You can plan your Catalina day trip or weekend getaway in a jiffy using the resources below.
Why Should You Go? Will You Like Catalina Island?
- Get a Preview: Take a look at our Catalina Pictures
- Catalina is a cute place that's popular with scuba divers, hikers, families and anyone who needs to get away from the city or wants to take a romantic escape.
- See how other California for Visitors readers rate Catalina
Best Time to Go to Catalina Island
Catalina weather is best in spring and fall. Summer days can be overcast until noon or later. In winter, storms can make the ferry ride unbearably choppy.It's busiest during summer, and during big events like the marathon and jazz festival. See the list below.
Cruise ships stop in Catalina several days a week, temporarily filling the town with visitors. If you want to avoid them, check the cruise ship schedule.
Don't Miss
If you've only got a day, your best bet is to hang around town in Avalon. Take a short city tour if you want to learn more about the place. Walk along the waterfront. Sit and watch the people or do a little shopping.More Great Things to Do in Catalina
If you want the short list, try the best things to do in CatalinaIf that's not enough, browse through 101 Things to Do in Catalina
Isn't It Romantic?
We thought Catalina was so romantic that we got married there. Tops for a romantic splurge: the Inn on Mt. Ada, especially the Wrigley Suite - but it's far from the only nice, romantic place on the island. Most romantic thing to do? Just walk along the waterfront, hand-in-hand.Annual Events You Should Know About
- Catalina Marathon, March: Even if you're not running, you should know about it because the hotels fill up.
- Flying Fish Festival, end of May
- Jazztrax Jazz Festival, October
- Catalina Triathlon, November
Tips for Visiting Catalina
- Plan ahead. Hotels fill up early during busy times and so do the most convenient ferry runs.
- You can take your pets on the Catalina ferry boats, but dogs must have a muzzle. However, pet friendly lodging is in short supply and canine friends are not allowed on the waterfront walk between Metropole and Clarissa Avenues.
- It costs a lot to get things to the island. Expect to pay 15% to 20% more for everything than you do on the mainland.
- If you have an option, schedule tours in late morning or afternoon. You'll have the best chance of clear skies then.
- If you have humidity-sensitive, frizzy hair like mine, bring your strongest defenses. Or a hat. Or a razor in case things get really bad.
Best Bites
We like the Busy Bee Cafe's patio for a sun-drenched lunch. For other meals, Avalon is small, making it easy to just walk around and pick something that looks good. Our rule of thumb: The more people inside the better.Inn on Mt. Ada offers a limited number of visitors a chance to have lunch on their gorgeous patio and while the price might seem high, it comes with unlimited beverages and a millionaire's view. Call at least 24 hours ahead to reserve at 800-608-7669 or 310-510-2030.
Where to Stay
Check our recommended hotels and campgrounds. This is not a place to arrive in without a reserved place to stay. Not only do the hotels get filled up, but if you arrive without a reservation and can't find a place, you might not be able to find room on the boat back to the mainland, either.Getting Around
Avalon is small and fun to walk in, but if you need transportation, here are some options:- Avalon Trolley: Runs from Pebbly Beach or Descanso Beach to the Botanical Garden, daily in summer, weekends and cruise ship days the rest of the year.
- Golf Cart Rentals: Rent by the hour, near the ferry terminal and in town.
- Catalina Taxi: You can usually find one near the ferry terminal, at the taxi stand on the waterfront or call 310-510-0025
- Catalina Safari Bus: Runs between Avalon and Two Harbors with stops at picnic sites, beaches and campgrounds and can take you from the airport to Two Harbors. 310-510-2800
- Airport Shuttle: Avalon to Airport-in-the-Sky, phone 310-510-0143.
