Is There a Bridge to Catalina Island?
From the Author: As LA locals, we frequently visit Catalina Island. It’s becoming increasingly popular, so book your tickets on the Catalina Express in advance.
You may be planning a trip to Catalina Island, located 22 miles off mainland California, and be wondering, “Is there a bridge to Catalina Island?”
Many travelers want to know this very question.
As someone who has lived in Los Angeles her entire adult life, I can tell you that there isn’t a bridge to Catalina Island.
Unfortunately.
Fortunately, a ferry gets you there in a little over an hour.
Let’s get to everything you need to know about visiting Catalina Island in this guide, like how to get there, when to go, and the best things to do once you’re on the island.
Is There a Bridge to Catalina Island?
No, despite what some silly people on the interweb say, there isn’t a Catalina Island Bridge from mainland California to Catalina Island.
I visited Catalina Island for the day from Long Beach this past fall.
I assure you California has yet to build a bridge to Catalina Island from Long Beach.
I found this article from the LA Times, which nails the question in its headline: “Tourist Searches in Vain for the 26-Mile-Long Bridge to Avalon.“
We once had someone on the mainland call from a cellphone in their car, said Gwen Kleist of the island’s Chamber of Commerce. They were saying they couldn’t find the bridge.
— LA TIMES
Despite what some tourists think, there is no bridge to Catalina Island from Long Beach or anywhere in California.
So, how do you get to Catalina Island?
How to Get to Catalina Island?
From the Author: I went to purchase tickets for September – three weeks in advance – for the Catalina Express, but the good departure times (early am and the latest returns to mainland California) were sold out. So, even in the off-season, fall, buy your ferry tickets a month or two in advance.
You can get to Catalina Island via boat from one of the four ports in Southern California.
Catalina ferry boats, formerly known as cross-channel carriers, depart from four ports: two in Los Angeles County and two in Orange County.
- Long Beach
- San Pedro
- Newport Beach
- Dana Point
The Catalina Express and the Catalina Flyer are the cheapest and fastest ways to reach Catalina Island.
From Long Beach to Catalina Island
The Catalina Express to Avalon from Long Beach takes a little over an hour.
The terminal is located from the Catalina Landing downtown.
Parking is conveniently located in a four-story parking structure right next to the landing, costing $20 for the day.
📍Location: 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802
BUY TICKETS 🎟️ Catalina Express
From San Pedro to Catalina Island
The Catalina Express to Avalon from San Pedro takes a little over an hour.
The terminal is located in the shadow of the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro.
📍Location: 95 Berth, San Pedro, CA 90731
BUY TICKETS 🎟️ Catalina Express
From Dana Point to Catalina Island
The Catalina Express to Avalon from Dana Point takes a little over an hour and a half.
The Catalina Express ferry from Dana Point operates from Dana Wharf Sportfishing in the Dana Point Harbor.
📍Location: 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
BUY TICKETS 🎟️ Catalina Express
From Newport Beach to Catalina Island
The Catalina Flyer operates from Newport Beach daily through most of the year.
Departing from Balboa Island, the Flyer’s journey to Avalon takes about an hour and a half.
📍Location: 400 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661
In addition to Avalon, Catalina Express also offers ferry service to Catalina Island’s Two Harbors on the West End.
BUY TICKETS 🎟️ Catalina Flyer
Where Is Catalina Island?
Catalina Island is located off the coast of Southern California, about 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles. It’s the closest island to California.
It is part of the Channel Islands archipelago and is known for its picturesque landscapes, wildlife, and recreational activities.
The main town on the island is Avalon, which is a popular tourist destination.
The smaller, less populated town is Two Harbors on the other side of the island.
How to Get to Catalina Island From Los Angeles
I live in Los Angeles. The cheapest and easiest way to get to Catalina Island from LA is to drive to Long Beach, park your car in the garage across the street (it’s $20 for the day, and your car will be safe), board the ferry (buy tickets in advance) and take the hour ferry ride.
If you plan to stay on Catalina Island for more than a day, take a Lyft to Long Beach so you don’t have to pay for parking for an extended period.
The Catalina Island Landing dock is in the middle of downtown, near the water.
📍Location: 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802
Local Tips When Going From Long Beach to Catalina Island
When planning a trip to Catalina Island, buy tickets for the Catalina Express in advance.
I recently went to Catalina Island during the off-season.
But when I went to purchase tickets for the Catalina Express departing from Long Beach, the best times (leaving in the early morning and returning late that night) were sold out. During the off-season!
So, I had to postpone my trip two weeks from when I initially planned to go.
I live in Los Angeles, so I should know better! I was surprised that Catalina Island is a more popular destination than it used to be.
Plan accordingly and get tickets for the Catalina Express at least a month in advance.
Can You Drive to Catalina Island?
No. You may not drive to Catalina Island because the ocean is between mainland California and Santa Catalina Island (as it used to be known more frequently), and there is no bridge to Catalina Island.
Driving isn’t possible.
Since the 1980s, Catalina has been a mostly car-free destination, and the number of vehicles within the Avalon city limits has been regulated.
The wait to bring a full-size car onto Catalina is over 25 years.
More than 500 names are on a waiting list for the coveted blue stickers that say a car is registered correctly.
The quota does not apply to permits for commercial vehicles, but such cars are not allowed to park overnight on city streets.
Taxis can operate on Catalina Island, but Uber and Lyft are restricted from doing business there.
Can you drive on Catalina Island?
You may not drive a car on Catalina Island.
However, you can drive a golf cart around the island as I did when we last visited.
It is a ton of fun!
Visitors are not allowed to drive cars on the island, and most residents and travelers get around the island using golf carts (many homes only have golf-cart-size driveways).
Renting a golf cart on Catalina Island is one of the best things to do!
Don’t have time to read the whole article?
Book this Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon which has a perfect 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Other Ways to Get to Catalina Island
The Catalina Express is efficient, fast, and economical.
The Long Beach Port has several departure and arrival times.
You can also get to Catalina Island via helicopter, which is more expensive.
You can kayak the 22 miles from mainland California to Catalina, which is more exhausting — yikes! — or charter a yacht, which is also costly.
Via Maverick Helicopters
The fastest way to reach Catalina Island is by Maverick Helicopter—pricier than the ferry, but it saves valuable time and adds a touch of luxury.
Skip the traffic and sail lines—arrive in style. Maverick Helicopters offers daily per-seat flights to Catalina Island from Long Beach (via the Queen Mary terminal) and weekend flights from San Pedro. In just 21 to 28 minutes, you’ll be soaring over the Pacific and touching down in paradise.
Catalina Island transfers range from $329 – $599.
Read our Ultimate Catalina Island Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Trip
Can You Take Your Car on the Catalina Express?
No, you may not take a vehicle on the Catalina Express.
Cars are restricted on the island.
Catalina Island is about 22 miles long and 8 miles across.
Most people stay in the bustling town of Avalon, where everything is at your fingertips, like restaurants, great snorkeling, and hiking.
Boats sit in the harbor, and there are a ton of tours to take.
Locals and visitors ride around in golf carts, bikes, or walk.
Where to Stay on Catalina Island
In the summer months, particularly during July and August, hotel rates are more expensive due to higher demand.
If you want to stay overnight, we recommend several hotels below.
Below are my top five hotel picks in Catalina:
However, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option, consider visiting from November to March during the off-season.
During this time, hotels often have discounted rates and fewer crowds, making it a more relaxing and affordable experience.
Best Time to Go to Catalina Island
Spring and fall are ideal seasons to plan a visit to Catalina Island.
Summer is ideal for spending time in the water because of the warmer water temperatures in Avalon Harbor.
If you prefer fewer crowds like me, the fall is the best time to go.
In other words, the best time to visit Catalina is when you plan to be there.
The island offers an idyllic escape for nature enthusiasts with its mild temperatures, vibrant foliage, and breathtaking sunsets.
The Best Things to Do on Catalina Island
There are many things to do on a small island like Catalina.
If this is your first time, we’ve highlighted some favorite tours that will give you a good taste of Catalina Island life.
⛳️ Golf Cart Tour: As we’ve mentioned, this top-rated 5-star Golf Tour allows you to see a lot of Catalina at once. Since cars are restricted on Catalina, many locals and tourists use golf carts to get around. It’s a ton of fun.
Note: this tour is very popular and likely to sell out. Please purchase tickets in advance.
🚁 See Catalina Island from above with a Maverick Helicopter Tour. Take off from Pebbly Beach for a 20-minute flight over Catalina’s rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and sparkling shoreline. You’ll soar above Avalon’s postcard-perfect harbor, spot landmarks like the Catalina Casino and Descanso Beach Club, and catch glimpses of buffalo, eagles, or dolphins along the way.
⛵️ Glass Bottom Boat Tour: View what’s in the ocean without getting in it! Discover life under the surface of the Pacific Ocean. Board the boat in Avalon and enjoy views of colorful fish, coral, and other sea life while you sail.
🤿 Semi-Submarine Tour: This is a great experience to do with children. The sub dives six feet (two meters) below the surface at Lovers’ Cove in Avalon.
🎰 Catalina Island Casino Tour: This small-group tour gives visitors to Santa Catalina Island a chance to see spaces in the Casino that were long hidden from public view, including the historic projection room and green rooms used by stars including Errol Flynn and Cary Grant.
This tour is very popular, book in advance.
Book this Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon, which has a perfect 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Final Word: Bridge to Catalina Island
One significant reason we Angelenos love going to Catalina Island for the weekend or just a day trip is that it feels like you’re in another country, miles away from the electric energy of Los Angeles.
We like that there isn’t a bridge to Catalina Island because that means we don’t have to waste another day in a car.
We get to board a boat and look at the beautiful Pacific Ocean as it takes us to an island with strong island vibes where there are hardly any cars.
It’s an Angeleno’s dream day!
Read More of My Tips About Visiting Catalina Island
- Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island
- Wrigley Botanical Garden & Memorial on Catalina Island
- Renting a Golf Cart on Catalina Island & What You Need to Know
- Catalina Island in June
- Catalina Island in July
- Catalina Island in August
California Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?
100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
💦 Can you drink the water in California?
Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.
🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?
Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)
🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?
For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?
For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
