We're sorry, we can't find the page that you're looking for

If you're after an idyllic SoCal vacation destination, look no further than Santa Catalina Island. With its vibrant wildlife, charming coastal towns, and amazing beaches, it's no wonder the Island is highly sought after. And a trip away to the island has to include a stay in one of the best hotels, ranging from stunning beachside luxury to hilltop charm. Located just 22 miles off the California coast, Catalina is easily accessible by ferry or helicopter. Most opt to take the Catalina Express ferry round-trip (out of Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point), which takes about an hour and offers up to 30 departures daily to Avalon and Two Harbors. Since there's a fair amount of schlepping involved with traveling to (and around) Catalina, you'd be well-advised to pack light and bring some snacks.  Once in Catalina, you can choose between being nestled in the hills or overlooking the sand along one of the best beaches in California. Here, we've outlined the Catalina hotels that best encompass this little island's vibrancy and warmth. March 2025 update: We've added two super hotels to the list: the Aurora Hotel and the Catalina Canyon Hotel. See what you think! RECOMMENDED: The best things to do on Catalina IslandRECOMMENDED: The best bars and restaurants on Catalina IslandRECOMMENDED: Everything you need to know about the Catalina Island ferry Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you...

Once a getaway for Hollywood elites hoping to escape paparazzi, the best things to do on Catalina Island still tend to be rather low-key. That doesn’t mean Catalina flies under the radar—in recent decades, it’s become more of an open secret for everyday Southern Californians and visitors looking for a simple, relaxing vacation (with a handful of thrills, of course). Cars are few and far between on the island, and just about everything is either walking distance or a short golf-cart-taxi-ride away. Whether you’re shooting for a family vibe, an outdoor sports experience, or just a laid-back hang, Catalina has something for everyone. You’ll find most of the action in Avalon (the main port town) and the small community of Two Harbors, while adventure awaits out in the island’s wild interior, too.A daily ferry service is available from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point, although there's also a speedier (and pricier) helicopter option. Ready to explore? Here are the best things to do on Catalina Island. RECOMMENDED: everything you need to know about the Catalina Island ferryRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Catalina Island

Looking for the best Catalina restaurant or bar? From oceanside dive bars to fresh, affordable seafood, the town has lots to offer. Yes, a lot of Avalon’s eateries look like tourist traps, but some offer up solid fare with a fun, laid-back ambiance whether you’re looking for fine wine or waffles. There’s a surprising amount of diversity on the island, as well. You can get a vegan, gluten-free lunch down one street and sushi down another—that is, if fried fish or gooey pizza seem a little too heavy. Between bar-hopping and mealtimes, there's plenty to do on this small island, which is accessible by ferry or helicopter. But if you happen to be there while it's raining, you won't have many options besides holing up in bars and restaurants filled with island tchotchkes and waiting it out with some carbs. You'll pay a premium at most restaurants here since it costs more to transport food to the island, but after a few boozy drinks, you won't mind as much.  Whether you want brunch, picnic fare for the beach or a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean, read on to see our top picks for where to eat and drink on Catalina Island.

Taking the Catalina Island ferry is a transportive experience; one glimpse of the island’s rugged, mountainous coastline and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled to another time and place—in reality, you haven’t even left Los Angeles County. Part of the Channel Islands, Santa Catalina Island (also called Catalina Island) is just 22 miles long by 8 miles wide. You’ll find it about 29 miles from Long Beach, and a large part of the island’s transportive appeal has to do with getting there—via the Catalina Island ferry or helicopter. Since most people take the ferry to the island, we’re running down all you need to know about the Catalina Island ferry options. But for those who get motion sickness or need to get there in a hurry, we've also outlined available helicopter options below. RECOMMENDED: the best things to do on Catalina Island What are my options for getting to Catalina Island by ferry? Catalina Express offers the most daily departures to Catalina Island, with service to Avalon—the island’s main port—from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point (listed in order of departure frequency). You’ll also find a couple of trips each day to Two Harbors, the island’s more remote port (you'll find more on that below). The Catalina Express is the quickest and most affordable means for most visitors to Catalina, so much of our intel below assumes you’re booking a trip on the Catalina Express to Avalon. However, there are several alternatives, including the Catalina Flyer and a...

If you’re looking for a more adventure-driven stay on Catalina, consider the northern town of Two Harbors. Much smaller and quieter than its sister town of Avalon, Two Harbors boasts just under 300 permanent year-round residents, and has a sweet, nostalgic summer camp-y vibe. There’s one bar, one restaurant, one general store and lots of open space and water. It’s where the buffalo roam, where the hiking and biking is best, and where campers flock to sleep outside and backpack (or kayak) to remote hilltops or beaches. If Avalon comes off a little Disneyland-ish, Two Harbors is the laid-back alternative—it’s the difference between a town meant for tourists and a town meant for travelers. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do on Catalina IslandSee the best hotels on Catalina Island

Island vibes and stiff drinks are just a boat ride away from Los Angeles. Accessible aboard the Catalina Express—with ferry launches in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point—the rugged isle sports two landings: Two Harbors beckons overnight backpackers, while the walkable main port Avalon is suitable for a single-day visit. Make for Avalon and survey the dramatic, remote interior on the East End Adventure ($84.95), an off-road tour on an open-air biofuel Hummer. Photograph: Michael Juliano Back in town, nosh on egg-topped avocado toast at Cafe Metropole before following the beachfront path to the Catalina Casino, an Art Deco auditorium whose ambience is best soaked up at the nightly movie screening. Photograph: Michael Juliano Sink into the sand and take in the ocean views with a frosty Buffalo Milk cocktail at the nearby Descanso Beach Club, where you can legally drink on the beach. The classy Catalina Island Museum dives into the century-old vacation destination’s fascinating history, which includes Chicago Cubs spring training and proto- CIA military exercises. For dinner, savor seafood dishes on thedockside patio at Bluewater Grill Avalon. Before you leave island life, grab a sticky cinnamon bun from the Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. for the ride back. Photograph: Michael Juliano Time Out tip: Pony up the extra $30 for a round-trip upgrade to the Commodore Lounge on the Catalina Express. You’ll be sitting in a comfy, more private cabin with a complimentary cocktail...