Southern California
Catalina Island Weekend Guide: Ferries, Avalon and Hotels
Plan a Catalina Island weekend: which ferry to take, golf cart rules in Avalon, snorkeling at Lover’s Cove, interior tours, Two Harbors and where to stay.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
Catalina is about an hour by boat from the Southern California coast. Visitors can’t bring cars; Avalon is walkable, and most of the island is protected wildland with bison and island foxes.
To hike the island end to end, see the Trans-Catalina Trail guide.
In This Guide
How to Get to Catalina Island: Ferry and Helicopter
The Catalina Express runs year-round to Avalon from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, and seasonally from San Pedro to Two Harbors. It takes about an hour from Long Beach or San Pedro and about 90 minutes from Dana Point.
The Catalina Flyer has run a seasonal service from Newport Beach. Check current schedules for every operator.
Flying to Avalon by Helicopter
Helicopters reach Avalon in about 15 minutes and cost much more than the boat.
Getting Around Avalon: Golf Carts, Bikes and Walking
Most of Avalon is within 15 minutes’ walk of the ferry. Visitors can’t bring cars, and residents wait years for vehicle permits.
Waterfront shops rent golf carts by the hour, useful for the hills above town and the Wrigley Memorial. Bikes work but are steep, and interior riding needs a permit.
Day 1: Things to Do in Avalon
Walk Crescent Avenue, the waterfront promenade, to the Green Pleasure Pier. Then visit the Catalina Casino, the round Art Deco building at the harbor’s edge.
It was never a gambling hall. It holds a ballroom and the Avalon Theatre, and guided tours show the murals.
Wrigley Memorial and Descanso Beach Club
Drive a golf cart up Avalon Canyon to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, which grows Channel Islands endemic plants.
Walk past the Casino to Descanso Beach Club for a sunset drink.
Day 2: Snorkeling, Zip Lining and Catalina’s Interior
Lover’s Cove, east of the ferry terminal, is a marine preserve with garibaldi and kelp close to the rocks.
Casino Point (Avalon Underwater Park) is the main snorkel and dive site; for mainland spots see the Southern California tide pools guide. Glass-bottom boats and semi-submersibles suit non-swimmers.
Interior Tours and Bison
The zip line runs down Descanso Canyon. Jeep and off-road interior tours run with the Catalina Island Conservancy and other operators, often with bison sightings.
Hiking Beyond Avalon
Interior hiking requires a free Catalina Island Conservancy permit. The Garden to Sky Trail from the Wrigley Memorial is a half-day hike.
Two Harbors: The Quieter Side of Catalina
Two Harbors, on the narrow west end, has a general store, a restaurant and one lodge, plus coves, campgrounds and trails.
It is closer in feel to Channel Islands National Park than to Avalon. Reach it by seasonal Catalina Express from San Pedro, or from Avalon when overland or boat service runs.
Where to Stay on Catalina Island
Avalon hotels are small, historic and walkable from the ferry. Many have two-night minimums; book 2 to 4 months ahead for summer.
- The Inn on Mt. Ada: former Wrigley mansion, most meals included
- Pavilion Hotel: waterfront, garden courtyard
- Hotel Atwater: renovated historic hotel a block from the beach
- Hotel Vista del Mar: small waterfront hotel
- Aurora Hotel: quiet hotel near the water
- Banning House Lodge, Two Harbors: historic, remote
Where to Eat and Drink in Avalon
Bluewater Grill on the pier serves seafood, and the Lobster Trap is more casual. Original Jack’s Country Kitchen does breakfast, and Lloyd’s of Avalon Confectionery pulls saltwater taffy.
The island drink is the Buffalo Milk (vodka, liqueurs, whipped cream). Order one at Luau Larry’s or Descanso Beach Club.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Catalina Island worth visiting for a weekend?
Yes. A weekend covers Avalon, a snorkel or dive, and an interior tour or hike.
Can you drive a golf cart around all of Catalina?
No. Rental carts are limited to Avalon. For the interior, take a guided tour or hike with a free Conservancy permit.
Which Catalina ferry port is best?
The closest one. Long Beach and San Pedro have the most departures; Dana Point suits Orange County and San Diego.
Do you need a permit to hike on Catalina?
Yes, outside Avalon. The Catalina Island Conservancy permit is free; trail camping needs separate reservations.
What is the best time to visit Catalina?
September and October for warm water and fewer crowds. Summer is busy; winter is cheaper, cooler and has rougher crossings.
