Your Catalina Island travel guide

Just 35 kilometres off the Southern Californian coast lies Santa Catalina, a sun-drenched island where suave Mediterranean charm and laidback Californian cool form the perfect couple. Once a glamorous hideaway for stars during Hollywood’s Golden Age, Catalina Island, as it’s more popularly known, was a playground for celebrities such as Clark Gable and Charlie Chaplin who couldn’t resist its secluded beauty and cinematic allure. These days, travellers flying into LAX will find that Catalina offers an antidote to the sprawl of the City of Angels. It’s also a weekend retreat, romantic getaway or even a day trip that feels like a farther-flung holiday.

Getting to Catalina Island

Rather than a mere A to B, the trip to Catalina Island is part of the adventure, whether you arrive by ferry or helicopter. The most popular option is the Catalina Express, which departs from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. The ferry takes about an hour, and it’s wise to book in advance, especially during peak season. Once on board, keep a lookout for dolphins riding the wake.

Alternatively, Maverick Helicopters runs 15-minute flights from Long Beach to Avalon, Catalina’s main town. Round-trip prices hover around US$300 (HK$2,330), but the time saved, joy of riding through the clouds and spectacular aerial views make it a worthwhile experience.

Where to start

As the ferry docks in the island’s main town of Avalon, you’re greeted by pastel-hued buildings, swaying palms and the summery scent of salt and sunscreen. The pace immediately slows, inviting you to shed mainland urgency and embrace island time. Though Avalon is compact and easily walkable, golf carts are the preferred mode of transport and part of the charm. Zipping around in one feels like stepping into a postcard. Here, you’ll cruise past cliffside cottages, oceanfront promenades and panoramic viewpoints. Rentals are available by the hour or day from vendors near the ferry terminal, most of whom offer maps with suggested scenic routes.

Where to eat

Catalina’s culinary scene spans from breezy beachside cocktail bars to refined seafood restaurants overlooking the harbour, offering flavours as fresh and lovely as the island itself.

1. Bluewater Grill

Right on the harbour, this seafood spot serves fresh catches with a view. Try the clam chowder or grilled swordfish.

2. Descanso Beach Club

A must for lunch and cocktails by the sea . Rent a cabana, sip a signature Buffalo Milk cocktail and order fish tacos while your toes sink into the sand.

3. Lloyd’s of Avalon

For dessert, this old-fashioned candy shop is famous for hand-pulled saltwater taffy.

What to do on Catalina Island

1. Snorkel or kayak at Lover’s Cove or Descanso Beach

Explore crystal-clear waters in search of garibaldi, the bright-orange state fish of California. Rent gear onsite and paddle out for a close-up view of Catalina’s underwater world.

2. Hike the Garden to Sky Trail

Start early to beat the heat and savour the tranquil morning light as you ascend through native chaparral and wildflowers.

3. Take a dolphin and wildlife cruise

Spot playful pods of dolphins, sea lions and even migrating whales on tours departing from Avalon.

4. Ride a horse through Catalina’s rugged interior

Saddle up for a guided trail ride to experience the island the traditional way. With the Year of the Horse upon us, there’s never been a better time to visit Catalina. Horse riding, once a feature of the island’s tourism, returned last February after nearly 20 years. During your ride with Catalina Island Horseback Adventures (45 minutes to two hours) you’ll navigate rugged hills, scenic ridgelines and coastal panoramas, while spotting creatures such as deer or island foxes.

5. Spot Catalina’s iconic buffalo roaming the hills

Descendants of a 1920s movie shoot, these bison are often seen grazing inland.

Hidden gems

Rent a golf cart and drive up to tiny Catalina Airport for sweeping views and a surprisingly good buffalo burger at the café.

Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden showcases endemic plants and honours chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr, who helped shape the island’s unique identity.

For a nostalgic twist, lace up your roller skates and glide along Avalon’s waterfront paths, or head to the historic Catalina Casino – not a gambling venue but a stunning Art Deco landmark. Inside, you’ll find a grand ballroom with one of the world’s largest circular hardwood dance floors, where you can roller skate to the sound of the ocean breeze. The Casino also houses a cinema with vintage charm and offers guided tours that reveal its glamorous history.

What to know

Catalina enjoys a temperate climate year-round, but the best times to visit are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds and better hotel rates.

Summer is peak season, with warm waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling, but expect higher prices and limited availability. Winter is quiet and peaceful, though some tours and restaurants may operate on reduced schedules.

For golf cart rental, reservations are recommended during peak season, especially on weekends. Most companies require a valid driving licence and a minimum age of 21.