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Catalina Island, Avalon, CA
SightseeingIconicOutdoor Adventure

Catalina Island

· Avalon, CA

Why you should go…

Catalina Island lies about 22 miles off the Southern California coast and is reached by ferry or helicopter from the mainland. Its main town, Avalon, offers a historic waterfront Casino building, shops and restaurants, while the island's protected interior has hiking and biking trails managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority is the island's official destination marketing organization.

  • #island
  • #boat tour
  • #hiking
  • #views
  • #day trip

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

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

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

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

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Catalina Island (Avalon)

    $50+

    A Mediterranean-feeling island getaway an hour by ferry from the mainland, with a golf-cart-only town.

    6.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Catalina Express

    $25–$50

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

    25 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Maverick Helicopters Long Beach

    $50+

    Helicopter sightseeing flights and Catalina Island transfers departing from an oceanfront heliport beside the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

    28 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    The Queen Mary

    $25–$50

    Walk the decks of a 1936 ocean liner docked in Long Beach, with exhibits, guided tours, dining and a hotel.

    29 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Huntington Beach

    Free

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

    31 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Newport Beach

    Free

    Southern California coastal city known for its harbor, beaches and Fashion Island shopping.

    33 mi awayMore like this