Catalina Island overview

A World Away, Just An Hour Away

Plan a Catalina Island visit with background on its history, island trivia, wildlife, local expressions, and distinctive quirks.

Set a little more than 20 miles off the southern California coast, Catalina Island can feel far removed from the pace of the mainland. Even so, it is still within California and is also part of Los Angeles County.

Learn the basics of Santa Catalina Island

Many visitors spend their time in Avalon, the city positioned on the southeastern leeward side of the island.

On the island’s west end, Two Harbors is a small village popular with boaters, campers, and adventure-seekers. From Avalon, it is 40 minutes by boat or two hours by bus.

With 76-square miles of land and more than 50 miles of shoreline, Catalina Island is bigger than many people expect.

Almost 90 percent of Catalina Island is wilderness, safeguarded from development by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Entry into the island interior is restricted to permitted vehicles, bikers, hikers, and authorized tour operators.

Catalina is one of the Channel Islands and is the only island in the eight-island chain with a permanent civilian population that also regularly welcomes visitors.

Island trivia

Catalina Island belongs to Los Angeles County, and Avalon, incorporated in 1913, became the county’s 30th city.

Wildlife

Catalina Island supports a wide variety of wildlife, including both native and non-native species.

History

Catalina Island’s rich and lengthy past reaches back to the Spanish Empire. The island was once owned by William Wrigley, Jr. of Wrigley Chewing…

Distinctly Catalina

Explore Catalina oddities, facts, and the way locals talk.