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Catalina Island (Avalon)

· Avalon, CA

Why you should go…

Santa Catalina Island sits about 22 miles offshore and is reached by ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point. Its harbor town of Avalon is largely car-free, built around snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and the landmark 1929 Catalina Casino ballroom.

  • #island
  • #ferry
  • #snorkeling
  • #day trip
  • #harbor town

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Catalina Island (Avalon), ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Catalina Island

    Free

    Plan a visit to Catalina Island, a Southern California island getaway reached by ferry for harbor town charm and hiking.

    6.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Catalina Express

    $25–$50

    High-speed passenger ferry to Santa Catalina Island from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point.

    27 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Huntington Beach

    Free

    Official tourism arm of Surf City USA, promoting Huntington Beach's coastline, pier, and surf culture.

    29 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Quirky Fun

    Venice Beach Boardwalk

    Free

    A freewheeling beachfront strip of muscle-beach bodybuilders, street artists, and skate parks.

    45 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Aqua Surf School

    $50+

    Surf lessons, camps, and board rentals for all skill levels on Santa Monica Beach.

    46 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

    $25–$50

    A sprawling San Marino estate of rare-book stacks, Gainsborough paintings, and a dozen themed gardens.

    56 mi awayMore like this