How to Have a Perfect Weekend Exploring Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a quaint seaside oasis off the coast of Los Angeles. While the island is an adventurer’s paradise with extensive hiking trails and campsites, this guide will focus on a visit to Avalon, the larger town on the island. However, campers and backpackers may choose to use Two Harbors as a jumping off point for their adventure.

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Getting to Catalina Island

Catalina Island can be accessed by ferry from San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach and Dana Point. Because outdoor seating on the ferries is limited, we recommend arriving early if you want to sit outside.

Helicopter service to Avalon is also available from Long Beach and Sen Pedro.

Will I get seasick?

Catalina Island is over 20 miles off the mainland, so the ferry travels through open water to get there. If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking Dramamine before you leave, staying hydrated, using motion sickness wristbands, and sitting outside. Keep in mind that the ferry back to the mainland is usually calmer.

How long should I stay on Catalina Island?

While it is possible to visit Catalina Island for a daytrip, we recommend staying overnight to soak up the island. Most hotels require a 2 night minimum, so plan to visit for 2-3 nights.

Where should I stay on Catalina Island?

There are several small boutique hotels located in Avalon. Because we were traveling with a large group, we chose to book a condo at Hamilton Cove. Hamilton Cove is a secluded community of condos that is about 5 minutes from Avalon. The white buildings perched on the hill reminded us of Greece.

baby on porch looking over Catalina Island

Do I need a rental car on Catalina Island?

There are very few cars on Catalina Island. If you are staying in Avalon, you can rent a golf cart by the hour to explore the island. If you are staying at Hamilton Cove, a golf cart is included with your rental. The city of Avalon is very walkable, so you only need that golf cart to move between Hamilton Cove and Avalon.

What Activities are Available?

Stroll through Avalon

Avalon has a charming downtown area next to the ocean. Stroll through the shops, walk the pier, and grab an ice cream cone

Visit a playground

Avalon has several excellent playgrounds. Eloise especially loved the pirate ship playground near the ferry terminal.

Relax at the beach

Visit Descanso Beach Club to enjoy Avalon’s most undeniably scenic beach.

Rent a golf cart

Rent a golf cart to explore the coves and roads outside of Avalon. While you won’t be able to drive the whole island, there are some beautiful views within easy reach.

Enjoy the marine life

Catalina Island has some of the most diverse marine life on the West Coast. Join a snorkel or dive tour in order to see the kelp forests up close.

Book an adventure tour

There are many options for adventurous tours on Catalina. Go Bison Spotting, do the island zipline, or take a Hummer off road adventure tour.

Protect Your Trip

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is that insurance is necessary to protect our travel investments and keep our family safe on the road. Depending on the policy that you choose, travel insurance can protect your family in the event of medical emergencies and canceled trips. It also takes the sting out of minor trip mishaps, such as lost baggage and delayed flights. Check out Squaremouth to compare plans and choose one that fits your family.