Travel to Catalina Island from San Diego: A Complete Guide

Escape the everyday with a trip to Catalina Island, a picturesque island off the Southern California coast. Imagine bright blue waters, sandy beaches, and palm trees swaying – it’s like a tropical paradise, yet less than 90 miles from San Diego. While you can’t catch a direct ferry from San Diego itself, reaching this island oasis for a perfect getaway is surprisingly easy and a popular addition for both San Diego locals and visitors looking to explore more of the California coast. Planning your Travel To Catalina Island From San Diego involves a short drive or transit to one of the ferry departure points located further north in Southern California.

Catalina Express ferry leaving Long Beach Harbor, a popular route for travel to Catalina Island from San Diego

Catalina Island is part of the Channel Islands group and sits approximately 22 miles offshore. Historically a retreat for the affluent and famous, including Marilyn Monroe for a period, the island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and leisure activities. The island is quite compact, measuring just 22 miles long and 8 miles across, making golf carts a common mode of local transportation. Despite its size, it hosts world-class dining, beautiful hotels, pristine beaches, and clear waters perfect for various outdoor pursuits.

The clear surrounding waters make Catalina a prime spot for water sports enthusiasts. Activities like kayaking, jet skiing, sailing, swimming, paddleboarding, and parasailing are widely popular. The underwater visibility is also excellent for scuba diving, snorkeling, and even glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine tours, offering glimpses into the vibrant marine life.

A trip to Catalina Island makes for an ideal weekend escape from San Diego or a fantastic day trip to enhance your San Diego vacation itinerary. While options like private boat charters or flights by private plane or helicopter are available for a more luxurious journey, the most common and accessible way for most travelers, including those coming from the San Diego area, is via a ferry service. The Catalina Express is the most popular and frequent ferry operator.

Getting to Catalina Island from San Diego

Since there isn’t a direct ferry service departing from San Diego, your Travel To Catalina Island From San Diego will typically involve driving or arranging transportation approximately 1.5 to 2 hours north to one of the ferry terminals located closer to Los Angeles or Orange County. Choosing the right departure port is key to a smooth journey.

Catalina Express Ferry Ports in Southern California

The Catalina Express operates from three main ports along the Southern California coastline that provide service to Catalina Island. Each offers a different travel experience and varying levels of convenience depending on your starting point in the San Diego area.

1. Long Beach: This is the most frequented port for the Catalina Express. It offers the highest number of daily departures, providing maximum flexibility for travelers.
2. San Pedro: Located in Los Angeles, this port is a convenient option primarily for those coming from the greater LA area.
3. Dana Point: Situated closer to both San Diego and Southern Orange County, Dana Point offers a geographically closer starting point for many San Diego residents. However, ferry service from Dana Point typically only goes to the port of Avalon on Catalina Island, not Two Harbors, and has fewer departures than Long Beach.

The Long Beach Route from a San Diego Perspective

Despite being further north than Dana Point, the Long Beach port remains the most popular choice for traveling to Catalina Island, even for those starting their journey in San Diego. The drive from downtown San Diego to the Catalina Express terminal in Long Beach takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The frequency and flexibility of the Long Beach ferry schedule often outweigh the slightly longer drive compared to Dana Point.

The Catalina Express departs from Catalina Landing in downtown Long Beach, conveniently located near Shoreline Village, The Pike, and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Address: 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802

How Long Is the Long Beach Ferry to Catalina?

The ferry trip from Long Beach to Avalon on Catalina Island is remarkably quick, taking only about one hour. This brief journey offers scenic views of the coastline as you leave the harbor.

How Much Does the Ferry Ticket Cost?

A round-trip fare on the Catalina Express from Long Beach generally costs $84 per adult, which includes the fare, wharfage fee, and taxes. Discounted rates are available for seniors (55+) at $77 round-trip and children (2-11) at $68.50. Infants under 2 travel free but require a $7.00 wharfage fee payment. Standard carry-on luggage is included, but items like bikes or surfboards incur an additional fee of $7.00 per item. The Catalina Express website allows for online booking and reservations, which are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Upgrades to Captains Lounge or Commodore Lounge are also available for an additional cost.

Planning your trip and figuring out the best places to travel in the US in April often involves considering popular destinations like Catalina Island, accessible via a quick ferry ride after reaching the departure port.

Parking for the Catalina Express Ferry in Long Beach

If you’re driving from San Diego to the Long Beach terminal, you’ll need overnight parking for your vehicle. Secure overnight parking is available at the Long Beach port for approximately $22.95 per 24-hour period. Reservations for parking are typically not required, and most major credit cards are accepted. Be aware there’s a 30-day maximum parking limit.

Daily Boat Trips To Catalina Island

The Catalina Express schedule varies seasonally but consistently offers multiple daily departures from its ports. Combined, Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point offer over 30 departures daily during peak times. From the Long Beach port specifically, ferry departures are generally available from early morning (around 6 am) until early evening (around 6 pm). Checking the official Catalina Express website for the current schedule is essential when planning your visit.

Considering Dana Point or San Pedro

While Long Beach is the most popular, travelers coming from San Diego might consider Dana Point due to its closer proximity. The drive is slightly shorter, but the trade-off is a less frequent schedule and service only to the main town of Avalon. San Pedro is generally less convenient for San Diego travelers compared to Long Beach or Dana Point, primarily serving those originating from the Los Angeles area.

Arriving on Catalina Island: Avalon vs. Two Harbors

Once you travel to Catalina Island, you will disembark at one of two ports: Avalon or Two Harbors.

• Avalon: This is the main port and lands you directly in the heart of the island’s most bustling area. Avalon is where you’ll find the majority of hotels, restaurants, shops, activities, and tours. It’s ideal if you want easy access to amenities and the main tourist attractions.
• Two Harbors: Located on the more secluded, western “tail” of the island, Two Harbors offers a much quieter, more rustic experience. Amenities are limited to a restaurant, a general store, and a single bed-and-breakfast. It’s the perfect destination for visitors seeking tranquility, nature, and direct access to outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and boating away from the crowds.

Exploring Catalina Island: Things to Do and See

Catalina Island offers a diverse range of activities for all types of travelers. Renting a golf cart is a fun and practical way to explore the town of Avalon due to limited car access. Beyond Avalon, you can visit Two Harbors, known for its relaxed atmosphere and as a launching point for outdoor adventures.

In Avalon, relax on the beach or enjoy cocktails and music at popular spots like Descanso Beach Club. The island’s clear waters invite various water sports. For land explorers, there are hiking and biking trails, zip-lining adventures, and even tours into the island’s interior to spot bison, descendants of a herd left on the island during a movie shoot decades ago.

Where to Stay on Catalina Island

While a day trip to Catalina is feasible when traveling from San Diego via ferry, staying overnight allows you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s charm. Avalon offers numerous lodging options, from larger hotels to intimate boutique inns.

Some recommended places to stay include:

• Banning House Lodge
• Pavilion Hotel
• Hotel Atwater
• Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel
• Hotel Metropole
• Snug Harbor Inn
• The Avalon Hotel
• Mt. Ada (a luxurious option housed in William Wrigley Jr.’s former mansion)

Many visitors look for hotel packages to get the best value. Catalina Island Company often offers deals combining accommodation with resort credits that can be used for activities, dining, or transportation upgrades like helicopter tours.

Scenic view of Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island, California, destination for ferry travel from San Diego area

Best Time to Visit Catalina Island

Catalina Island enjoys a pleasant Southern California climate year-round, making it a viable destination any time. The peak season is during the summer, from June through September, when the weather is warmest (average highs in the low to mid-70s °F) and schools are on break, leading to larger crowds and higher prices, particularly for accommodations.

For a balance of good weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons: spring (April to May) or fall (September to October). Temperatures are still warm and comfortable, perfect for outdoor activities, but without the intense summer crowds. Winter months (November to March) are cooler (daily temperatures ranging from 45-59°F) and can see more rain, but offer the quietest experience and lowest prices.

Regardless of when you choose to travel to Catalina Island from the San Diego area, this nearby island offers a unique and refreshing escape with plenty to see and do.