| Catalina Island Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Location | 26 miles off the Southern California coast |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) |
| Daily Budget | $120 to $400+ per person |
| Best Time | May to October |
| Getting There | Ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, or Newport Beach |
Catalina Island is a 76-square-mile island just 26 miles off the coast of Southern California, but it feels like a different world. The town of Avalon, with its art deco Casino building, Mediterranean-style waterfront, and crystal-clear harbor, has the charm of a small Italian coastal village. Most of the island is undeveloped and managed as a nature conservancy, home to bison, foxes, and endemic plants found nowhere else. Cars are heavily restricted, so you explore by golf cart, bike, or on foot. It is an easy day trip or weekend getaway from Los Angeles.
For a broader framework for organizing any trip, our how to plan a trip guide covers the fundamentals.
Best Time to Visit Catalina Island
May through October is the best time to visit. Summer brings warm weather (75 to 85 F), calm seas for the ferry crossing, and the best conditions for snorkeling and diving. Water temperatures peak at 68 to 72 F in August and September. Spring and fall are pleasant with smaller crowds and lower prices. Winter (December through March) is cooler (55 to 65 F) and sees occasional rain, but the island is peaceful, and bison are easier to spot in the interior.
Getting to Catalina Island
The Catalina Express ferry is the most popular option, running from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. The crossing takes about 1 hour and costs roughly $75 to $80 round trip for adults. Book in advance for summer weekends. The Catalina Flyer runs from Newport Beach (75 minutes, about $75 round trip). Helicopter service from Long Beach (15 minutes, about $175 one way) is also available. There are no cars for visitors on the island. Golf cart rentals ($50 to $150 per hour) are popular in Avalon.
Top Things to Do in Catalina Island
- Avalon Casino: Not a gambling casino. This 1929 art deco landmark houses a theater and ballroom. Take a guided tour to see the interior, or watch the sunset from the promenade that wraps around it.
- Snorkeling and Diving at Lovers Cove: The marine preserve at Lovers Cove has clear water teeming with garibaldi, bat rays, and kelp bass. Snorkel gear rentals available on the waterfront. Guided dive trips explore the kelp forests.
- Interior Hiking and Bison: The Trans-Catalina Trail (38 miles) crosses the island. For shorter hikes, the Garden to Sky hike offers panoramic views. Free-roaming bison, introduced for a 1924 film, number about 150 on the island.
- Glass-Bottom Boat and Semi-Sub: See the underwater world without getting wet. Glass-bottom boat tours and semi-submersible trips depart from Avalon harbor and cruise over the kelp forests. About $20 to $40 per person.
- Two Harbors: The quieter side of the island, accessible by ferry or hiking. Camping, kayaking, and the only bar on the island that serves its signature Buffalo Milk cocktail (creme de cacao and vodka with whipped cream).
- Zip Line Eco Tour: A 5-line zip course above Descanso Canyon reaching speeds up to 45 mph. About $120 per person. Views of the harbor and ocean.
Where to Stay
Most visitors stay in Avalon. The Hotel Atwater and Pavilion Hotel are mid-range options near the waterfront ($200 to $350 per night in summer). Mt. Ada, a hilltop mansion, is the luxury option ($400+). Budget options are limited on the island. Camping at Hermit Gulch Campground (walk from Avalon, $30 to $40 per night) is the most affordable way to stay overnight. Two Harbors has basic camping and a few cabins. Many visitors do Catalina as a day trip from the mainland.
Sample 2-Day Catalina Island Itinerary
- Day 1 – Avalon: Take the morning ferry. Walk the Avalon waterfront and explore the town. Snorkel at Lovers Cove or take a glass-bottom boat tour. Rent a golf cart to cruise Avalon’s hills and viewpoints. Afternoon tour of the Casino building. Sunset drinks at a waterfront restaurant.
- Day 2 – Adventure: Morning zip line tour or hiking in the interior (look for bison). Kayak along the coast or take a guided dive trip. Afternoon back in town for shopping and lunch. Catch the afternoon ferry back to the mainland.
Budget Estimate
Catalina Island is not cheap. The ferry alone is $75 to $80 round trip. Day-trippers should budget $120 to $200 total including ferry, snorkel rental ($20 to $30), a meal ($15 to $30), and an activity. Overnight visitors will spend $250 to $400+ per day covering hotel, meals, and activities. Camping brings costs down to $130 to $180 per day. Restaurants on the island are 20 to 30% more expensive than the mainland. Bring your own snacks and water to save.
Planning Tools
Ready to start building your Catalina Island trip? Our free AI trip planner can generate a custom itinerary based on your dates, budget, and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do Catalina Island as a day trip?
Yes, and many people do. Take the first ferry in the morning (usually 6:30 to 8:00 AM) and the last ferry back (usually 5:00 to 7:00 PM depending on the season). That gives you 8 to 10 hours on the island, enough for snorkeling, a boat tour, and exploring Avalon.
Why are there bison on Catalina Island?
Fourteen bison were brought to the island in 1924 for a Western film. They were left behind and the herd grew. Today about 150 bison roam the island’s interior. The Catalina Island Conservancy manages the herd size. You may spot them on interior hikes or guided tours.
Do you need to book the Catalina ferry in advance?
Strongly recommended for summer weekends and holidays. Ferries can sell out, especially morning departures and afternoon returns. Booking online 1 to 2 weeks ahead ensures your preferred times. Weekday travel is usually fine with shorter notice.