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Available from four mainland ports, this relaxing and scenic boat ride takes just over an hour and often includes dolphin and whale sightings. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. It's the least expensive option and tends to be pretty convenient, thanks to the extensive ferry schedule. The voyage to Avalon from Long Beach or San Pedro takes about an hourabout being a key word here since harbor traffic can sometimes tack a couple of minutes onto the ride. The flight takes about 15 minutes and travelers arrive at the Pebbly Beach heliport, about a mile from the main part of Avalon. Which you choose is up to y The ferry to Catalina Island is a popular option Take the 110 Harbor Freeway south into San Pedro. In the island hub of Avalon, take a few hours to visit theCatalina Island Museum, splurge at ice-cream parlors, and browse galleries and souvenir shops. Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article. Their seats are airline-quality and they provide drinks and snacks. Helicopter services are available to Avalon from Long Beach, San Pedro, Burbank Airport and John Wayne Airport/SNA. Catalina Ferries are high-speed catamarans and mono-hulled boats with most service provided by two companies: Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer. What is the fastest way to get to Catalina Island? Transportation to Two Harbors is available via the Catalina Express from San Pedro. Catalina Island | Visit California Hop onboard the Catalina Flyer for daily ferry service from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island in just over 1 hour. The head of the Wrigley chewing gum empire, who died in 1932, purchased most of Catalina Island and protected it as a private land conservancy. This ferry is high-speed and uses environment-friendly engines. The service is provided by IEX Helicopters. Laura J. Nelson is an investigative and enterprise reporter at the Los Angeles Times. Find Santa Catalina Island Transportation & Maps The ferry ride to Catalina Island takes about an hour. Once on the island, the town of Avalon or the village ofTwo Harborsare easy to navigate by foot Avalon is only about one-square mile. Once in place, divvy up your island time with an array of outdoor activities. RECOMMENDED:thebest things to doon Catalina Island. The majority of residents get around via golf cart. Catalina Flyer - Newport Beach to Avalon | Catalina Tours Be aware that most departure points require travelers to book a minimum of two or three seats, and advance reservations are required. Rains from Hilary swamp roads, trap cars and flood buildings in The Catalina Express offers several departures throughout the day to both Avalon and Two Harbors from three mainland ports in San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Officials have urged residents to keep informed because more evacuations might be called. The Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip: How to Spend One Day How to Get to Catalina Island From Long Beach Guide Getting to Catalina Island is easy from Southern California. The island is just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, and there are direct ferries from Long Beach, Dana Point, San Pedro, and Newport Beach. Catalina Itinerary: Best Catalina Island Itinerary for 2 Days in SoCal Most visitors to Catalina Island arrive via Catalina ferry - also referred to as cross channel carriers. No matter which company or departure port they choose, Catalina ferry passengers enjoy food and drink service, including cocktails. Things to Do with Kids on Catalina Island, The 26 Best Things to Do in Long Beach, California, 15 Los Angeles-Area Road Trips and Getaways, The Complete Guide to the Key West Express Ferry, 6 Towns You Can Visit From Seattle Via Ferry, Tall Ships in Los Angeles and Southern California, Sightseeing Tours of Los Angeles From the Air. You will have a fun 15-minute flight to with picturesque panoramic views of Catalina Island on your way to paradise. Travel two miles on Balboa Blvd. Obviously, there are other departure points depending on your resources and budget. For starters, focus on the two main attractions here: Avalon and Two Harbors. Jet skiing - If you're just looking for a bit of fun out on the water, you can rent jet skis from Catalina Jet Ski. There is also the Long Beach Municipal Airport, which goes from Long Beach to Avalon. Two companies offer boat transportation from the Southern California cities of Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach to both Avalon and Two Harbors (San Pedro ferry only). In addition, each passenger may bring one carry-on that fits at the seat or in the overhead bin. Catalina Express operates a fleet of, "Speed - Service - Comfort". The closures will affect all 181 parks managed by the county, as well as 40 neighborhood parks, 11 nature centers, 43 swimming pools and more than 200 miles of trails used for hiking, biking and horseback riding, officials with the Los Angeles County Parks system said in a statement. From Dana Point: This is the southernmost launch point emanating from the Dana Point Harbor with service to Avalon by Catalina Express. The Express leaves regularly from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point for around $40 (American) each way. Hotels Activities Moorings Camping Spa Hotel Arrival Date Nights Adults Children Check Availability Getting To Catalina Island Getting to Catalina Island is fast and easy. Other vessels choose to anchor just offshore. Several area baseball games scheduled for Sunday have been moved to become split doubleheaders on Saturday, according to a Major League Baseball news release. Boat lines depart from major island locations like Newport Beach, Long Beach and San Pedro. In San Pedro, Catalina Expresss terminal is located in the shadow of the Vincent Thomas bridge. Picnic shelters, playgrounds, restrooms, swim beaches and four botanical gardens the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, the South Coast Botanic Garden, Descanso Gardens, and Virginia Robinson Gardens will also be closed, the county said. The 1.5-hour trip leaves Newport at 9 a.m. and departs from Avalon at 4:30 p.m. There's also . Winter is a special time to go. Island travel is always different than what you might expect from normal California travel. woman focus on aiding husband. An unprecedented tropical storm warning is in effect from the California-Mexico border to Point Mugu and for Catalina Island. 2023 Love Catalina. (NOAA / NWS/NCEP Weather Prediction Center), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Live updates: Tracking Tropical Storm Hilary as it approaches California, Widespread flooding expected as intense Hilary pounds Southern California, How to track Hurricane Hilary and get emergency alerts in Southern California, Hurricane Hilary likely so big it will cover all of Southern California, No, Dodger Stadium didnt flood. Activities & Adventures Find Your Adventure on Catalina Island Adventure is waiting for you about an hour off the Southern California coast on Catalina Island. Catalina ferry prices includes a $6 wharfage per person paid to Avalon ($3 per one way). Los Angeles to Catalina Island - Glitterati Tours Imagine getting to Catalina Island and taking a beautiful and exotic island vacation. Booking the Catalina Express Ferry is a great way to access all that the island has to offer, from hiking and touring to dining and shopping. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. For most people, the answer is no. The Catalina Flyer - Catalina Island Ferry Service Catalina Island ferry schedule and pricing for round trip service to Avalon, Catalina Island, Ca. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The ones that might affect youespecially if you plan to go campingare butane cylinders, camp stove fuel, charcoal, firewood, fireworks, and matches. No, you are not allowed to take your car to Catalina Island. Its not many vacations that begin before you arrive. The Catalina Express ferry from Dana Point operates from Dana Wharf Sportfishing in the Dana Point Harbor. Catalina Island ferry schedule is set times and the ferry departs on time so make sure to arrive at least 1 hour before your departure to Catalina Island. Tag #VISITCALIFORNIA on Instagram to have your trip featured on our page. Year-round service from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point with up to 30 daily departures. Stay in the right lane, exit Harbor Blvd. Salvador Hernandez is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times breaking news team. Part of the Channel Islands, Santa Catalina Island (also called Catalina Island) is just 22 miles long by8 miles wide. Can You Drive To Catalina Island? - LazyTrips The county noted there could be prolonged utility outages on the island. Transportation from the airport to Avalon and Two Harbors is available. If you are particularly prone to seasickness, several over-the-counter remedies are available. Book a sojourn at a bed & breakfast in a historic home and get tips from the local proprietorsthey might share some valuable insider tips. The passenger ferry to Catalina Island costs $84 round trip on the Catalina Express. The company will also charter a private flight from a location of your choosing, such as Burbank, but expect the price to go way up (about $1,995 for up to six passengers). Getting Around Catalina Island, Transportation Options If youre traveling with a large party, consider booking the Captains Lounge to get your own private stateroom. 1 Green Pleasure Pier On the Catalina Express, each passenger can bring two pieces of luggage, no larger than 23 inches by 23 inches by 37 inches and weighing no more than 50 pounds each. If you plan to explore beyond Avalon, shuttle bus and charter van services are available from Avalon to the Airport in the Sky, the town ofTwo Harbors, and campgrounds in the islands center. Catalina Island is a beautiful island off the coast of southern California and it's just a short journey away from Santa Monica. Instead, you'll see locals and tourists riding golf carts all around; which is rare in California! Weve detailed those toward the bottom of this story. Once you arrive, get around with rented golf carts or bikes, or just amble around on foot to explore the town of Avalon, play along Descanso Beach, or stroll down bustlingGreen Pleasure Pier, home to the Catalina Island Visitors Center, several restaurants, and other activities. This is one of the easiest vacations to take, but its far from ordinary. How to Get to Catalina Island Now that you've finally decided its time to experience Catalina Island for the first time, you have even more decisions to make and how to get to Catalina Island is an important one. By sea or air, getting to Catalina Island is easy and fun via several modes of transportation. We already have this email. Private Charter Transportation, and Charter Services to Two Harbors and Emerald Bay are also available. (Photo courtesy of Catalina Express) The ferry docks in the compact city of Avalon, Catalina's chief-port-of-call, a mere two blocks from the town's main street. Currently there are two companies offering regular ferry service to the island: Catalina Express and Catalina Passenger Service. From Other Locations: You can also book helicopter flights from San Pedro, Santa Ana, and Burbank which are also serviced by IEX Helicopters. How to Get to Catalina Island California regulates the number of cars in the city of Avalon so you will only spot a few cars. Autumn on Catalina Island is lovely too; the weather is still typically warm, and Avalon is decked out in all its autumn best. The Tour Plaza, which is located one block from the beach between Catalina and Sumner Avenues, is the starting point for all Catalina Island Company land tours, including Discover Avalon , Bison Expedition , Journey to the Sky, and Ridgetop Eco Adventure. Their vessels are privately chartered and can accommodate birthday parties, family reunions, harbor cruises and corporate events and meetings. Ready to visit one of California's hidden gems? Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Hilary obliterated daily rainfall records. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. 2023 Calendar: Holidays And Notable Events. The journey takes from 15 to 30 minutes, and helicopters leave from four locations: San Pedro, Long Beach, Bob Hope Airport in Burbank and John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana. Allow an extra half hour for boarding. Now that youve finally decided its time to experience Catalina Island for the first time, you have even more decisions to make and how to get to Catalina Island is an important one. Boat charters from the mainland to the Island are also available. Regardless of your method of transportation, it is important to make reservations. If you're thinking about visiting Catalina during the blistering hot summer, you're in good company, because the island is at its most crowded during the summer months. Decidingwhere to stayon Catalina Island can be half the funchoose from luxurious hotels, vacation rentals, or even sleep under the palms at one of the islands manycampgrounds. Getting to Catalina Island | Find Ferry & Helicopter Transportation Whether trapped in traffic or facing the myriad frustrations of modern air travel, most vacations dont start until you get there. While taking a Catalina Island ferry is a relatively easy thing to do, there can be some confusion on getting to the terminals, ticketing information, travel times, and restrictions for different ferry services in the Los Angeles area. Enjoy fresh seafoodon this island, restaurants often catch their own fishat places like theNDMK Fish HouseandThe Bluewater Grillin Avalon, or, in Two Harbors,Harbor Reef Restaurant. The storm has prompted officials to cancel events and issue dire alerts, particularly as the system moves across southwestern California on Sunday and Monday. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Youll find it about 29 miles from Long Beach, and a large part of the islands transportive appeal has to do with getting therevia the Catalina Island ferry or helicopter. IEX Helicopters offers flights coming from Long Beach, San Pedro, Santa Ana, as well as from Burbank. Follow signs to Catalina Terminal, Berth 95, entrance across Harbor Blvd. Catalina Island is a must-see for beach-goers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families. The Bay Area native is a graduate of UC Berkeley and started at the Los Angeles Times in 2004. Your best bet is to go on a weekday in summer, or better yet, to visit between autumn and spring. Catalina Express, with its fleet of boats, offers the most departures, with several round trips per day even in the winter. shares Are you looking for an awesome excursion from Santa Monica? Rong-Gong Lin II is a Metro reporter based in San Francisco who specializes in covering statewide earthquake safety issues and the COVID-19 pandemic. Catalina Island is a fun, unique experience for travelers looking for adventure and relaxation - and with just a short boat ride away from Long Beach, it couldn't be easier! No matter how you choose to get to Catalina, this island paradise will welcome you with irresistible activities, spectacular scenery and an ambiance replete with charm and relaxation. The only way to reach Catalina Island (or Santa Catalina as it is formally known) is by a passenger only ferry that takes 1 hour from four different departure points along the California coast - no cars are allowed on the island. How to get to Catalina Island depends on your schedule - and your budget. Directions Catalina Landing in Downtown Long Beach, CA Ferries leave the mainland as early as 6 a.m. and run throughout the day, with ferries leaving Avalon as late as 10 p.m. on summer weekends. Taking the Catalina Island ferry is a transportive experience; one glimpse of the islands rugged, mountainous coastline and youll feel like youve traveled to another time and placein reality, you havent even left Los Angeles County. 310-510-1520. Play a round of golf,ziplineabove Descanso Canyon, or ride across the island on an eco-tour with theCatalina Island Conservancy(look for the rare Santa Catalina Island fox and the resident bison, who have lived here since a movie shoot in the 1920s). During a press conference Friday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna urged residents to heed the warnings and prepare for the approaching tropical storm before the full force of it is expected to hit the region. P.O. Stay to the left, follow signs to downtown and exit Golden Shore. Our packages offer a combination of boat transportation to the island, overnight lodging, exciting activities & adventures, spa experiences, dining credit, and more. There aren't many tourists on the island in winter, which means you can find affordable lodging and get a chance to see what island life is really like. Take the 110 Harbor Freeway south into San Pedro. Is Catalina Island currently open? Hurricane Hilary evacuations: What to know - Los Angeles Times Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when youre feeling flush). Though most travelers are bound for Avalon, backpackers and adventure seekers frequently set sail for Two Harbors, the islands far more remote landing. If youre coming from Long Beach you can take Ocean Blvd. Tropical Storm Hilary slams Mexico on path to California Catalina Island. How bad will it get where I live? Please be sure to have photo identification when checking in at the ticket counter and when boarding. Catalina Island -- What Families Should See, Do and Where to Stay Catalina Island Company offers something for everyone, including a variety of lodging specials and packages in both Avalon and Two Harbors. Turn right at stop sign, follow around to terminal on the right; parking structure is on the left. exit. Private pilots have another option for flights to Catalina Island. Another way to avoid seasickness as well as arrive on the island in celebrity style is to travel to the island by helicopter. Naturally, Avalon is the main entry point when getting to Catalina Island, though a few services go directly to Two Harbors. The Catalina Express is the quickest and most affordable means for most visitors to Catalina, so much of our intel below assumes youre booking a trip on the Catalina Express to Avalon. Private planes can fly into CatalinasAirportin the Sky. He also covered crime as a reporter at the Orange County Register. Los Angeles Countys parks department announced the temporary closure Sunday and Monday of all parks and other facilities, and the cancellation of all programs and classes, out of an abundance of caution.. If you're coming from LA, the Long Beach and San Pedro ports are the easiest to reach. Frequent travelers also find that getting fresh air on the boats outdoor decks is also helpful if the seas are rough. As you can see, there are a few transportation companies to consult. Heading to Catalina Island aboard the Catalina Express ferry. Dial A Ride, available for seniors age 55 and older provides reduced cost taxi service and Avalon Access is a complimentary paratransit service. Once here, if needed, wheelchairs can be rented from Brown's Bikes. Turn left on Main St. for the terminal at the Balboa Pavilion or turn right on Palm Street for long-term parking.