Need a quick change of scenery from Sacramento? Catalina Island is the kind of Southern California coastal escape that makes it easy to unplug with beach time, ocean views, and small-town island charm.
A stunning island escape just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina is more accessible from Sacramento than you might think. Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway or a full week of island living, the trip from Sacramento to Catalina Island is totally doable with the right planning.
How to Get to Catalina Island from Sacramento
If you’re wondering how to get to Catalina Island from Sacramento, the simplest plan is to combine a flight with a ferry – you won’t need a car on the island! Fly from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to a Southern California airport near the Catalina ferry ports. Most travelers choose Long Beach (LGB) when it’s available or fly into Los Angeles (LAX) or Orange County (SNA) and then drive or rideshare to the harbor. From there, hop on the Catalina Express for daily ferry service to Avalon, and you can be on the island the same day you leave Sacramento.
Prefer to make it a road trip? You can drive from Sacramento to the Los Angeles/Long Beach area and then continue by ferry. Depending on traffic and your exact route, the drive is typically around 6–8 hours, making it a very feasible overnight or weekend adventure.
What Makes Catalina Island the Perfect Sacramento Escape
There’s no shortage of great getaways from Sacramento, but Catalina Island offers something completely different:
- Wild bison that roam the island’s vast 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
Where Sacramento days can fill up fast, Catalina invites you to slow down completely. Spend your time 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 an easy reset with no screens required (except when you’re taking photos). taking photos).
Top 5 Catalina Island Experiences Sacramento Travelers Will Love
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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 California Island Escape Starts with A Flight and a Ferry
The Sacramento to Catalina Island trip is one of the most rewarding getaways for Northern California travelers. With a flight plus a scenic ferry (or a classic California road trip down the coast), you’re just a couple of travel legs away from one of Southern California’s most unique destinations. Come for a long weekend or stay for the week. Either way, Catalina delivers an experience that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Explore Catalina Island packages and special offers and start planning your next Sacramento to Catalina Island escape: an island experience you’ll want to repeat.