A First-Timer’s Guide to Catalina Island: What to Know Before You Go

If you haven’t been to Catalina yet, now is the perfect time to plan your island getaway. Whether you want a cozy winter escape, a fun spring break, or an ultimate summer or fall vacation, the island has a lot to offer. Catalina can be a bit of a mystery if you haven’t traveled to it yet.  It can be a dreamy resort town or an adventurer’s paradise. Have you heard that bison live there? (They do.) Did you know that fish fly over there? (It’s true.) For first-timers, there’s so much to discover about Catalina.

If you ask the more than one million visitors that come to the island each year, you might learn why it’s such a popular destination; many visitors are returning friends who come back year after year. In this First-Timer’s Guide to Catalina Island, we cover how to get to Catalina, your best bet for accommodations, a few recommendations, and some tips for planning your island itinerary. Read on to learn more about What to know before you go to Catalina Island.

Enjoy the journey. Catalina is more than 20 miles away from Southern California’s mainland. A few port cities offer transportation to the island—by boat or by helicopter. No matter your mode of transportation, you’re guaranteed some great ocean views, and maybe even a wildlife sighting on the way!

Take flight: Maverick Helicopters offers flights out of Long Beach or Santa Monica, which take about 15 minutes and 25 minutes, respectively. 

Go by sea: There are a few different ferry options for travel to the island. The Catalina Express has departures daily from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. If you’re coming from Newport Beach, you can book a trip on the Catalina Flyer. Boat rides can be about 60 to 90 minutes. 

Get the lay of the land. If you check out a map of Catalina, it looks pretty big! The island is 22 miles long, and its width varies from 8 miles at the widest point to just half a mile at the isthmus. There are 2 main towns to visit on Catalina: Avalon, the main resort town and Two Harbors, which is more of a sweet beach village. About 88% of the island is protected land—wild, rugged, and gorgeous terrain that will never be developed. The island can be explored on foot, by taxi, and by tour bus or jeep.

Book your stay.  Since the late 1800s, Avalon has been a favorite vacation destination. The first tourists stayed in a “tent city,” but luckily, hospitality on the island has advanced. Enter: the Aurora Hotel. Conveniently located a quick walk from the ferry terminal, the Aurora offers gorgeous views of Avalon Harbor. The hotel has a variety of ocean view rooms, standard rooms, and a few suites. For all guests, there is the roof deck, which is a great spot to bring morning coffee, have a happy hour, read, relax, or simply take in some ocean views. It’s also conveniently located in Avalon’s downtown—making it a walkable destination close to shops, restaurants, and attractions. 

Be prepared. Packing for your Catalina getaway includes considering your itinerary. Coastal Southern California weather can mean cool mornings and evenings; be sure to bring layers. If you’re planning on beach activities, pack swim suits and rash guards, but if you’re going to scuba, you can rent gear from the local dive shop—Catalina Divers Supply. If you’re hiking the island’s trails, be sure to bring good shoes for hilly terrain. Flip flops are an island favorite, but cooler months may call for closed-toe walking shoes. The island vibe is casual, but if you’re headed to a nicer steak house or fancier dinner out, feel free to wear your island best button downs and sundresses. And if you forget anything: know that Avalon has plenty of cute boutiques and shops—as well as a full-sized grocery store. 

Eat well. There are some fantastic spots for fresh fish and delicious food all around Avalon. Check with the staff at the Aurora Hotel for favorite recommendations and reservations at local eateries. If you’re a foodie, you can book a food tour to try some of the island’s best fare. 

Decide what you’ll do. Are you coming to Catalina to see as much of it as you can? Plan ahead to take tours of the island’s interior, travel to Two Harbors for the day, see sea life from a glass bottom boat, or zipline through Catalina’s canyons. Or, are you coming to unplug and unwind? Spend your mornings on the roof deck of the Aurora, stroll Avalon’s streets, enjoy the local beach, visit the Catalina Museum, and have ice cream for dinner. For nightlife: a few local bars that offer live music.

Ready to get away? Book your room at the Aurora, and we can help you with more details for your trip. Make your room reservation online, or give us a call at 310-510-0454 to reserve today.