Santa Catalina Island sits about 22 miles off the Southern California coast, and the ferry ride takes about an hour. That makes it one of the easiest escapes from Los Angeles. Most day-trippers land in Avalon, a small, walkable harbor town with a waterfront promenade, a 1929 landmark called the Casino and hiking trails above town. This guide covers the boat, how to get around once you land, what to do and how to plan a day so you do not miss the last boat home.
In this guide
It is part of our Los Angeles neighborhood guide, which also lists other day trips.
Catalina at a glance
- Distance About 22 miles offshore, about an hour by ferry
- Ferry Catalina Express from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, up to 30 departures a day
- Main town Avalon, with Two Harbors as a smaller village on the west end
- Cars Visitors cannot bring or rent a regular car; walk, bike, shuttle or rent a golf cart in Avalon
- Hiking Free Catalina Island Conservancy permit required for trails outside town
- Check-in Arrive at least an hour before departure
Getting there by ferry
Catalina Express runs year-round boats to Avalon and Two Harbors, with up to 30 departures a day across its three ports. The number of sailings changes by season and by day of the week, so check the schedule for your date and book ahead on summer weekends and holidays.
| Port | Address | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | Downtown Landing, 320 Golden Shore | Downtown LA and Long Beach hotels |
| San Pedro | Berth 95, at Swinford St and Harbor Blvd | The South Bay and Westside |
| Dana Point | Dana Point Harbor | Orange County and San Diego |
Catalina Express asks passengers to arrive at least an hour before departure and check in at the ticket window. Boarding lines form shortly before departure, and gates close a few minutes before the boat leaves. Each passenger can bring a carry-on and up to two checked bags within size and weight limits; read the baggage rules if you are staying overnight. We have not listed fares here because they vary by port, date and passenger type. See the Catalina Express fare page.
If you are coming from Long Beach, the port is close to the Aquarium of the Pacific and the A Line’s Downtown Long Beach station. Both ports have paid parking near the terminal.
Getting around Avalon
Avalon is compact, and most visitors walk everywhere. Visitors cannot bring or rent regular cars on the island. In Avalon you can rent bikes or golf carts by the hour; rental companies set the rules, including minimum driver age. Golf carts are limited to the city and are not allowed in the island’s interior. Shuttles and taxis also run around town.
What to do in Avalon
Front Street and the harbor
Crescent Avenue, known as Front Street, curves along the harbor with shops, restaurants and the Green Pleasure Pier. It is the place to start and the place to end with an ice cream before the boat.
The Catalina Casino
The round white building at the north end of the harbor is the Catalina Casino. It was built in 1929 and has never been a gambling hall. “Casino” here means a place for gathering. It holds a ballroom and a movie theater, and guided tours run on most days. Check tour times when you arrive.
Descanso Beach
A short walk past the Casino, Descanso Beach has a beach club with lounge chairs and cabanas to rent, plus a restaurant and bar. It is also a common launch spot for kayaks and paddleboards.
Catalina Museum for Art and History
The museum on Metropole Avenue covers the island’s history, from its first peoples to the Wrigley era and its years as a film location. It is a good stop if the weather turns.
Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden
Inland from the harbor, up Avalon Canyon, the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden has plants native to the California islands and a memorial with views back to the sea. The garden is open daily from 8am to 5pm, and admission is charged. You can walk up or take a shuttle or taxi.
On the water
Catalina’s clear water is the big draw. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, join a snorkel or dive tour, or ride a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine to see the kelp forest and garibaldi, the bright orange state marine fish. Lover’s Cove, east of the ferry dock, is a popular snorkel spot. The water is cool for much of the year, so rent a wetsuit if you plan to stay in for long.
Hiking and the interior
Most of the island’s interior is protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy. To hike outside Avalon, you need a free hiking permit from the Conservancy, which you can get online or at its visitor centers, including the Trailhead in Avalon. The Trailhead is open daily from 8am to 5pm.
The Garden to Sky hike starts at the botanic garden and climbs into the hills; it requires garden admission unless you are a Conservancy member. The long-distance Trans-Catalina Trail crosses the island and is a multi-day trip, not a day hike. The Conservancy also runs guided tours of the interior with naturalist guides, where you may see bison, foxes and eagles.
A sample day trip
One day in Avalon
- Morning | Take an early boat from Long Beach or San Pedro. Get a hiking permit at the Trailhead if you plan to hike.
- Late morning | Walk Front Street to the Casino and take a tour, or rent a kayak.
- Lunch | Eat on Front Street or at Descanso Beach.
- Afternoon | Walk to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, or snorkel at Lover’s Cove.
- Late afternoon | Head back to the ferry dock early, leaving time to check in for your return.
Tips
- Book the last boat back with care. If you miss it, you will need a room on the island.
- Seas can be rough in winter; take motion sickness medicine before you board if you need it.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and a layer for the boat ride.
- Two Harbors is quieter and more rustic, with camping. It needs a separate ferry or a long trip from Avalon.
- If you want more time, stay overnight. Catalina Express sells boat and hotel packages.
When to go
Summer has the most sailings and the warmest water, along with the most people. Spring and fall are quieter and often pleasant. Winter has fewer sailings and a higher chance of rough seas. See our best time to visit Los Angeles for mainland weather. For more ideas near the coast, see our things to do in Los Angeles guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry to Catalina?
About an hour from Long Beach or San Pedro on Catalina Express.
Can you do Catalina in a day?
Yes. Take an early boat to Avalon and a late afternoon or evening boat back, and you will have most of a day on the island.
Do you need a car on Catalina?
No. Visitors cannot bring or rent regular cars. Avalon is walkable, and you can rent bikes or golf carts.
Do you need a permit to hike on Catalina?
Yes. A free Catalina Island Conservancy hiking permit is required for trails outside town.
Is the Catalina Casino a gambling casino?
No. It is a historic ballroom and movie theater built in 1929, and tours run on most days.
Official sources: Catalina Express; Catalina Express travel policies; Catalina Island Conservancy; Love Catalina (Catalina Island Tourism Authority); Catalina Museum for Art and History.
Photo credits
Featured image: Don Ramey Logan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0