Santa Catalina Island Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Santa Catalina Island. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Santa Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island photo 2
Santa Catalina Island photo 3
All photos

Santa Catalina Island, California blends Avalon, Two Harbors, coves, wildlife, hiking, kayaking and Pacific views just off Southern California.

An Island off Southern California

Santa Catalina Island lies about 26 miles off the coast of Southern California, forming the southernmost major island of the Channel Islands archipelago. Much of its 76-square-mile landscape is characterised by dry hills, rugged coastline, oak and chaparral habitats, secluded coves and broad Pacific views. Avalon, on the eastern coast, is the island's principal town and arrival point, while the smaller settlement of Two Harbors occupies the narrow isthmus at the island's western end. Between them stretches a largely undeveloped interior managed predominantly by the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Read more about Santa Catalina Island

Coast, Hills and Wildlife

The island's terrain ranges from sheltered beaches and harbour waters to steep ridges and open uplands, with Mount Orizaba rising to 2,097 feet. Hiking, sea kayaking, snorkelling, diving, cycling and wildlife observation are central to the visitor experience, although access to much of the interior is regulated and some activities require permits or organised arrangements. Native island foxes, mule deer and numerous bird species inhabit the island, while the surrounding marine environment supports kelp forests and abundant coastal wildlife. American bison, introduced for a film production in the 1920s, also remain part of Catalina's modern landscape.

Avalon, Two Harbors and Island Culture

Avalon combines a compact waterfront, working harbour, historic casino building and a distinctive resort-town atmosphere shaped by the Wrigley family's long association with the island. Two Harbors offers a quieter base for camping, boating and exploring the isthmus and western coastline. Catalina's Indigenous history, maritime past, conservation work and carefully managed tourism all remain visible in its settlements, museums, roads and open spaces, creating an island experience that is close to Southern California yet geographically separate from the mainland.

When is the best time to visit Santa Catalina Island?

Best: June–July, September · 24–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1779
February1874
March1960
April2024
May226
June (best)242
July (best)260
August273
September (best)268
October2318
November2039
December1863

Getting to and around Santa Catalina Island

How to get there

Most visitors reach Santa Catalina Island by passenger ferry from mainland ports. Catalina Express operates services from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point, while the Catalina Flyer links Newport Beach with Avalon. Service patterns vary by season and destination, and Two Harbors has fewer direct connections than Avalon. Private boats can use island harbours subject to local arrangements and conditions. The island also has the Airport in the Sky, a privately operated airfield in the interior used by general aviation and some organised flights rather than conventional scheduled airline service. Check the departure port, luggage rules and arrival town before travelling.

Transportation

Avalon is compact and can largely be explored on foot, although the island's steep streets and hills can make walking more demanding than distances suggest. Golf carts are a characteristic form of local transport in Avalon, subject to local rules and availability, while taxis and shuttles serve some journeys. Travel between Avalon, Two Harbors and the interior generally requires an authorised tour, permitted vehicle, bicycle arrangement or private boat; there is no mainland-style island-wide public transport network. Interior roads and trails are managed, and visitors should not assume that every route is open to private vehicles or independent cycling.

Best attractions in Santa Catalina Island

Avalon provides the island's most concentrated group of attractions, including the waterfront, the historic Casino building, the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, and harbour excursions that reveal Catalina's maritime character. The Catalina Island Museum explores local art, culture and history, including the island's Indigenous heritage and resort development. Beyond Avalon, the island's interior opens into Conservancy-managed uplands, oak woodland, chaparral and ridgelines reached by authorised roads, trails and guided tours. Two Harbors, at the narrow isthmus, offers a markedly quieter setting with beaches, coastal walks, camping and access to the western side. Descanso Beach and nearby coves are popular for swimming, snorkelling and watersports where conditions and local arrangements permit, while the surrounding kelp forests attract divers and kayakers. The Airport in the Sky area provides a gateway to inland scenery, wildlife observation and Conservancy experiences rather than functioning as a conventional airport attraction.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Santa Catalina Island

The Casino is Santa Catalina Island's defining built landmark, its circular form and waterfront position reflecting Avalon's transformation into a twentieth-century resort. In the island's interior, the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden commemorates William Wrigley Jr. and presents native and drought-tolerant plants within a landscaped setting above Avalon. Mount Orizaba, the island's highest point, anchors the rugged upland landscape, while the narrow isthmus at Two Harbors gives the island its distinctive division between eastern and western settlements. Steep coastal headlands, sheltered coves and offshore kelp forests are important natural landmarks, experienced from roads, trails or the water rather than from a single urban viewpoint. The Airport in the Sky is also a recognisable man-made feature of the interior, though its principal importance is as a managed access point and working airfield.

Show more landmarks

Explore Santa Catalina Island on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Santa Catalina Island

Dining is concentrated in Avalon, with additional limited options around Two Harbors and selected accommodation or activity areas rather than a dispersed island-wide restaurant scene. Waterfront and town-centre establishments serve Californian and American dishes, seafood, salads, burgers and casual meals, while cafés and bakeries are useful for ferry days, packed lunches and early excursions. The island's coastal setting gives seafood a natural presence, although menus change and not every dish is locally sourced. Visitors staying in campsites or travelling into the interior should plan provisions in advance, since shops and food outlets become increasingly scarce away from Avalon. Two Harbors offers a more limited, informal eating environment suited to boaters, campers and day visitors. Picnic supplies are particularly practical for Conservancy outings, where there may be no dependable food service between settlements.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Santa Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island is not a late-night clubbing destination, and evening entertainment is centred mainly on Avalon rather than the interior or Two Harbors. Avalon has a selection of bars, hotel lounges and casual venues where visitors can enjoy drinks, conversation and views of the harbour, with the town's atmosphere becoming quieter after the main daytime excursions return. The Casino remains an important evening cultural setting when its ballroom or cinema programmes are operating, although it is not a gambling venue. Two Harbors offers a relaxed harbour-town experience with hospitality linked to boating, camping and seasonal visitation, but its facilities are limited. Travellers should check current programme and venue information locally rather than assume that performances, live music or late hours operate every day.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Santa Catalina Island

Santa Catalina Island is not a late-night clubbing destination, and evening entertainment is centred mainly on Avalon rather than the interior or Two Harbors. Avalon has a selection of bars, hotel lounges and casual venues where visitors can enjoy drinks, conversation and views of the harbour, with the town's atmosphere becoming quieter after the main daytime excursions return. The Casino remains an important evening cultural setting when its ballroom or cinema programmes are operating, although it is not a gambling venue. Two Harbors offers a relaxed harbour-town experience with hospitality linked to boating, camping and seasonal visitation, but its facilities are limited. Travellers should check current programme and venue information locally rather than assume that performances, live music or late hours operate every day.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Santa Catalina Island

Shopping is focused overwhelmingly on Avalon, where visitors find small independent shops, galleries, jewellers, clothing outlets, island-themed goods, art and practical beach or outdoor supplies. The Catalina Island Museum shop and other local retailers provide opportunities to buy books, artwork and products connected with the island's history and landscapes. Food shops and general stores are useful for picnic provisions, but the range is more limited and prices may reflect the costs of island supply. Two Harbors has only modest visitor-oriented retail, while the Conservancy-managed interior is not a shopping district. Travellers interested in a particular craft, artwork or specialist item should shop in Avalon and confirm availability before travelling to remote parts of the island.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Santa Catalina Island, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Santa Catalina Island essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD). Cards and contactless payments are widely useful in Avalon and at established visitor businesses, but a small amount of cash remains sensible for rural or informal transactions and in case connectivity is interrupted. Cash machines are available in Avalon, while payment facilities are much more limited around Two Harbors and in the island interior. Travellers should arrange essential supplies and confirm payment options before leaving the main settlement, particularly for camping, boating and remote-area activities.
Safety
Conditions can change quickly on the water and in the island's dry, hilly interior. Follow ferry, harbour and operator instructions, take care near rocky shorelines and cliffs, and use caution around unfamiliar beaches and changing sea conditions. Inland routes may have steep or uneven ground, limited shade and little mobile coverage, so carry water, sun protection, navigation equipment and suitable footwear. Do not approach bison, deer or island foxes, and never feed wildlife. Fire danger can be significant in dry weather; obey current restrictions and remain on authorised roads and trails.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 in an emergency for police, fire or medical assistance in the United States. Give responders the island, settlement or landmark, route information and the best available description of your location, since the interior is extensive and mobile coverage can vary. For an immediate problem on a ferry, boat or organised excursion, alert the crew or guide first. Medical resources are more limited than on the mainland, particularly away from Avalon, so visitors with important medication or medical needs should prepare before departure and avoid relying on a remote area for rapid access to care.
Do's and Don'ts
Stay on authorised roads and trails, respect private land and Conservancy rules, and pack out litter from beaches and backcountry areas. Keep well away from wildlife, especially bison, and do not feed or handle animals. Conserve water and follow fire guidance in the island's dry environment. In Avalon and Two Harbors, respect residential areas, harbour operations and local quiet hours. Do not take archaeological or natural objects, enter closed areas or assume that camping, fishing, swimming or boating is permitted at every location; check the relevant local rules before setting out.
Local Tips
Avalon is the practical base for first-time visitors, ferry access and many conventional excursions, while Two Harbors suits travellers seeking a quieter western-island setting and access to camping or boating. The island is larger and more rugged away from its towns than a short waterfront visit suggests, so allow time for organised transport or permits when planning inland exploration. Morning and late-afternoon light can be particularly rewarding for coastal scenery, but seasonal weather and marine conditions should shape plans. Mainland supermarkets and specialist shops offer a wider range of supplies than the island.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHola[oh-lah]
GoodbyeAdiós[ah-dee-ohs]
YesSí[see]
NoNo[no]
Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada[por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
Thank youGracias[grah-see-ahs]
Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento[pair-dohn/loh see-en-toh]
How are you?¿Cómo estás?[koh-moh ehs-tahs]
Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?[bee-ehn. ee too]
Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?[ah-blahs een-glays]
I don't understandNo entiendo[noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor[meh goo-stah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
I don't eat meatNo como carne[noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
Cheers!¡Salud![sah-lood]
I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor[meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vor]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!¡Ayuda![ah-yoo-dah]
Go away!¡Vete![veh-teh]
Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía![yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico![yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
I'm lostEstoy perdido[ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
I'm illEstoy enfermo[ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...[meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando[soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?[kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
That's too expensiveEso es muy caro[eh-soh ehs moo-ee kah-roh]
Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?[pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?¿Qué hora es?[keh oh-rah ehs]
It's one o'clockEs la una en punto[ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
Half past (10)Son las diez y media[sohn lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
MorningMañana[mah-nyah-nah]
AfternoonTarde[tahr-deh]
EveningNoche[noh-cheh]
YesterdayAyer[ah-yehr]
TodayHoy[oy]
TomorrowMañana[mah-nyah-nah]
1Uno[oo-noh]
2Dos[dohs]
3Tres[trehs]
4Cuatro[kwa-troh]
5Cinco[seen-koh]
6Seis[says]
7Siete[syeh-teh]
8Ocho[oh-choh]
9Nueve[nweh-veh]
10Diez[dyehs]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?[dohn-deh ehs-tah]
What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?[kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?[pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?[kwan-doh ehs ehl prohk-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)[oon boh-leh-toh (ah ....)]

History of Santa Catalina Island

Indigenous Island Heritage

Santa Catalina Island has been inhabited for thousands of years by the people now commonly associated with the Tongva, who called the island Pimugna or Pimu. Coastal villages supported fishing, shellfish gathering, hunting and trade, while steatite, or soapstone, quarried on the island was an important material exchanged across the region. European contact began in the sixteenth century, and the island's Indigenous population was subsequently disrupted by disease, missionisation and colonial expansion. The island's early history is therefore inseparable from the wider transformation of Native communities throughout Southern California.

Spanish and Mexican Periods

The island was sighted by the expedition of Sebastián Vizcaíno in 1602 and named Santa Catalina in honour of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. During the Spanish and Mexican periods it remained relatively remote, used intermittently by maritime visitors, hunters and ranchers rather than developing into a large permanent settlement. Cattle and sheep grazing later altered parts of the island's vegetation, while its offshore position made it a useful stopping place for vessels moving along the California coast. Ownership passed through several hands after Mexican independence and the American acquisition of California.

From Ranching to Resort

By the late nineteenth century, mining ventures, ranching and speculative development had given way to a growing interest in tourism. Avalon emerged as the island's principal settlement, and steamship connections made it increasingly accessible from the mainland. In 1919, William Wrigley Jr. acquired a controlling interest in the Santa Catalina Island Company. His family invested in transport, accommodation, recreation and landscape management, helping establish the resort identity that still shapes Avalon. The island also became associated with maritime excursions, sporting events and the glamorous arrival of visitors from Los Angeles.

The Casino and the Modern Island

Catalina's circular Casino building opened in 1929 on the Avalon waterfront, replacing an earlier pleasure pier and becoming the island's best-known architectural symbol. Despite its name, the building was created primarily as a ballroom, cinema and entertainment venue rather than a gambling casino. During the Second World War, tourism declined and parts of the island were used for military and training purposes. After the war, ferry travel, recreational boating and organised excursions expanded, while Avalon and Two Harbors developed distinct visitor roles.

Conservation and Managed Access

The Wrigley family and the Catalina Island Conservancy played a major role in shifting the island towards long-term environmental stewardship. The Conservancy, established in 1972, manages most of the island's land and works to protect native habitats, species and cultural resources. Conservation programmes have included attention to the endangered island fox, restoration of native vegetation and management of introduced animals, including the island's bison herd. Today, tourism remains important, but much of Catalina is experienced through regulated roads, trails, permits and guided activities rather than unrestricted development.

Santa Catalina Island in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring destination travel guides

The closest destinations to Santa Catalina Island, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

South Coast
More of the region

Explore more of South Coast

Explore South Coast California for Pacific beaches, surf towns, historic missions, coastal trails, harbour cities and San Diego's borderland culture.

Explore South Coast
California
More of the country

Explore more of California

Discover California: A land of diverse landscapes, iconic cities, and endless adventures, from sun-soaked beaches to towering redwoods and vibrant cultural experiences.

Explore California
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Santa Catalina Island

Discover Santa Catalina Island with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Make the most of your trip to Santa Catalina Island with Evendo, your comprehensive, free travel guide. Plan, explore, and book with ease!

  • History of Santa Catalina Island
  • Travel essentials and local advice
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an insider experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Santa Catalina Island, California, a paradise waiting to be explored! With Evendo, your ultimate app-based travel guide, you can effortlessly plan and enjoy every moment of your trip. From breathtaking landmarks like Avalon Bay and the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden to thrilling activities such as zip-lining and snorkeling, Evendo has got you covered.

Dive into the rich history of Santa Catalina Island with detailed descriptions and images of must-visit sites like the Catalina Casino and the Catalina Island Museum. Savor local cuisines at renowned restaurants such as the Bluewater Grill and the Lobster Trap, or unwind at popular bars and nightclubs.

Evendo makes it easy to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences all in one place. Discover hidden gems and receive curated local tips to experience the island like a true insider. With the 'Near me' feature, you'll always know what's around you, ensuring you never miss out on any exciting opportunities.

Download Evendo today and unlock the secrets of Santa Catalina Island. And remember, this app isn't just your guide to Santa Catalina Island; it covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide. Your next adventure is just a tap away!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.