Catalina Island

Living in or visiting Southern California and itching for a unique weekend escape? If the hustle of Los Angeles has you dreaming of island breezes and a slower pace, then Santa Catalina Island might just be your perfect getaway. Just a short ferry ride off the coast, Catalina feels a world away with its charming towns, rugged interior, and sparkling blue waters. It’s a slice of Mediterranean magic right here in California, and I’ve found it to be an incredible spot to recharge and explore. Let’s dive into what makes this island so special and how you can plan your own adventure.

Getting to Paradise: Your Catalina Transit Options

Part of Catalina’s allure is its separation from the mainland, making the journey itself an enjoyable part of the experience. You have a couple of primary ways to reach the island:

• Catalina Express (Ferry): This is the most popular and accessible option. Ferries depart from multiple mainland ports, including Long Beach (the busiest), San Pedro, and Dana Point. The ride typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your departure port and destination (Avalon or Two Harbors). The views of the coastline receding and the island appearing on the horizon are fantastic.
• Catalina Flyer (Ferry from Newport Beach): Another ferry option, the Catalina Flyer, departs from Newport Beach and sails directly to Avalon. This can be a convenient choice if you’re closer to Orange County.
• Helicopter (IEX Helicopters): For a quicker, albeit pricier, and more thrilling arrival, you can take a helicopter. Flights usually depart from Long Beach or San Pedro and offer stunning aerial views of the island. It’s about a 15-minute flight – talk about arriving in style!

Pro Travel Tips for Getting There:

• 🎟️ Book in Advance: Especially if you’re traveling on weekends, holidays, or during the peak summer season, ferry tickets can sell out. Booking online ahead of time is highly recommended.
• 🚗 Parking at Ports: Mainland ferry terminals have paid parking structures. Factor this into your budget and arrival time.
• 🤢 Motion Sickness: If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication before you board or opt for remedies like cheap Motion Sickness Wristbands (got this one from Amazon). The ride can occasionally be a bit choppy. Maybe you’ll also be distracted by dolphins.

Travel Smart with Rewards:

When booking your ferry or even helicopter ride, consider using a travel rewards credit card. For instance, you can earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire® card after meeting the spending requirements. Those points can be a great way to offset travel costs for future adventures! I often use mine for trips like this.

Choose Your Catalina Vibe: Avalon vs. Two Harbors

Catalina Island offers two main destinations, each with a distinct personality. Understanding the difference is key to planning the trip that’s right for you.

Avalon: The Charming Resort Town

Avalon is the island’s only incorporated city and its main tourist hub. Picture a quaint, Mediterranean-style village nestled around a picturesque harbor. It’s bustling with activity and offers a wide range of amenities. Personally, I find Avalon perfect for a 2-day trip; there’s plenty to keep you engaged.

• Vibe: Lively, resort-town feel, walkable, family-friendly.
• Great for: First-time visitors, couples, families, those looking for a mix of relaxation and activities, shopping, and dining.
• Activities: Plenty of sightseeing opportunities, beach lounging (Descanso Beach Club is a popular spot), boutique shopping along Crescent Avenue, diverse dining options from casual to upscale, golf cart rentals, glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, a beautiful spa, and historic landmarks like the Catalina Casino.

Two Harbors: The Rustic Outpost

Located on the island’s west end at the Isthmus, Two Harbors is a much smaller, more rustic village. It’s the gateway to Catalina’s wild interior and caters to a more outdoorsy and adventurous crowd.

This is “barely a town” in the traditional sense – there’s essentially one general store, one bar/cafe (Harbor Reef Restaurant & Bar), and limited lodging. If you’re planning to spend a couple of days here, you’ll definitely want to be ready to embrace nature and a more rugged experience.

• Vibe: Quiet, laid-back, adventurous, nature-focused.
• Great for: Hikers, campers, kayakers, snorkelers/divers, those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
• Activities: Hiking (including sections of the Trans-Catalina Trail), kayaking to secluded coves, snorkeling and diving in pristine waters, camping, visiting the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center (check for tour availability), and enjoying happy hour at Banning House Lodge with stunning views.

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My Favorite Things to Do on Catalina Island

Whether you choose the buzz of Avalon or the tranquility of Two Harbors, Catalina is packed with memorable experiences. Here are some of my top recommendations:

In and Around Avalon:

• Rent a Golf Cart: This is almost a Catalina must-do! It’s the primary mode of transport for visitors in Avalon and a super fun way to explore the hills and scenic overlooks. You can zip around town, get panoramic views, and cover more ground than on foot.
• Stroll Crescent Avenue: This main waterfront promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Perfect for people-watching and soaking in the island atmosphere.
• Descanso Beach Club: Just past the Catalina Casino, this is one of the few places in California where you can legally enjoy an alcoholic beverage on the beach. Rent a cabana or chaise lounge, enjoy a cocktail, and take a dip in the clear water.
• Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden: A beautiful tribute to William Wrigley Jr., whose vision shaped much of modern Catalina. The gardens showcase native California island plants, and the memorial offers stunning views of Avalon Bay. It’s a bit of a hike or a short golf cart ride up, but well worth it.
• Catalina Casino: Don’t let the name fool you; it’s not a gambling hall. This iconic circular building is a historic landmark featuring a stunning Art Deco movie theater and a magnificent ballroom. Take a tour to learn about its glamorous past.
• Glass-Bottom Boat or Semi-Submersible Tour: Explore Catalina’s vibrant kelp forests and marine life without getting wet! These tours are great for all ages.
• Zip Line Eco Tour: For the thrill-seekers, this tour takes you soaring through the canyons with incredible views of the island and ocean.
• ClassPass: If you run out of ideas try going to a ClassPass activity here or anywhere in the world! Use my Link to get a 14 day free trial and 20 bonus credits which should cover at least one class!

Exploring the Wild Side (Two Harbors & Inland):

• Hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail: For serious hikers, this ~38-mile trail traverses the island’s rugged interior. Even hiking a segment from Two Harbors offers incredible views and a chance to spot bison (yes, bison!). The “Garden to Sky Trail” near Avalon is a more accessible but still rewarding hike.
• Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Rent gear in Avalon or Two Harbors and explore the coastline’s coves and sea caves.
• Catalina Island Conservancy Eco Tours: The Conservancy manages most of the island’s interior. Their tours offer a chance to learn about the unique ecology and see wildlife, including the famous Catalina Island fox and the bison herd.

Must-Pack Items for Your Catalina Trip:

• ☀️ Sun Protection: The California sun is strong! Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
• 👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, especially in Avalon.
• 🧥 Layers: Evenings can get cool, especially on the ferry or near the water. A light jacket or sweater is advisable.
• 💧 Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring.
• 👙 Swimsuit: Obvious, but essential!
• 📸 Camera/Phone: To capture the stunning scenery. Consider a Action Camera if you plan on water activities.

Personally, I find chilling at the beach, like Starlight Beach, with a refreshing mojito (pretending I’m in Jamaica or even Barbados from my Caribbean cruise!) can occupy a lot of my time and is a perfect way to unwind.

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A Weekend is Good, More is Better (Sometimes!)

For many, a weekend trip to Catalina is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of the island life, especially if you’re focusing on Avalon. You can comfortably see the main sights, enjoy some activities, and relax.

A weekend is generally good enough, unless you’re someone who deeply enjoys extended relaxation and won’t get bored with the island’s more laid-back pace, or if you’re planning to tackle a significant portion of the Trans-Catalina Trail. If you’re visiting Two Harbors, you might want an extra day or two for hiking and water activities.

Getting Around on the Mainland & Final Thoughts

While Catalina itself isn’t conducive to ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft (golf carts and walking are king in Avalon!), you’ll likely need a ride to your mainland ferry port. If you’re in the LA area and need a lift to Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point, don’t forget about Uber.

Catalina Island is a gem that offers a truly unique escape from the everyday. Its blend of charming town life, stunning natural beauty, and accessible adventure makes it a standout destination. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Catalina delivers an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags (don’t forget the sunscreen!), book that ferry, and get ready to discover the magic of “the island of romance.”

Have you been to Catalina? What are your favorite spots or tips? Share them in the comments below!