Catalina Island Visitor Information

The Official resource offers in-depth visitor details for Catalina Island, including Catalina maps, ferry and transportation options, activities, lodging, restaurants, nightlife and more.

Catalina Island Info

Set 22 miles from the coast of southern California, Catalina Island is open to travelers year 'round. Reaching Catalina is simple, with trips taking as little as 15 minutes by air or one hour aboard a high speed passenger ferry. California’s only island resort, Catalina Island gives visitors countless ways to spend their time.

Avalon, Catalina's only incorporated city, provides the services and conveniences residents expect from a larger city. On the West End, the unincorporated village of Two Harbors is a quieter boater’s haven, offering a relaxed alternative to busier areas plus easy access to camping and wildlife.

Catalina Island also includes many camps and campsites, along with the Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability, home to the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. Whether you are planning a vacation, a wedding, a group event or a move to this island paradise, Catalina Island is an ideal place to go.

The Catalina Island Conservancy runs a non-profit land trust and manages 88% of Catalina Island as a preserve. For many visitors, wildlife viewing, hiking and camping are the biggest draws to the island’s interior.

Catalina Island is often known for an ideal climate. The island has a year 'round Mediterranean climate, with sunny warm days and cool breezes in the evening. Average summer temperatures are 75 degrees, while winter averages are 65 degrees. Sunshine is typical, with an average of 267 days a year, and yearly rainfall averages 12 inches. Current Catalina Island weather information is available.

For additional Catalina Island details, see the FAQ page.

Visitor Centers

Two Visitor Centers on the piers in Avalon and Two Harbors provide information and help for travelers.

The Love Catalina Island Visitor Center in Avalon is open during these hours:

Monday - Saturday: 8am to 5pm
Sunday: 9am to 3pm
Closed for lunch daily: 12 to 1pm
Holiday hours vary seasonally (closed on December 25th).

The Two Harbors Visitor Center, operated by the Catalina Island Company, is open from 8am to 5pm daily, though hours change by season. The Catalina Island Conservancy also operates The Trailhead Visitor Center, where visitors can find information about hiking, biking and camping in the interior.

Catalina Island Planning Topics

Getting Here

Traveling to Catalina by sea or by air is both easy and enjoyable. Visitors can reach Catalina Island by ferry from four mainland ports in Southern California, including San Pedro.

Places to Stay

Catalina Island lodging reflects the island’s varied landscapes and settings. Options range from upscale hotels to charming Bed and Breakfast Inns.

Plan Your Visit

Visitor planning information includes Places to Stay, Things to Do, How to Get to Catalina, How to Get Around, Maps and more.

Getting Around

Avalon, the primary town on Catalina Island, covers only one square mile, making nearly everything easy to reach on foot. Walking is the preferred way to get around.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

The FAQ addresses common visitor questions, including lockers, Uber or Lyft, whether dogs are allowed, whether a passport is needed and how to reach the island.

About Catalina Island

Just over 20 miles from the southern California coast, Catalina Island feels far removed from the busy mainland.

Two Harbors

Two Harbors, located on Catalina Island’s West End, offers activities and adventures to discover. Its setting between two ports makes it a distinctive destination.

Getting To Two Harbors

Travelers going from Avalon to Two Harbors have several choices, including bus service, private transportation, ferry travel and helicopter service.

Catalina Island Webcam

The Catalina Island Webcam shows views and images of beautiful Avalon Harbor, with images available to download and share while planning a future visit.

Visitors Guide

The Visitors Guide provides the details needed to plan a Catalina Island escape, with options to download a digital guide or request a free guide by mail.