Anaheim is home to world-class theme parks and endless entertainment, but sometimes you want to swap the crowds (and traffic) for something a little more laid-back. Catalina Island is the perfect escape from Anaheim. Explore this stunning island destination that feels like a world away yet is closer than you might think.
Just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is one of the best trips from Anaheim. Whether you’re looking for a quick one-day escape or a multi-night stay, Catalina Island is waiting just a short trip away.
How to Get to Catalina Island from Anaheim
Wondering how to get to Catalina Island from Anaheim? It’s easier than you’d expect. Long Beach is just 40 minutes from Anaheim, and from there the Catalina Express offers daily ferry service directly to the island. The ferry ride itself takes just over an hour, making Catalina Island a genuinely doable day trip from Anaheim, with no car needed once you arrive.
Prefer to leave even closer to home? The Catalina Flyer also departs from Newport Beach, just 25 minutes south of Anaheim, and can be another convenient option.
What Makes Catalina Island Different from Other SoCal Day Trips
There are plenty of day trips from Anaheim, but Catalina Island stands out from the rest with:
- Wild bison that roam the island’s rugged interior
- A Mediterranean-style vibe with colorful buildings and charming harbor views. Head to Descanso Beach Club to enjoy luxury cabanas and a casual beachfront restaurant & bar.
- Minimal cars create a truly walkable town with little traffic
- California culture shines through with fresh coastal cuisine, Spanish architecture, and outdoor adventure
While Anaheim is all about the buzz of the parks, Catalina invites you to slow down. Spend your day lounging on the beach at Descanso Beach Club, kayaking in crystal-clear coves, snorkeling vibrant marine habitats, or enjoying outdoor dining with sweeping ocean views. It’s the ultimate SoCal escape hiding right in your backyard.
Top 5 Catalina Island Experiences Anaheim Visitors Will Love
Whether you’re making it a day trip or staying the night, these experiences are must-dos:
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Ziplining in Descanso Canyon with an ocean view
A thrilling outdoor adventure, the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour lets you soar across five different lines at speeds up to 35 mph—taking in captivating canyon scenery and sweeping ocean views along the way.
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Water Adventures
Explore crystal-clear waters filled with bright fish and kelp forests just steps from shore. Stop by Descanso Beach Ocean Sports for snorkels, kayaks, paddle boards, and more. Or stay dry with a boat tour like the Undersea Sub Expedition or the Glass Bottom Boat Voyage.
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Land-Based Tours
Challenge yourself on the elevated ropes course at Catalina Aerial Adventure, then explore the island’s rugged interior on guided tours like the Bison Expedition and Journey to Island’s End. Take the Wrigley Island Tour, Catalina’s signature motor tour, for an exclusive look at the Wrigley family’s hidden ranch and historic DC-3 airplane.
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Historic and Beachfront Hotel Stays
Turn your day trip into an overnight adventure. Stay at Mt Ada (the historic former Wrigley estate perched above Avalon), relax steps from the sand at Pavilion Hotel (a newly refreshed beachside oasis), or reserve a room at the island-chic Hotel Atwater near the Discovery Tour Plaza. Prefer the outdoors? Catalina also offers diverse camping options.
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Local Cuisine
Sample fresh California coastal fare at iconic Catalina Island restaurants like Avalon Grille, Pier 24, and Descanso Beach Club. Grab breakfast, coffee, and tea at the delicious Bistro at the Atwater and people watch in the afternoon at the island’s only biergarten, Flx Biergarten.
Your Next Anaheim Day Trip is Just Over an Hour Away
Catalina Island is a SoCal getaway that is close and convenient to Anaheim. With convenient ferry service running daily, you could step off the boat onto the island in under two hours. Come for the day or stay for the weekend and indulge in an experience that feels nothing like the mainland.
Explore Catalina Island packages and special offers and turn your next getaway from Anaheim into an island experience you’ll never forget.