Catalina Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Catalina Island showing a coastal town, boating and a marina
A popular escape from the streets of Los Angeles, this island’s laid-back atmosphere and crystal-clear waters make it seem a world away from the busy city.

Relax, snorkel and swim, or experience adventures such as diving in a mini submarine and zip-lining, all on Catalina Island, just 22 miles (35 kilometers) off the Coast of Los Angeles.

Step off the ferry and onto the streets of Avalon, the main city, and head straight to the beach or stroll through the art galleries and souvenir shops. Catalina was developed in the late 19th century and features quaint old hotels and a gorgeous art deco casino.

Dive or snorkel right off the pier or hop aboard a glass-bottom boat to gaze at local marine life. Organize a dive in a mini submarine to see octopuses, sharks and all kinds of fish, or for more action go parasailing or rent a Jet Ski.

Catalina Island can get crowded in the high season, so to explore further afield rent a golf cart, available at a few places near the pier.

If you’d like to go hiking and see some local wildlife, head inland for great views and the chance to spot island foxes, eagles or bison. Drop into the Nature Center at Avalon Canyon or the Santa Catalina Island Interpretive Center to learn more about the island’s wildlife and geography.

Fly high above the forest canopy on the Cataline Zip Line, one of the island’s most exciting attractions, and enjoy sweeping views of the coastline.

Back in Avalon, brush up on your local history at the Catalina Island Museum, check out the city’s video-game arcade, play mini golf, or tackle the rock climbing wall. For a great night out, head to the art deco Catalina Casino. Despite its name, this is not a gambling establishment. Instead, you’ll find an old-time theater and a ballroom that hosts plays, concerts and festivals.

The Catalina Island Ferry leaves from the mainland at Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point.

Catalina Canyon Inn
Catalina Canyon Inn
3 out of 5
888 Country Club Dr, Avalon, CA
The price is NZ$264 per night from 23 May to 24 May
NZ$264
per night
23 May - 24 May
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Avalon. Enjoy free WiFi, a free area shuttle, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
My Stay
"Excellent Stay, Staff was very friendly and welcoming."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Catalina Canyon Inn
Catalina Island Inn
Catalina Island Inn
2.5 out of 5
125 Metropole Avenue, Avalon, CA
The price is NZ$277 per night from 12 May to 13 May
NZ$277
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this hotel in Avalon. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and air conditioning. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (678 reviews)
Little getaway
"We had a wonderful stay the first part of May 2024. The staff was very friendly. The location was within walking distance to everything. We stayed on the 4th floor with a lovely balcony that over looked the water. There are quite a few stairs and no elevator. Overall, we loved it and would absolutely ..."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Catalina Island Inn
Bellanca Hotel
Bellanca Hotel
3 out of 5
111 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA
The price is NZ$444 per night from 14 May to 15 May
NZ$444
per night
14 May - 15 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Avalon. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (892 reviews)
"Only stayed here for 1 night to take photos on the island. Nice convenient stay, shower was weird but i liked the property. Its within walking distance to everything but i think most of the hotels are. Very beachy and nautical here and the staff was great ..manny checked us in he was good."

Reviewed on 30 Apr. 2024

Bellanca Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hamilton Cove ocean front luxury Villa Spectacular Views w/electric cart
Hamilton Cove ocean front luxury Villa Spectacular Views w/electric cart
Avalon
Stay at this villa in Avalon. Enjoy a sauna, tennis courts, and balconies. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Catalina Island ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (170 reviews)
Amazing views and some nice peace and quiet.
"The property is amazing and only a 10 minute beautiful drive to Avalon in the golf cart. Place is spacious and bright. Sunrises are beautiful. The steps up to the condo are not easy but well worth it. The patio is sort of shared and we didn't see anyone else on it until the morning we were leaving. ..."

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2024

Hamilton Cove ocean front luxury Villa Spectacular Views w/electric cart
Amazing Luxury ocean front Hamilton Cove Villa  w/electric cart
Amazing Luxury ocean front Hamilton Cove Villa w/electric cart
Avalon
Stay at this villa in Avalon. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Catalina Island Golf Course and Hamilton Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (194 reviews)
Weekend Getaway
"This was our first time to the island. We had a great time, the host was very helpful, the property was as described. The view all throughout the day from the balcony was amazing and the golfcart they provided was great, it came with a stereo system so we were able to enjoy our trip around the island ..."

Reviewed on 22 Apr. 2024

Amazing Luxury ocean front Hamilton Cove Villa w/electric cart
Light, Airy Luxury Hamilton Cove Villa La Casa Sirena w/Golf Cart - Great Value!
Light, Airy Luxury Hamilton Cove Villa La Casa Sirena w/Golf Cart - Great Value!
Avalon
Book a stay at this beach villa in Avalon. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Catalina Island Golf Course and Hamilton ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (166 reviews)
"The front door is a little tricky. Found out later. Didn't know where the lock box was. But love the place and tge view"

Reviewed on 26 Apr. 2024

Light, Airy Luxury Hamilton Cove Villa La Casa Sirena w/Golf Cart - Great Value!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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