Avalon Catalina Island
Avalon Catalina Island: A picturesque island escape just an hour from the mainland, offering stunning views, historic charm, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful island vibe
Avalon Catalina Island
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful island vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Avalon Catalina Island: A picturesque island escape just an hour from the mainland, offering stunning views, historic charm, and a relaxed atmosphere.
"The ferry ride is a relaxing way to reach the island, with serene waters and clean toilets."
🚗 Golf Cart Rental Tips
Rent for an hour to see the island! Costs $80+ and fits up to 6 people. Worth it for the views .
💰 Commodore Lounge Upgrade
Worth it for priority boarding, snacks, and drinks on the Catalina Express .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Catalina Casino
Avalon
An iconic Art Deco landmark, this non-gaming casino offers stunning architecture and ocean views. Don't miss its historical significance .
Descanso Beach Club
Avalon
Relax on the sand, enjoy a cocktail, or book a daybed at this popular beach club. It's a perfect spot to unwind after exploring .
Three Palms Overlook
Avalon
Capture breathtaking panoramic views of Avalon Harbor and the coastline from this scenic viewpoint. Ideal for photos .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Catalina Express Tickets Early
Golf Cart Rentals: A Must-Do
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Golf Cart Rental Tips
Rent for an hour to see the island! Costs $80+ and fits up to 6 people. Worth it for the views.
💰 Commodore Lounge Upgrade
Worth it for priority boarding, snacks, and drinks on the Catalina Express.+1
🚶♀️ Walk to Casino Point
Easy walk from the ferry to gear up for diving or snorkeling.
💧 Bring Cash
Some vendors and golf cart rentals may prefer cash.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Golf Cart Rental Tips
Rent for an hour to see the island! Costs $80+ and fits up to 6 people. Worth it for the views.
💰 Commodore Lounge Upgrade
Worth it for priority boarding, snacks, and drinks on the Catalina Express.+1
🚶♀️ Walk to Casino Point
Easy walk from the ferry to gear up for diving or snorkeling.
💧 Bring Cash
Some vendors and golf cart rentals may prefer cash.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
The ferry can be windy and bumpy; bring a jacket.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Catalina Express is a reliable way to reach Avalon Catalina Island, offering comfortable seating and scenic views. While tickets are considered pricey and the disembarkation can be chaotic, the overall experience is positive, especially with upgrades like the Commodore Lounge. Parking is generally easy, and the staff are friendly.
"The ferry does exactly what it is supposed to do, it gets you there. Tickets are pricey though, and do not even think about changing your ticket time unless you want to cough up extra cash. Staff on board were nice, no complaints there. The real knocks for me are the cost and the circus of people on the ferry. About twenty minutes before docking, it turns into a nut-to-butt crowd of passengers fighting to be the first ones off. Relax folks, you are only saving maybe five minutes at best. So I sit patiently while everyone else is standing around me like sardines, and it happened both going and coming back. On the way back, after a full day of sun, sand, and saltwater, let’s just say the smells were less than pleasant. Snacks and drinks are available, but like everything else on board, they are expensive. Overall, solid way to get to Catalina, just be ready to pay for it and bring your patience."
Mike Moore
"We chose to celebrate a milestone birthday in day, 26 mile situated, Catalina island the ferry service was excellent, great parking. The ramp area, allowing for our date. Storage seating area was very comfortable. The Eagle and bison statues were very attractive, and boarding was very systematic. Luggage rules are implemented strictly very welcoming. They have 2 cabin services. One is ordinary and second is the Commodore private the only difference. Being, you have you get a complimentary drink? There are 2 levels over the base level. And it's nice, too. Enjoy the ride in the open air views. The serene waters serenity around clean toilets, very good experience. Enjoy the ride.
Number of trips available, but you have to make a reservation in advance. Do r a fairy was almost l, half empty"
Dr.Mohina S Kulkarni
"Great experience on the Catalina Express!
Parking was easy, lots of seats to wait, lines were efficiently split, the boat itself is really nice and quiet and smooth, the staff are very friendly, and we left almost on time (lol).
My only complaint is that there is ZERO signage in Avalon for a Long Beach return. I don't understand this at all. I don't understand how the other ports have signage, but not Long Beach. We almost missed our return boat because of it."
Neil Taylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is via the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point. The ride takes about an hour.+3 Some travelers recommend arriving 30 minutes early, especially if the boat is crowded.
The Catalina Express has terminals in Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point, California. Long Beach is a common departure point for many visitors.+11
The ferry ride on the Catalina Express typically takes about an hour, depending on the departure point and sea conditions.+2
Yes, you can jet ski to Catalina Island from Long Beach for an adventurous ocean experience. Dolphins are often spotted along the way.
Yes, parking is available at the Catalina Express departure points, though it may incur additional fees. Some reviews mention it's easy to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Roundtrip tickets for the Catalina Express are generally around $84 for regular seating, with the Commodore Lounge upgrade costing about $124. Prices can vary, so check the official Catalina Express website for current rates.
It's highly recommended to book your Catalina Express tickets in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, as they can sell out.+1
The Commodore Lounge offers a more premium experience with priority boarding, larger seats, and complimentary snacks and drinks. It's considered a worthwhile upgrade by many travelers.+2
Changing your ticket time on the Catalina Express may incur extra fees. It's best to book the time you intend to travel or be prepared for additional costs.
Yes, luggage rules are strictly implemented. Ensure your bags comply with the ferry's guidelines to avoid issues during boarding.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Renting a golf cart is the most popular and fun way to explore Avalon. You can rent them for an hour to see the entire island and reach scenic overlooks.
Don't miss the historic Catalina Casino, relax at Descanso Beach Club, and enjoy the ocean views from places like the Three Palms Overlook.
Yes, Casino Point is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, with gear rental available nearby. The underwater world is a highlight for many visitors.
Avalon offers various dining options, from casual eateries to beach clubs. Popular spots include Descanso Beach Club and Original Jack's Country Kitchen.+1
The weather can be windy, especially on the ferry ride. Evenings can get cold, so bringing layers is advisable. The island generally enjoys pleasant California weather.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots at the Catalina Casino, from the Three Palms Overlook, and along the scenic Crescent Avenue stairs.
Absolutely! The ferry ride offers beautiful ocean vistas and views of the coastline, perfect for capturing memorable moments.+1
Yes, Avalon has a rich history, including its connection to Marilyn Monroe. The island's Art Deco architecture also provides unique photographic backdrops.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be bright, but scenic viewpoints still provide great shots.
While not explicitly mentioned as photo tours, exploring the island via golf cart or visiting scenic overlooks will naturally lead to many photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Renting a golf cart for a shorter duration or sharing one with a group can help manage costs.💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1 Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Avalon's charming streets, share a meal at a waterfront restaurant, or book a daybed at the Descanso Beach Club for a pampered experience.+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Catalina Express
Be aware that ticket changes can incur extra fees, so booking your desired departure time is crucial.
Exploring Avalon: Golf Carts and Beyond
+1 These carts can accommodate up to six people and offer a unique and fun way to see the island's sights.Beyond golf carts, Avalon itself is very walkable. You can easily stroll along the harbor, browse shops, and enjoy the charming streets. For those interested in marine life, Casino Point is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, with gear rentals available nearby.
For relaxation, the Descanso Beach Club offers a perfect setting to unwind, enjoy food and drinks, or book a daybed.Historical Echoes of Avalon
This landmark is a significant part of the island's charm and a popular spot for photography.Interestingly, Avalon also has a connection to Hollywood history. Before becoming the iconic Marilyn Monroe, Norma Jeane Dougherty spent time living in Avalon while her husband was stationed there during World War II.
This historical tidbit adds another layer of intrigue to the island's narrative. Exploring Avalon allows visitors to step back in time, appreciating its unique heritage and the stories embedded within its picturesque streets and landmarks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit