How Big Is Catalina Island?
From the Author: I tried to book the Catalina Express for October, and the early morning ferries from Long Beach were sold out three weeks in advance. So, even in the off-season, book your ferry in advance.
If you’re wondering, how big is Catalina Island? We have the answers for you. Catalina Island, located off the coast of Southern California, is about 22 miles long and varies between 2 and 8 miles wide, making it 76 square miles.
Where is Catalina Island Located
Catalina Island is located off the coast of Southern California, about 22 miles (35 km) southwest of Los Angeles in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of Los Angeles County and is one of the Channel Islands, though it is the only one with a significant tourist presence.
The main town on the island is Avalon, where most visitors stay. The smaller village of Two Harbors is on the island’s northwestern side.
Is There a Bridge to Catalina Island
No, there is no bridge to Catalina Island. The cheapest and best way to get to Catalina Island is the Catalina Express Ferry.
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The Cheapest Way to Get To Catalina Island
The fastest and cheapest way to Catalina Island is to take the Catalina Express ferry from San Pedro or Long Beach, California.
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There is one way to get to Catalina Island besides flying. That is by boat. There isnât a bridge from mainland California to Catalina Island.
And anyway, the number of cars allowed on Catalina Island is restricted.
So, unless you have your own boat or want to charter one, the best and cheapest way is to take the ferry.
If you donât have a boat (or a friend who does), two carriers can get you to Catalina Island. Itâs an accessible and easy one-hour ferry ride. Itâs also relatively inexpensive.
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How long does it take to drive around Catalina Island?
There are two main towns on Catalina Island to visit.
At one end is Avalon, the bustling town center. On the other end is Two Harbors, which has only a few restaurants and hotels and is quieter, with peaceful beaches and hiking.
To get from one end of the island to the other would take about an hour and 15 minutes via taxi and about 40 minutes by boat.
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Is everything walking distance in Catalina Island?
No. If you’re staying in and around the town of Avalon, there are many places you can walk, bike, e-bike, or use a golf cart to get to.
The best way to get around Avalon is to rent a golf cart. Not only do tourists rent golf carts, locals use them too.
My partner and I rented a golf cart the last time we traveled to Catalina and we had the best time tooling around town from one historical spot to the next.
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If you want to get from Avalon to Two Harbors on the other end of the island, you need to rent a taxi or take the Power Cyclone boat. A one-way ticket on the Cyclone costs about $18, and the ride takes about 40 minutes.
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How Big is Catalina Island: FAQs
How big is Catalina Island
Catalina Island spans about 22 miles in length and varies between 2 and 8 miles in width, about 76 square miles.
How many miles long is Catalina Island
Catalina Island spans about 22 miles in length and varies between 2 and 8 miles in width.
Are there cars on Catalina Island?
No, cars are heavily restricted on Catalina Island.  Uber or Lyft are not allowed either. Visitors and locals drive around in golf carts.
I was just in Catalina this past fall. We rented a golf cart for two hours and saw most of Avalon and its iconic landmarks.Â
It’s a ton of fun driving around the hills of Avalon, like a local, in a golf cart.
Is Catalina Island expensive
Is Catalina Island expensive?” is subjective and depends mainly on how you view money. Everyone has a different idea of what expensive looks like.
However, like most tourist destinations, the cost of having fun on Catalina Island can add up. Catalina Island can be moderately expensive due to its status as a tourist destination.
When planning your trip, consider the cost of things like the Catalina Express Ferry, parking overnight at the port of Long Beach, hotels, restaurants, tours, and renting a golf cart. It can add up.
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
- Is There a Bridge to Catalina Island
- Is Catalina Island Worth Visiting
California Travel Planning Guide
ð 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)
ðŠ Can you drink the water in California?
Yes â 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.
ð Is it safe to rent a car in California?
Yes â 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)
ðš 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 youâre considering a California Airbnb, donât forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.
𧳠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.
ð« What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?
For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
