lovely gardens, such as the San Diego Botanic Garden, Balboa Park, Japanese Friendship Garden, Desert Garden, and Harper’s Topiary Garden.

Day 2 | Dana Point

On day two, you’ll cruise north to Dana Point, a lovely seaside town.

Things to do in Dana Point

There are a variety of activities you can do in Dana Point.

  • Browse the eclectic boutiques at Dana Point Harbor
  • Visit nearby Doheny State Beach and Salt Creek Beach
  • Hike or bike the trails that wind through Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area.

After a long day of exploring, return to your private yacht and relax with a cool drink as you watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Days 3 and 4 | Catalina Island

The following day, travel to Avalon on Catalina Island. This town has lots of shops, restaurants, and island tours. Visit beach bars and wineries, go ziplining, and see bison (yes, bison!). Later travel to Emerald Bay, a fantastic place for snorkeling and watersports. Stop at the rustic town of Two Harbors. Kayak, hike, snorkel, or relax.

Day 5 | San Diego

Return to San Diego. You don’t have to end your holiday yet, but there’s still time for a yoga class, a waterfront meal, or a stroll on the beach.

End Your San Diego to Catalina Itinerary

This San Diego to Catalina Itinerary is only a sample. We will work with you to create the perfect yacht charter vacation in California.