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Your Catalina Experience

A fantastic Catalina Island getaway begins at Aurora, where you’ll find comfort, charm, and friendly staff ready to enhance your experience. Nestled in Avalon, Aurora offers a boutique ambiance perfect for relaxation and exploration.

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Our knowledgeable team is happy to recommend the best of Catalina, from scenic hikes and thrilling water sports to local favorites for dining and entertainment. Below, you’ll find helpful links for arranging transportation to the island, ensuring your journey is as smooth as possible. We’ve also provided recommendations for top dining spots and a variety of activities, handpicked by our staff to make your stay memorable. Whether it’s your first trip to Catalina or one of many, Aurora is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable island experience.

Getting to Catalina

Few vacations start before you even arrive, but getting to Catalina is part of the adventure.

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Ocean breezes, frolicking dolphins and watching for whales are all part of the trip, as are comfortable seats, a snack bar and a range of libations of the over-21 variety. Most Catalina ferry boats take a little over an hour. If you choose to take the helicopter, you'll have to forego the aforementioned snack bar and libations, but you'll get a spectacular trip and the adrenaline rush of flight to make up for it. No matter how you choose to arrive, we recommend making reservations as soon as you have determined your dates of travel. 

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Catalina Express

Catalina Express offers the largest fleet and offers up to 30 departures a day. They operate from San Pedro, Dana Point and Long Beach.

Call (800) 481-3470.

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Catalina Passenger Service

The Newport Flyer out of Newport Beach offers several departures daily and takes approximately 75 minutes. 

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Call (949) 673-5245.

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Maverick Helicopters

Scheduled helicopter transportation to Catalina is available from Long Beach with charter service available from other Southern California locations.

Call 702-430-7583.

Catalina Island Activities

Once you’re on Catalina Island, endless adventures and experiences await.

 

Thrill-seekers can dive into exciting activities like hiking scenic trails, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and exploring vibrant underwater life on a dive. History buffs will love guided tours of Avalon’s iconic sites, like the Catalina Casino, and stops at the local museum that reveal the island's unique heritage. Shoppers can wander through charming boutiques, while food lovers can savor Catalina’s fresh seafood and local culinary delights. For those in need of relaxation, Catalina’s beaches offer a perfect retreat. Whatever your interests, Catalina has it all!

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Catalina Food Tour

Catalina Food Tour takes you on a culinary adventure across Avalon, where you get to dine (and drink) like a local.

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Catalina Divers Supply

Catalina Divers Supply has everything you need for your aquatic adventures, with rentals for both scuba and snorkel gear.

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Catalina Museum

Enrich your vacation with a trip to the Catalina Island Museum, and learn about the unique history of Catalina.

Dining on Catalina Island

Catalina Island boasts an impressive culinary scene with something to delight every taste.

 

Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, a perfectly grilled steak, or handmade pastas, the island’s restaurants offer a wide range of options that capture the unique flavors and relaxed ambiance of island life. Enjoy casual eateries for quick bites and waterfront dining for meals with an unforgettable atmosphere, or indulge in cozy, upscale spots for an intimate dining experience.

 

Our staff has gathered a list of top recommendations to ensure you experience the best Catalina has to offer. Let us guide you to local favorites that will make each meal a memorable part of your island getaway.

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The M Restaurant

The M serves coastal italian food on the beachfront making for a wonderful place to celebrate. 

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Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co

​Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. serves gourmet coffee and hot breakfast all day, making it the perfect pick me up between adventures

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Antonio's Pizzeria

Antonios is the island’s local pizza place, with food available for both dine in and take out

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Maggie's Blue Rose

Maggies Blue Rose serves Mexican food and margaritas right on the beachfront.

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The Lobster Trap

Open late, this local favorite serves both surf and turf in their recently renovated restaurant

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Steve's Steakhouse & Seafood

Steve’s Steakhouse & Seafood offers great views and even better food.

Getting to Catalina
Catalina Activities
Standard Rooms
Catalina Dining
Partial Ocean View Rooms
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