Plan a Visit to Catalina Island

In about an hour, you can leave the rush of Southern California behind, settle into island time, and get ready for a memorable Catalina Island escape.

Putting together a Catalina Island trip is straightforward. Arrange transportation by ferry, helicopter, or private boat; choose overnight lodging at a hotel, vacation rental, bed and breakfast, or campground; then map out activities such as shopping, tours, hiking, outdoor adventure, and more.

Lodging Options

Catalina Island places to stay reflect the island’s varied landscapes and atmosphere. Visitors can choose from polished hotels, charming Bed and Breakfast Inns, and other inviting accommodations.

Activities and Experiences

Adventure-seekers can pick up the pace with the Zip Line Eco Tour, diving, or an island eco tour. For a more relaxed visit, Catalina Island offers shopping, beautiful views, and spa time. Additional Catalina Island activities include golf, hiking, biking, art & museums, plus water-based options such as fishing, scuba diving, jet ski rentals, parasailing, paddleboarding, and more.

Traveling to Catalina

Reaching Catalina by water or air is simple and enjoyable. Catalina Island is accessible by ferry from four Southern California mainland ports: San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Dana Point. The trip takes about an hour by boat or 15 minutes by helicopter.

Moving Around the Island

Avalon, the main town on Catalina Island, covers only one square mile, making most places easy to reach on foot. Walking is, in fact, the preferred way to get around.

Dining on Catalina Island

Catalina Island restaurants and dining choices offer options for a wide range of tastes. Visitors can find beachfront dining, fine dining, or something as simple as a family catered picnic, along with more ideas for anyone craving something different.

Events Throughout the Year

Catalina Island hosts many exciting events year round. Visitors can plan a getaway around annual Catalina Island events, including the world-famous Catalina Wine Mixer, the Catalina Film Festival, a homegrown 4th of July Celebration with a golf cart parade, Catalina Island JazzTrax, and many events in between. Events can be explored by week, holiday, music and concerts, or athletic and sports categories.

Island Maps

Maps are available for Avalon, Two Harbors, and Catalina Island. Visitors can also view campgrounds, trails, points of interest, beaches, coves, and more across Catalina Island.

Common Questions and FAQ

Questions about lockers, Uber or Lyft, whether dogs are allowed, whether a passport is needed, and how to reach the island are among the topics answered in the Catalina Island FAQ.

Catalina Island Location

Santa Catalina Island, frequently known as Catalina Island or simply Catalina, sits off the coast of Southern California, just 22 miles (35 km) south-southwest of Los Angeles. The island’s east end is located at 33 degrees, 18’10″N, 118 degrees, 18’58″W.

Catalina Island Visitor Center

At the foot of the Green Pleasure Pier, the Catalina Island Visitors Center offers information about transportation, accommodations, hiking, biking, tours and activities, and events. It is open daily, with hours that vary seasonally.

Useful Visitor Details

Catalina Island facts and travel guidance include information on climate, what to wear, pets, beaches, showers, and more.

Weather

Catalina Island weather is characterized as a mild subtropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. During winter months, the average high temperature is 63 and the average low temperature is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In summer months, the average high temperature is around 72 and the average low temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Itinerary Ideas

Catalina Island has enough to see and experience that one day is not enough to fit it all in.

Top 10 Catalina Adventures

Catalina offers rejuvenating spas and teams of massage therapists ready to help visitors relax. Massage options are available on Catalina.