Panoramic view of Green Pleasure Pier and stationed boats at Catalina Island

About Catalina Island

Discover what the Island has to Offer

California's Island Escape™

Leave the hustle and bustle behind and return to a slower pace of life, the island life. Whether it’s your first visit or fiftieth, Catalina Island's rich storied history and unique charm keeps people coming back time and again.

Aerial view the mountain ranges & docked boats near Catalina Island Company

A Tale of Two Ends

About 22 miles south-southwest of Los Angeles, Catalina Island is the southernmost island of California's Channel Islands. The Island is made up of two towns, the incorporated city of Avalon on the east end, and the unincorporated village Two Harbors on the west end. The island is just 22 miles long and 8 miles across. Outside of the two towns is a rugged wilderness of majestic beauty under the stewardship of the Catalina Island Conservancy.

Getting to Catalina Island

We look forward to seeing you on Santa Catalina Island.

You can take a passenger ferry from Newport Beach, Dana Point, Long Beach or San Pedro. You can also fly over via private plane, or sail over on a private boat. Catalina Island’s Airport in the Sky sits on a mountaintop, 1,602 feet above sea level. Visit our boating section for information about mooring around Catalina Island. Catalina Island is a regular weekly stop for some Cruise Ships.

Most visitors and residents get around the island by foot, bike or golf cart. The weather on the island is described as a mild subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Find out about Catalina Island’s history, and view maps, webcams, events, and photos.

*Even though we love dogs and other pets, the hotels, restaurants, and facilities of the Catalina Island Company do not have accommodations for dogs or pets and are not considered pet-friendly.

Getting to Catalina Details

People on board in the Catalina express near Catalina Island Company

Aerial view of boats docked on the Harbor near Catalina Island Company

Island Guide

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR CATALINA ISLAND EXPERIENCE

Whether you come to Catalina Island for a day or enjoy an extended stay, we want to help you discover all there is to see and do in this beautiful island paradise. This section provides an overview of the island, from the charming city of Avalon on the east end, to the more rustic and remote village of Two Harbors on the west end.

You'll find information about the Tour Plaza in the heart of Avalon, the starting point for all Catalina Island Company land tours, like the popular Bison Expedition. You'll also learn about the historic Pleasure Pier, where you can catch all Catalina Island Company ocean tours, including the Discover Two Harbors tour, Flying Fish Voyage, and our world-famous Glass Bottom Boats, Catalina's oldest and longest-running tour.

We've also included information on Catalina's beaches and weather, as well as links to our Blogs and eNewsletter so you can stay up on all the news, information and special offers from the Catalina Island Company. We look forward to seeing you on the island. Happy exploring.

Avalon

The only incorporated city on Catalina

Avalon wraps around beautiful Avalon Bay on the southeast end of the island. A popular tourist destination for well over a century, this historic seaside destination has attracted film stars, dignitaries and presidents throughout the years, and it still maintains its charm and allure today. Avalon offers numerous hotels, restaurants, beaches, land & ocean adventures, a golf course and a host of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

Learn More about Avalon

Two Harbors

CATALINA’S OTHER SIDE

Located on Catalina’s west end, Two Harbors is a mere 22 miles from the Southern California mainland. This rustic village sits on a narrow strip of land that separates Isthmus Cove on the leeward side of the island from Catalina Harbor on the windward side.

Learn More About Two Harbors

Pleasure Pier

DEPARTURE POINT FOR OCEAN TOURS AND ADVENTURES

It’s hard to miss Avalon’s brightly-colored green Pleasure Pier, which extends out into the harbor near the junction of Crescent St. and Catalina Ave., directly across from Avalon Grille. See Catalina Island Map. The Pleasure Pier is the launching point for all Catalina Island Company ocean tours, including Undersea Sub Expedition, Glass Bottom Boat, Discover Two Harbors, and seasonal Flying Fish Voyage.

We also have a ticket booth at the Tour Plaza, which is located one block from the beach between Catalina and Sumner Aves. The Tour Plaza is the starting point for all Catalina Island Company land tours, including the Bison Expedition, Discover Avalon, Ridgetop Eco Adventure and Journey to the Sky. Golf Gardens Miniature Golf is located next to the Tour Plaza on Sumner Avenue and across the street from the Avalon City Library.

Tour Plaza

DEPARTURE POINT FOR LAND TOURS AND ADVENTURES

The Tour Plaza is located in Avalon, one block from the beach between Catalina and Sumner Avenues. See Catalina Island Map. The Tour Plaza is the starting point for all Catalina Island Company land tours, including Discover Avalon, Bison Expedition, Skyline Drive and Ridgetop Eco Adventure. There is a Catalina Island Company ticket booth in the Tour Plaza where you can purchase tickets and check-in for land adventures. Golf Gardens Miniature Golf is located next to the Tour Plaza on Sumner Avenue and across the street from the Avalon City Library.

We also operate a ticket booth on the Pleasure Pier off Crescent Avenue. The Pleasure Pier is the starting point for Catalina Island Company ocean adventures, including Glass Bottom Boat, Discover Two Harbors, Undersea Sub Expedition, and seasonal Flying Fish Voyage.

Couple strolling on the sunny beach at Catalina Island Company

Catalina Island Weather

Catalina Island offers a mild subtropical climate with warm year-round temperatures. During winter months, the average high is 63 degrees F and the average low is 50 degrees F. During summer months, the average high hovers around 72 degrees F, while the average low is around 65 degrees F. Catalina receives an average of 12 inches of precipitation a year, with January being the wettest month.

A light sweater or jacket is recommended for evenings, as it can get cool once the sun goes down. You may also need a sweater or light jacket if you venture out on a boat during winter months. If you want to do any hiking, bring a good pair of sneakers or hiking boots. Don’t forget your swimsuit and sunscreen.

AVERAGE HIGHS & LOWS

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High (F)	63°	63°	63°	64°	66°	68°	71°	72°	72°	70°	67°	63°
Low (F)	50°	51°	52°	55°	58°	61°	64°	65°	64°	60°	54°	49°

AVERAGE OCEAN WATER TEMPERATURE

With an average temperature around 70 degrees, the water off Catalina Island is among the warmest in Southern California.

Summer (June-August) 70-75 degrees F
Fall (Sept - Nov) 65-70 degrees F
Winter (Dec. - Feb.) 59-65 degrees F
Spring (March-May) 65-70 degrees F

Couple kayaking on a sunny day near Catalina Island Company

Avalon Beaches

Avalon offers a number of relaxing beaches within walking distance of the city’s many hotels, shops, and restaurants. Most are close to restrooms and offer soft sand, gentle surf, and easy swimming access.

Descanso Beach

Located just past Catalina Casino, Descanso Beach is a picturesque two-tiered private beach with great swimming and lots of activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding. There is a $2 fee to access Descanso Beach Club, which offers restrooms, outdoor showers, dressing rooms, and chaise lounge/cabana rentals. Descanso Beach Club is also home to Avalon's only beachside restaurant and bar, featuring signature dishes and classic Catalina cocktails. Descanso Canyon is also the starting point for the Zip Line Eco Tour and Catalina Aerial Adventure.

Learn More About Descanso Beach

South Beach

South Beach is just to the right of the Pleasure Pier and is easy walking distance to food, shopping, restrooms, and lots of activities. Plenty of sand, a gently sloping bank, and lifeguards during the summer make South Beach a great family experience.

Middle Beach

Middle Beach is on the left side of the Pleasure Pier. Just like South Beach, Middle Beach is scenic and relaxing, as well as being within walking distance of food, restrooms, and shopping. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer.

Step Beach

Step Beach is a small strip of sand that flows directly into deeper ocean waters just north of Middle Beach. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

Landscape view of mountains & the sea near Catalina Island Company

Two Harbors Beaches

Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center rents kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, lounge chairs, and other beach items. If you’re the adventurous type, you can hike, paddle or kayak to stunning and secluded sandy beaches in nearby coves.

HARBOR SANDS IN TWO HARBORS

This charming South Pacific oasis on the shore of Isthmus Cove rents furnished palapas and lounge chairs for a relaxing day at the beach. Other Harbor Sands amenities include a beachfront dining deck, food and beverage service, and a group picnic area with full-service catering

View Harbor Sands

Catalina Island Company Social Media

Connect With Us

Join our online community and stay in touch with us on social media. Find out about annual and ongoing events, new adventures and activities, hotel offers, restaurant specials, beach parties and more. Plus enter to win contests! Hashtags: #visitcatalinaisland and #discovertwoharbors.