Santa Catalina Island (Avalon)
Avalon, Catalina Island
A Mediterranean-style island just off the Southern California coast, about an hour by boat. Enjoy snorkeling, glass-bottom boats, and touring the island by golf cart.
The Catalina Express ferry takes about an hour from Long Beach or San Pedro to the town of Avalon, with round-trip fares around $90. Cars are restricted on the island, so most visitors rent golf carts to tour the town. You can visit the Art Deco Catalina Casino building (which is actually a ballroom and theater), ride a glass-bottom boat over underwater kelp forests, and snorkel at Lover’s Cove. You can also book a zipline or a jeep tour to see the bison. Wild American bison roam the island’s interior. A day trip requires catching the last boat back, though you can also spend a night on the island. If the waves are rough, those prone to seasickness should bring medication.
Opening hours
All day (check the website for ferry schedules)
Nearby sights
- Battleship USS Iowa Museum
- Queen Mary
- Aquarium of the Pacific
- Manhattan Beach
- Knott's Berry Farm
- Disneyland Resort
- Venice Beach
- California Science Center