Unfortunately it is not possible to drive to Catalina Island from the U.S. mainland. The islands location off the west coast of California in the Pacific Ocean means there are no direct road routes. As there isn’t a bridge or a tunnel to the island, the only way to get to there is by taking a ferry from one of the three different ports that service the island. Unfortunately none of these ferry services carry vehicles, meaning it is not possible to drive to Catalina Island.
Catalina Island or Santa Catalina Island as it’s also known, is one of California’s 8 Channel Islands. They are located off the west coast of southern California. The islands are split into a northern and southern group with Catalina Island falling into the latter group. The largest of the southern islands and third largest overall, it covers an area of 75 sq miles. The island is located 22 miles south west of Los Angeles. It is around 86 miles north west of San Diego.
Catalina Islands close proximity to the US mainland means that there are a number of regular ferry services to the island. The Catalina Express departs from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point heading to the ports of Avalon and Two Harbors on Catalina Island. The Catalina Flyer runs from Newport Beach on the mainland to the port of Avalon on Catalina Island. There are several daily services from each of the 4 ports on the mainland and the journey takes around an hour. Ticket prices start at $35 for a return ticket.
Catalina Island also has an airport, however this isn’t commonly used for passenger services and there are no scheduled services. While the more affluent may choose to charter a private flight, it’s far more common for people to arrive by helicopter. A commercial helicopter service connects Avalon with Long Beach and San Pedro on the mainland. Given the islands close location to the US mainland, it’s cheaper and easier to take a boat rather than fly.
In addition to there being no ferry service that carries vehicles, it’s also not possible to drive a car or motorcycle on the island without special permission. The number of regular vehicles on the island is closely monitored and there’s reported to be a 25 year waiting list for residents to obtain permit to own a car. Most locals travel around using golf carts, which perfectly suits the islands compact size. There are a number of rental companies on the island that allow visitors to hire golf carts for the day. It’s highly recommended as there are a lot of hills and the weather is often very warm.
As there are no vehicle ferries that connect Catalina Island with the mainland, you’ll need to leave your vehicle at the departure ferry port. The situation is different for each port:
Long Beach – If you’re travelling by the Catalina Express from Long Beach, you can use the private overnight parking located across the road from the port. Named NAA Long Beach Port Helistop (42L) Parking, there’s plenty of spaces available.
Dana Point – If you’re traveling by the Catalina Express from Dana Point, there’s a long term parking lot at the port. This makes transfers to the ferry terminal easy and straight forward.
San Pedro – Another Catalina Express departure point is San Pedro. There’s a private parking lot at the port. Costing $2 per hour after the first hour or $20 per day, it’s easy and convenient.
Newport Beach – For travel by the Catalina Flyer, the closest and easiest parking lot is Balboa Pier Parking Lot. Located close to the ferry departure point, it’s just a short walk away. Daily parking rates fluctuate by season and during the peak holiday months, expect to pay $30 per day for parking.
It’s the beaches that attract the crowds to Catalina Island but there’s plenty more to see and do on the island. Here’s a taster of some of the other best things to do on Catalina Island:
Catalina Island Museum – A small but well curated museum about the islands history. It charts the islands ownership with the famous William Wrigley, of chewing gum fame one of its previous owners.
Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden – A wonderful botanical garden a short hike up in the hills. The garden features 37 hectares of plants that are indigenous to the island and California.
Ridgetop Eco Adventure – A two hour eco safari exploring the islands rugged interior. You’ll see steep cliffs, mountains, ravines and some of the local Bison that live on the island.
Descanso Beach Club – A private beach club, this little slice of paradise is home to cabanas, sun loungers and a lovely bar. The only beach on the island that allows alcohol to be served, this is the place to enjoy a cocktail or two.
Hiking – The island is the perfect place for hiking, especially during spring and autumn. Probably the best hike is from Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens up to the Sky Summit, the highest point on the island. It’s just under a 5 km round trip and the views are amazing.
Undoubtedly the best time to visit Catalina Island is during the spring and autumn. The weather is fine and the sky’s are clear. It’s also outside of the main summer tourist season, meaning less visitors and queues. The summer months are popular, however the heat can be excessive. It’s also frequently cloudy and overcast in the mornings and early afternoons during the summer months. Winter time is much quieter but storms are more frequent and the ferry across can be choppy and uncomfortable.
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