Catalina Island (Avalon)

Avalon, on Santa Catalina Island, sits about 22 miles (35 km) offshore from Long Beach and San Pedro in Los Angeles County, California. The standard approach is a Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach (320 Golden Shore), San Pedro (Berth 95) or Dana Point, with the crossing lasting roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. Reaching the port from central Los Angeles takes about 45 minutes by car, so a full day trip needs an early start. Round-trip adult fares run about $97 including wharfage, and children aged 2 to 11 pay about $76.50. Helicopter flights and packaged tours from selected hotels are alternatives at higher prices. Avalon is a compact harbor town that is easily explored on foot, with a waterfront promenade, small shops and cafes, and a landmark circular Casino building at the edge of the bay. Casino Point is a popular dive and snorkel area, while Lover's Cove offers calm snorkeling close to the glass-bottom-boat departures. Visitors can rent golf carts to travel through the town's narrow residential streets, and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden above town offers views back over the harbor. Those with more time can join an inland tour to see bison and other wildlife on the island's interior. A sensible one-day arc is a morning ferry that arrives by mid-morning, followed by an early snorkel or boat tour, a seafood lunch on the waterfront, and an afternoon walk or cart ride to the memorial before returning on a late-afternoon sailing. Visitors should confirm the last return ferry times in advance, since missing the final boat means an unplanned overnight stay. The best months run from May to October, when weather and water are warmest, and weekdays are much quieter than weekends. Food options in Avalon range from casual fish tacos and sandwiches to sit-down restaurants along Crescent Avenue, and picnic supplies can be bought in town. Island activities, golf-cart rental and tours cost extra beyond the ferry fare, so budgets should allow for them. Sunscreen, a light jacket for the crossing and cash or cards for small vendors are useful to carry.