Beyond Los Angeles
Catalina Island: the back story
The back story
About Catalina Island: the back story
Catalina Island lies off the Los Angeles coast. Avalon, its harbour town, has the landmark Catalina Casino ballroom building, beaches and walks.
Avalon
Avalon’s harbour, promenade and the Catalina Casino building are easy to explore on foot.
Getting there
Catalina Express runs ferries to Avalon and Two Harbors; book ahead in summer.
Catalina Express ferries sail from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point.
Staying over
An overnight stay lets you enjoy the island after the day visitors leave.
Our advice: take an early ferry and walk to the Casino along the harbour.
Why it's on our list
- Avalon
- Getting there
- Staying over
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Catalina Island: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Catalina Island: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Walt Disney Concert Hall8.9 miCar or taxi 34 min
- LACMA11 miCar or taxi 40 min
- The Grove11 miCar or taxi 42 min
- Rodeo Drive12 miCar or taxi 45 min
- Venice Beach Boardwalk13 miCar or taxi 46 min
- TCL Chinese Theatre13 miCar or taxi 46 min
- Griffith Observatory13 miCar or taxi 48 min
- Hollywood Bowl13 miCar or taxi 48 min
- Santa Monica Pier14 miCar or taxi 51 min