Travel

Its year-round warm weather, picturesque landscapes, outdoor activities and quaint towns make it a perfect retreat for families, adventurous couples, or solo travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of life on the “mainland.”

Total Area: 

22 miles long, encompassing approximately 47,884 acres (76-square miles). The width is 8 miles at its widest point (Long Point) and 1/2 mile wide at its narrowest point (Two Harbors or the Isthmus). The coastal perimeter is 54 miles.

Location: 

Catalina is the southernmost island of California's Channel Islands. It is situated 22 miles off the coast of southern California.

Accessibility: 

Visitors can reach Catalina in about one hour by boat. Catalina Express provides scheduled services to the island. Catalina Express operates boats to Avalon and Two Harbors daily from three mainland ports throughout the year: Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point.

Once on the island, the town of Avalon and the unincorporated village of Two Harbors are easy to navigate by foot. While ride-sharing services are not available on the island, Avalon does have an ADA compliant, on-demand, point-to-point public transport system called COAST in addition to a taxi service.

Catalina Towns: 

The island is made up of two towns, the incorporated city of Avalon on the east end, and the unincorporated town of Two Harbors on the west end. A favorite destination for boaters, campers and adventurers, Two Harbors is 40 minutes by boat and during the spring and summer months visitors can catch a Cyclone power boat. It's also accessible by bus from Avalon in about two hours. Located directly outside of the two towns is a protected wilderness area under the stewardship of the Catalina Island Conservancy.

Population: 

4,096 (based on 2010 Census data)

Climate: 

Described as a mild subtropical climate, the average high temperature during the winter months is 63 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low temperature is 50 degrees. The average high temperature during the summer months hovers around 72 degrees and the average low temperature is 65 degrees. Catalina's unique weather pattern often keeps coastal fog at bay, allowing the sun to shine an average of 267 days a year.

Dining and Shopping: 

From locally caught seafood served on oceanfront patios to casual bites on the beach, Catalina has 30 different restaurants and bars to satisfy every taste and budget. Don't miss the famous bison burgers or Catalina's signature Buffalo Milk cocktail – a delicious concoction that includes bananas, crème de cacao, vodka and Kahlúa liqueur. The island offers both a food trail and a beverage trail in homage to the bison that were introduced to the island nearly a century ago.

Shoppers can stroll along the palm tree-lined streets of Avalon and enjoy more than 25 unique shops featuring local artisan jewelry, clothing, artwork and sweet treats. The majority of shops and boutiques are located on or adjacent to Crescent Avenue (known as “Front Street” to locals).

Accommodations: 

Whether you're looking for Spanish Colonial Revival-style hotels, historic bungalows, luxury suites, or a quaint neighborhood inn, the island has no shortage or variety of accommodations. A breakdown includes:

The island is also home to five different campgrounds, as well as seventeen boat–in only campsites at nine locations between Avalon, Two Harbors and Parson's Landing.

Outdoor Activities: 

Catalina offers a variety of land and sea-based activities for visitors of all ages. Popular activities include:

Historical Overview:

Catalina has a rich history that dates back 8,000 years, when the first Native Americans settled on the island. Key timelines and highlights in its history include:

The Conservancy: 

Founded in 1972, the Catalina Island Conservancy is a non-profit land trust that manages and protects 88 percent of the island as a preserve. This includes more than 62 miles of unspoiled beaches and secluded coves—the longest publicly accessible stretch of undeveloped coastline in southern California. The Conservancy is a leader in programs that protect and restore endangered species and threatened habitats. It conducts educational outreach through two nature centers, its Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and guided experiences in the island's rugged interior. Access to the island's interior is limited to permitted vehicles, bikers, hikers and authorized tour operators.