Catalina Island, United States travel guide

A Mediterranean-feeling island escape an hour from Los Angeles

Best time to visit: May to October
Average daily budget: $150 to $250
Ideal trip length: 2 to 3 days

Just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island feels a world away from Los Angeles. The harbor town of Avalon curves around a crescent bay lined with palm trees, pastel cottages, and the iconic circular Casino building. Most of the island is protected wilderness, home to bison, bald eagles, and some of the clearest snorkeling water in California. With golf carts instead of cars and a slower pace, it is the easiest island escape in the United States, reachable by a one-hour ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point.

Catalina Island itinerary

Day 1, Get oriented

Morning: Snorkel or dive at Lover's Cove and Casino Point. Casino Point Dive Park is one of the best shore dives in California, with kelp forests, garibaldi fish, and visibility up to 30 meters.

Afternoon: Explore Avalon Waterfront, The heart of the island along Crescent Avenue, with restaurants, beach clubs, and the ferry terminal.

Evening: Kayak the coastline at sunrise. Paddle past sea caves and kelp beds before the day-trippers arrive, then refuel with a buffalo milk cocktail at the harbor.

Day 2, Go deeper

Morning: Tour the island interior to spot bison. A herd of bison has roamed Catalina since a 1924 film shoot. Eco-tours cross the rugged interior for wildlife spotting and sweeping ocean views.

Afternoon: Explore Hamilton Cove, A quiet hillside enclave north of town with vacation villas and a private beach.

Evening: Visit the Catalina Casino. Not a gambling hall but a stunning 1929 art deco theater and ballroom. Take the behind-the-scenes tour for the history and the views from the balcony.

Day 3, Hidden side

Morning: Rent a golf cart and drive the scenic loop. Golf carts are the island's main transport. The loop up to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden gives the best panoramas over Avalon Bay.

Afternoon: Explore Two Harbors, The rustic west end of the island, loved by boaters, campers, and hikers.

Evening: The Airport in the Sky, reachable by shuttle, famous for its buffalo burgers and views. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Best neighbourhoods

Avalon Waterfront: The heart of the island along Crescent Avenue, with restaurants, beach clubs, and the ferry terminal.
Hamilton Cove: A quiet hillside enclave north of town with vacation villas and a private beach.
Two Harbors: The rustic west end of the island, loved by boaters, campers, and hikers.
The Interior: Protected backcountry with bison herds and the Trans-Catalina Trail for serious hikers.

Must-do experiences

Snorkel or dive at Lover's Cove and Casino Point: Casino Point Dive Park is one of the best shore dives in California, with kelp forests, garibaldi fish, and visibility up to 30 meters.
Tour the island interior to spot bison: A herd of bison has roamed Catalina since a 1924 film shoot. Eco-tours cross the rugged interior for wildlife spotting and sweeping ocean views.
Visit the Catalina Casino: Not a gambling hall but a stunning 1929 art deco theater and ballroom. Take the behind-the-scenes tour for the history and the views from the balcony.
Rent a golf cart and drive the scenic loop: Golf carts are the island's main transport. The loop up to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden gives the best panoramas over Avalon Bay.
Kayak the coastline at sunrise: Paddle past sea caves and kelp beds before the day-trippers arrive, then refuel with a buffalo milk cocktail at the harbor.

Hidden gems

The Airport in the Sky, reachable by shuttle, famous for its buffalo burgers and views
Descanso Beach Club, the island's only beach where you can legally drink on the sand
The Catalina Island Museum for surprisingly good art exhibitions

Daily budget

$150 to $250 per day.

What to eat

Bluewater Avalon for seafood with harbor views
Luau Larry's for the original buffalo milk cocktail
The Lobster Trap for casual fish tacos and seafood
Scoops for homemade ice cream on Crescent Avenue

Getting around

Almost nobody drives. Walk Avalon's compact core, rent a golf cart for the hills, or take the Wildlands Express shuttle to the interior and Two Harbors. Ferries run from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach.

Safety

Very safe and family-friendly. The main cautions are sun exposure on the water and steep golf cart roads. Book ferries and carts ahead on summer weekends.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Catalina Island?

High-speed ferries run from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach, taking about one hour. Helicopter transfers from Long Beach take 15 minutes. Book ahead on summer weekends when boats sell out.

How many days do you need on Catalina Island?

Two to three days is ideal. A day trip covers Avalon highlights, but an overnight lets you snorkel, tour the interior, and enjoy the harbor after the day-trippers leave.

Can you see bison on Catalina Island?

Yes. Around 100 bison roam the island's protected interior, descendants of a herd brought for a 1924 movie. Eco-tours and the Airport in the Sky shuttle are the easiest ways to spot them.

Is Catalina Island expensive?

Moderately. Expect $150 to $250 per day including lodging, food, and activities. Ferry tickets run about $80 round trip, and mid-range hotels start around $200 per night in summer.

What is the best time to visit Catalina Island?

May to October offers warm weather and calm seas for snorkeling and kayaking. September and October are the sweet spot with summer water temperatures and smaller crowds.

Do you need a car on Catalina Island?

No, private cars are heavily restricted. Avalon is walkable, and golf carts are the classic way to explore the hills. Shuttles serve the interior and Two Harbors.

Is Catalina Island good for families?

Very. Calm harbor beaches, glass-bottom boat tours, mini golf, and the easy pace make it ideal for kids, while snorkeling and zip-lining keep teenagers happy.

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