Getting to Catalina Island
Located just 22 miles south-southwest of Los Angeles, Catalina Island is accessible by three boat companies, which depart from Marina del Rey, San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point and Newport Beach. The boat ride takes an hour, while a helicopter ride can take as little as 15 minutes.
Avalon
Catalina Island is home to the city of Avalon and unincorporated town of Two Harbors. Avalon offers both hillside and fine, level bike riding, but permits are required for those riding into the island's interior.
Hiking
The Catalina Island Conservancy requires hiking permits, which are available for free at the Conservancy House, Catalina Airport, Two Harbors Visitor Information Center and the Catalina Island Interpretive Center.
Caution
The Catalina Island website cautions hikers that poison oak is commonly found in canyons and creek beds and also warns that while rare, rattlesnakes have been seen along roads and trails on the island.
Water Sports
Visitors to Catalina Island can take advantage of the surrounding waters by participating in such water sports as kayaking, parasailing, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Camping
Camping is available at Two Harbors Campground, Parsons Landing Campground, Black Jack Campground, the Hermit Gulch Campground, Boat-In Campsites and Little Harbor Campground, which was hailed "One of the BestCampgrounds in the West" by Sunset Magazine.
