Santa Catalina Island, often also referred to just as Catalina Island, is the only privately owned part of the Channel Islands archipelago. As you soak up the sun and breath in the whimsical sea breeze, you can wander the cute little streets of Avalon, take a ride on a golf cart, go on a wildlife safari either above or underwater, wine and dine yourself with the sounds of waves crashing in the background, or even get yourself into the air, either at the Airport in the Sky or by parasailing. Once owned by the Wrigley family (the bubble gum people), this island is now primarily under the ownership of the Catalina Island Conservancy, a trust they established to protect the land and ensure its access for generations to come.
The Channel Islands archipelago consists of 8 total islands. Five of them are protected by the National Park Service (my post on Channel Islands National Park is linked here). The other 3 are excluded for different reasons: San Clemente and San Nicolas Islands are still owned and used by the US Navy (they tested bombs and trained troops on the islands during WWII), and lastly, Santa Catalina Island is the popular tourist destination that brought you to this post, known for its resident herd of bison who ended up here as a result of a silent film in the mid-1920’s, although it is unclear exactly which film that was.
Santa Catalina Island has two notable communities: Avalon and Two Harbors. Avalon is the island’s only major city with hotels, shopping, and restaurants, and Two Harbors is a much smaller community with minimal services. Aside from the park rangers and locals, the roads between the cities are mostly private access only, so you cannot really get around the island via a vehicle rental. Public transport by sea between the two towns does usually run daily. Reception is not perfect on the island but you can typically get a good signal from the city areas and at the Airport in the Sky.
When to go and how long
The greatest thing about Catalina Island is that you can pretty much visit at any point during the year and it will be enjoyable. Because of the “mediterranean” weather patterns, temperatures are mild and generally fluctuate in the winter with highs around 60 F and lows around 40 F (~15.5/4.5 C). Summer days are generally around 75/80 F (~25 C), but it can get much warmer, and nights cool down to the 50s F (10 C). Fall and spring land somewhere in between. It remains breezy year-round, but it is significantly more windy during the cooler times of the year.
The hills are covered in lush green meadows in the springtime, beginning from late winter into early summer, then everything turns to brown and stays that way for the rest of the year into the next rainy season. Colorful little wildflowers pop up all over the place in spring/summer. Harsh winds result in the island being pretty dry for the majority of the year, but the severity varies by season, being much more extreme in the cold months. Fog is common year round, especially in the mornings until the marine layer burns off.
Pack a hat and sunscreen if you are planning to make your trip in the summertime.
Always check the weather before you go!
People usually spend 1 to 3 days here. You could easily go there and back in the same day (the boat ride takes 1 to 1.5 hour) but it is common for people to spend a weekend in town.
Where to stay
Avalon is definitely the most popular and tourist-friendly destination on the island. In the city of Avalon, there are dozens of hotels you can stay at. During the majority of the year, you probably wouldn’t have any trouble walking in to a hotel and getting a room on the spot, although reservations are always recommended. Advanced reservations are especially important in the summer season!
Two Harbors has limited lodging, offering only a couple options for guests. Availability is limited and making reservations in advance is highly recommended regardless of season.
These two campgrounds are located close to the cities:
- Hermit Gulch Campground is just up the road from Avalon city area (Mile 1.5 on the TCT)
- Two Harbors Campground is in the town of Two Harbors (Miles 26 + 38.5 on the TCT)
You must have reservations in advance to camp anywhere on the island (which simultaneously act as your permit to hike the TCT), but you do not need to be backpacking the TCT to camp here. More on that briefly later.
How to get to and around the island
The Catalina Express is the primary public ferry that runs to and from the island, and the schedule varies by season and day of the week. During the winter, it only runs trips on some days of the week. (Usually Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and weekends, and no boats on Tuesdays or Thursdays.)
From either the port in Long Beach or San Pedro, California, travelers can choose to arrive to/depart from both Avalon and Two Harbors. A third port in Dana Point (San Diego) has offerings to Avalon only. Ticket prices vary depending on traveler age and departure location. Open ended tickets are issued but it might save you a few bucks $ to book your return ticket at the same time. The Catalina Express page on schedule and fares is linked here.
There is another ferry provider that brings passengers between Avalon and Newport only. The Catalina Flyer page on schedules and fares is linked here.
Once you arrive on the island, there is no public transportation and everything in the city areas is fully walkable. Most residents don’t drive cars; golf carts are the preferred method of transportation on the island. To my understanding, many roads around the island are not open to the public (and are only open to hikers, bikers, island rangers or other staff).
You can rent a golf cart and drive around in Avalon (more on this later).
The Catalina Island Conservancy offers a shuttle service that can bring visitors to and from both Avalon or Little Harbor (a more remote campground) and the Airport in the Sky. Reservations must be made in advance. This costs $23 to $25 one-way. This is not a commercial airport and is mostly only in use by aerial deliveries to the island and private party planes.
Mountain biking is very popular all over the island, and you are welcome to bring your own or rent one when you get there. Many roads are accessible by bike and foot only.
Food and money
This is a rather pricy destination all-around. Hotels are on the expensive side and food prices are higher than average, likely due to the fact that everything is imported from the mainland.
Bison burgers and seafood dishes are popular choices.
There are three places around the island where food is available for sale:
- Avalon: dozens of restaurants and grocery stores, prices vary, but expect to spend slightly more than you would pay on the mainland, gas is very expensive (if you plan on renting a golf cart)
- Airport in the Sky Restaurant: restaurant and a small gift shop, prices are as high as you are up here
- Two Harbors: small general store has food options available and a microwave for cooking items (if necessary), they also sell full-size pizzas (to-go only), there is also two restaurants with limited operating hours, expect to spend slightly more than average
I would consider most activities, transportation, and lodging all to be rather expensive.
What to do in Avalon
This is where most visitors come when they travel to Catalina Island because this is where (pretty much) everything is. There are dozens of restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, activities, and options for anyone who visits. The streets are steep in some parts of town away from the main tourist area and the architecture is very western in some ways but with a lot more color. It is cute and different parts of town have different styles; it’s very influencer-attractive. The locals mostly drive golf carts and if you think it will enhance your experience, you can rent one, which is very popular.
There are tons of destination specific activities and tours from many different vendors (this link will bring you to a page you can book various island official tours in advance). Some activities include horseback riding, aerial adventures (like ziplines), bison expeditions (wildlife safari), getting face to face with a falcon, ocean cruises, whale watching, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, jeep tours, taking a hike (an entire section on that later in this post), walking tours, and checking out the iconic casino. Learn about the history of the island at the museums within the Avalon area including the Catalina Museum for Art & History and the Nature Center at Avalon Canyon. Visitors may also check out the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.
Hanging out at the beach is also a great way to relax and pass the time.
Some other non-location specific things to do such as day spas, beach clubs, golf/mini-golf, art studios, an escape room, and a movie theater can be great ways to fill in the time between major activities.
Various equipment rentals are available in the city including bikes, diving gear, kayaks, and fishing poles. You can also bring these items along with you on the Catalina Express for a fee.
Boat rentals are also available (for those who know how to operate and maneuver one in the ocean).
Parasailing tours are available if you would like to be suspended in the sky behind a boat by a giant parachute.
Shop til you drop (as long as it all fits in your bag). This is very popular as there are a bunch of unique stores and gift shops all over town.
If you rented a golf cart, you could also potentially go check out the Pebbly Beach area.
Catalina Island has a few festivals and other celebrations that draw tourists throughout the warmer seasons. Made popular by the movie Step Brothers, the Catalina Wine Mixer is now officially a real thing that happens end of May or beginning of June. They also host a Film Festival at the casino during the month of September and the JazzTrax Festival in October. The city of Avalon is also very seasonally festive in the wintertime.
Unfortunately the harbor has no view to the west and therefore doesn’t really see much of the sunset, but it does face east which provides epic opportunities for sunrise on a clear morning if you can get up in time to see it!
What to do in Two Harbors
If the island were an hourglass where time was almost out, this harbor sits at the pinnacle where the sand is trickling through; therefore, at a point accessible from both sides of the island which explains how it got its name. It has views to both the east and the west, so you may get to see all of the sun’s daily activity.
This side of the island is a lot less populated than Avalon and is better suited for the outdoor lover. However, I would also argue this is the better destination if you desire to lay on the beach all day long on your own towel. The beach is very nice here and it appears more spacious than the one in Avalon. The city may not be very big, but the area is simple and beautiful.
Services are pretty limited. There is a small community that consists of small town stuff like one general store, a burger restaurant (mostly just a lunch place), one more formal restaurant which practically sits on the beach, a public restroom and visitor service kiosk, a few campgrounds, a lodge and a couple villas, and other basic society stuff (like school/police/fire/etc.). The operating hours of all businesses in town are limited and vary by season and day of the week. In my experience, the hours posted online have not always been accurate and I would recommend calling in advance if you are dependent on them and must know.
There is also a gear rental place, and both cycling and diving are very popular around here. They have everything from scuba gear, to bicycles, to fishing equipment and bocce ball. If you are planning to incorporate these activities into your itinerary, you can check the pricing and operating hours here. It does not seem that they do reservations and instead operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Two Harbors also has some of their own annual events including the Two Harbors Wine Fest (late June), the Two Harbors Brew Fest (mid-September), and a pirate-themed gathering called the Annual Buccaneer’s Weekend (early October).
The Airport in the Sky
This popular spot attracts visitors from mostly Avalon, as well as private planes from the mainland. Traveling up to the Airport in the Sky will require a guided tour, express shuttle, bicycle ride, or a long hike from Avalon or Two Harbors. There is a small runway, gift shop, a restaurant, and some educational displays. The restaurant is mostly a breakfast and lunch type of place and closes in the late afternoon/early evening.
While not a commercial airport, this place still sees a bit of excitement because it is close to the city of Los Angeles.
Hiking
There are several great day hikes around both Avalon and Two Harbors, as well as a few unique opportunities up at the Airport in the Sky.
From Avalon, you have many options. A guide to some shorter hikes around the general city area is linked here. If you want to dedicate yourself to something a bit more strenuous, the journey up to the ridge at Divide Road/Lone Tree Road will give you some nice views of the island from a higher elevation and even provides an opportunity to see the sunset (about 3 miles one-way, additional 3 miles each way to Lone Tree Point). There are several ways to get up to the ridge from Avalon, and all the trails around here are very well-maintained.
From Two Harbors, the walk to Lions Head consists of a quick climb out of the harbor and then remains mostly flat the rest of the journey, and offers some nice views of the city and the coastline towards the mainland (about 3 miles, one-way). Upper Ballast Point is a more moderately difficult hike out of the harbor but offers some spectacular views from a higher elevation (about 2 miles, one-way). Some longer hikes that would make great full-day adventures include the journeys to and from Little Harbor/Shark Harbor (5.3 miles one-way, about 1.5k feet of elevation gain) or Parsons Landing (2 ways to get there: the southern side is a strenuous 6.6 miles, includes almost 2k feet of elevation gain one-way, and the northern side is 7.7 miles and mostly flat one-way, you could potentially do both sides and turn this into a 13+ mile loop hike).
Up at the Airport in the Sky, there is a hiking trail that is just under 3 miles which is mostly flat and circles the airport (called Airport Loop Trail). For something a bit more strenuous and time consuming, you can walk over and up to Blackjack Mountain (about 2 miles one-way) or go just past that and summit the island’s tallest peak at Mount Orizaba (about 3 miles one-way). Both peaks sit at about 2000 feet. If you are trying to look for bison without going on a safari tour, I think this area is your best opportunity. The Airport Loop or following the TCT for a few miles northwest towards Little Harbor and back are a couple good options. You could potentially hike to or from the Airport in the Sky from Little Harbor (6.15 miles one-way) or Avalon (12.75 miles one-way) and take the shuttle the other direction (reservations required).
If you are interested in taking on a more epic and rugged journey, a 38.5-mile backpacking trail, called the Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT), begins in Avalon at the harbor and walks along the backbone of the island for about 26 miles until it reaches Two Harbors. At Two Harbors, the trail has an additional 13-mile loop that goes up another ridge and down into the private cove at Parsons Landing, then back to the community along the northeast facing cliffs. This multi-day hiking trail is difficult and requires a permit via their campground reservation system. (Check out my detailed post about the TCT here.)
Other stuff you might want to know before you visit
Check online for deals and coupons that you can take advantage of. Catalina Island *used to* offer guests a free ferry ride to the island on their birthday, but this wild promo ended in 2017 (probably because they were losing a lot of money). They also *used to* have an entire list of birthday stuff you could get/do for free or at large discounts all over the island. While I was unable to find anything current, I saw a bunch of coupons and other promotions online while I was looking, so it’s definitely worth it to quickly check before you go to see if you can find anything!
Birds are smart and will take your food the second you turn around. In the city, you don’t really need to worry about foxes, but seagulls and ravens will swipe up anything you give them an opportunity to swipe at. If you want to see foxes and bison you will either have to embark on a hike or participate in a safari-like tour. I have seen foxes pop up at the Airport in the Sky but they usually stay away from the main city areas.
My thoughts
I have made half a dozen visits to this island thus far throughout my life because it is so close to Los Angeles (where I grew up), and each experience has been unique. While my favorite way to enjoy the place is by backpacking the TCT, I realize that hiking isn’t for everyone and I have immense adoration for the community of Avalon. The city is super cute and the fact that most people drive golf carts is awesome. Renting one is on my bucket list, as well as attending the Catalina Wine Mixer (now that it exists).
The public beach in Avalon is nice but it can get very crowded in the summer and is very compact with all the shops just across the street from the sand. I prefer the more remote beaches around the island along the TCT, and the one in Two Harbors, but I know plenty of people don’t mind the crowds. This island is kinda a classic tale of two cities because the towns really do offer such different experiences for guests.
Have you been to Catalina Island yet? Did you have a favorite restaurant or activity in the city? What would you consider to be a must-see? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy traveling! 😊
(And always remember to follow #leavenotrace principles!)
💙
Laura the explora: the blog 
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