As the Catalina Express ferry comes close enough to the towering cliffs of Catalina Island, I can already tell that this won’t be my last adventure out to this California coast gem. Far more than just a cultural icon created by the Step Brothers movie, Catalina Island is a stunning escape from the hustle and bustle of LA. Trading in traffic for golf carts? I’ll take it.
As we approach the tiny town of Avalon, there’s no doubt that we must have been transported to Europe through a time lapse somewhere along the pacific. Like the breathtaking Italian cityscape of Capri, picturesque homes are perched along the rugged terrain, closing in on the main pedestrian strip in town. While the town of Avalon is under 8 square miles, Santa Catalina Island itself has a more vast presence than I had expected. From the miles of untampered hiking trails to the beachy storefronts and chill spots to sip a pina colada, a trip to Catalina Island packs an unexpected punch.
While a day trip to Catalina Island is certainly doable, just be prepared for the wave of certain sadness that will hit as the sunsets behind the mountainside and the dolphins bid you a farewell alongside the ferry. With hiking, shopping, stunning views, and golf carts a plenty, there are so many amazing things to do on Catalina Island that will leave you planning your next trip before you even leave land.
The Ultimate Catalina Island Day Trip Itinerary
Start Your Trip Early with a Ride on The Catalina Express
Mosey Over to The Pancake Cottage for a Modest Breakfast with Harbor Views
Head over to ‘The Trailhead’ to Fill Out a Catalina Island Hiking Permit
See the Island by Bus on the Route Up to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens
Get Your Blood Pumping with A Hike & A View
Scope Out the Botanical Gardens & Wrigley Memorial
8:15AM: FERRY RIDE TO CATALINA ISLAND
Start Your Trip Early with a Ride on The Catalina Express
There are a few options when it comes to actually getting to Catalina Island. The most affordable of which is a ferry ride that will cost you around $80 round trip per person. The Catalina Express has hourly options out of Long Beach, but tickets do sell out so be sure to snag your reservation ahead of time. We planned our stay in LA around our day trip to Catalina Island, choosing a convenient Airbnb location closer to LAX so the drive was just under 30 minutes without traffic. Never underestimate the power of LA traffic, so be sure to plan with plenty of time to spare. Missing the ferry would be a major buzzkill, don’t you think?
The Catalina Express also has a limited ferry schedule out to Catalina Island from Dana Point and San Pedro. If you’re driving to the Long Beach ferry port, there is a super easy parking lot right across from the ferry building called Catalina Express Parking - very original, I know. Parking costs $19 per 24 hours and allows for overnight for those who plan to spend a weekend out on the island instead.
We opted for the 8:15am ferry to Avalon which gave us plenty of time to explore Catalina Island without feeling too rushed or too tired that morning. The ride takes over an hour from port to port including the very slow process of docking the boat, so you can always nap on the boat is need be. If you’re prone to seasickness, come prepared with Dramamine in case the waters are rough. We lucked out with a pretty smooth ride but I heard a few puking stories of the past. There a bar with booze, soft drinks and snacks on board too with seating options both inside and outside depending on the weather conditions.
9:30 AM: ARRIVE IN AVALON
Mosey Over to The Pancake Cottage for Breakfast with Harbor Views
Not far from the ferry port in Avalon is the start of the sweet little oceanside town, making the entire area extremely walkable for the most part. We beelined for breakfast to sip some coffee and fuel up for the day at The Pancake Cottage. Is the restaurant name itself more quaint than the spot itself? Sure. But you can’t beat the views from the french doors and the prices aren’t outrageous. Hello, you’re having breakfast on Catalina Island, who cares if the walls are white and a little bare.
10:30 AM: PLAN YOUR CATALINA ISLAND ADVENTURE
Head over to ‘The Trailhead’ to Fill Out a Catalina Island Hiking Permit
A mere stone’s throw from The Pancake Cottage is ‘The Trailhead’ which is Catalina Island’s conservancy headquarters. Talk to the staff about the local hiking options or day tour adventures available for booking. If you’ll only be on Catalina for a day, we’re going to continue with a hiking route to see the island from above, but there are plenty of other options to explore if hiking isn’t for you.
For those who do choose to hike on Catalina Island, you must fill out a fast and easy hiking permit no matter what trail you plan to venture on. I opted for the Garden to Sky trail due to its shorter length so I could be sure to spend more daylight hours moseying around town. Once you’ve got your permit completed and perhaps a souvenir, it’s time to hit the trails.
10:45 AM: SNAG A SEAT ON THE ONLY CATALINA PUBLIC BUS LINE
See the Island by Bus on the Route Up to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens
For the sake of time and cost efficiency, we used the only public transit on Catalina Island called The Garibaldi. The bus has two rotating routes, one of which will bring you up to the botanical garden which is where the Garden to Sky trailhead starts. There is conveniently a bus stop right outside The Trailhead with a number you can call to get directions to which stop you need to wait at for the bus and what time to expect it.
The route to the gardens actually brings you around Avalon first so you can scope out the Descanso Beach Club and Casino through the window. The bus ride is 15 minutes max from start to finish at the entrance of the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens. A day pass for the bus line is only $5 so even if you only use it to get to and from the gardens, the saved time makes it well worth it. There are a few other options for getting around Catalina Island ranging from golf carts to e-bikes to bicycles but the bus was by far the cheapest.
11:30 AM: GET YOUR BLOOD PUMPING WITH A HIKE & A VIEW
Venture 2.8 Miles Round Trip Up to The Top of the Island on the Garden to Sky Trail
Upon arriving at the botanical gardens, you’ll have to pay the $10 entrance fee to get to the trailhead of the Garden to Sky trail. Head straight to the trail first to get the hike taken care of before it gets too hot. This is where wearing a hat and bringing sunblock come in handy (in addition to some hopeful beach time depending on your weather.)
The mile-ish hike up to the top of the trail is totally exposed and mainly uphill...but truly the hike isn’t too bad and definitely gets your blood pumping as an energy booster after the ferry ride and pancakes. Plus, the view is absolutely magnificent and worth every last drop of sweat. From the top, you are perched upon a ride line so you can see the ocean on both sides along with a stellar view of Avalon down below.
1:15 PM: SCOPE OUT THE REST OF THE BOTANICAL GARDEN & MEMORIAL
Take a Tiny Bit of Time to Peep at Cool Plants & Climb the Memorial
Once you wrap up your hike, take a few more minutes to wander around the botanical gardens and appreciate the beautiful hand-painted mosaic tiles on the Wrigley Memorial. It requires as little or as much time as you’re into but it can be a real quick turnaround after a quick photo opp up near the memorial. Before you explore more, give the bus company a call (grab the number from the bus stops) and check to see when the next bus is arriving at the gardens. This will help decide how much time you have to explore so you don’t miss the bus that only comes every 45 minutes or so.
2 PM: ADMIRE THE LOVELY STREETS OF CATALINA ISLAND ON THE WAY BACK TO TOWN
Drool Over the Local’s Tiny Beach Cottages And Pretend You Live Here
Being on the bus again will allow you to scour the scene without taking up too much time or effort out of the day on Catalina. Make sure to really pay attention out your windows and see if anywhere in particular calls your name to wander into for a bite or a browse.
3PM: WINDOW SHOP & STROLL AROUND TOWN
4PM: SOAK UP THE LAST MOMENTS ON ISLAND TIME & GRAB A DRINK AT LUAU LARRY’S
PREPARING FOR YOUR DAY AT SEA:
WHAT TO PACK & WEAR FOR A DAY ON CATALINA ISLAND
WEAR: sunglasses, a light jacket, a hat (for the ferry), comfortable walking shoes, and layers to prepare for possible weather changes thanks to being on an island.
BRING: a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, water bottle, sneakers & socks for your hike, snacks, a book or notebook for the ferry ride.
Other Awesome Things to Do Around Catalina Island for a Weekend
While time is of the essence when it comes to visiting Catalina Island for a day, there are plenty of ways to fill up an entire vacation on the island. Here are some of the top activities to do around Avalon and beyond that will leave you lovin’ life.
Buffalo Watching Tour
Hit The Descanso Beach Club
Karaoke at
Backcountry Hike the Length of the Island
So you only have a day on Catalina Island? That’s plenty of time with these must-do tips and travel tricks to make to most of your time // 12-Hour Itinerary Travel Guide to Catalina Island
