Best Hotels on Catalina Island, California
Just south of Los Angeles, Santa Catalina is one of California's Channel Islands. Catalina is known as a resort destination, and tourists come by boat to experience a relaxing getaway. From cozy seaside inns and done-up retreats right on the island to homebase suites in Long Beach across the water, we have all the options for a trip to Catalina.
Lined with palm trees and cabanas, Catalina is the ultimate hideout from the buzz of Los Angeles. Whether you're lounging on the beaches in Avalon, getting adventures on a zip line tour, or hitting the golf course, Catalina has plenty to offer with hotels to match.
Why We Love Catalina Island
Catalina is the perfect destination for a quick relaxing getaway or a spontaneous adventure. Here are just a few reasons why we love Catalina Island:
- Sweet hotels: Whether you stay right on the island in Avalon or take a day trip to Catalina Island from the mainland, we've got the hotel covered. From a Victorian charmer with modern comforts to a quiet and central classic, you'll find exactly what you're looking for.
- Adventure time: Catalina Island has lots of exciting options when it comes to getting active. Zip line anyone? Or maybe snorkeling is more your style. Take a glass bottom boat out for a spin for all the fishy views. If driving is your thing, take the Avalon Scenic Drive for a trip to remember.
- Fore real: Golfers unite. Catalina Island is a scenic dream for a round of nine holes. Catalina Island Golf Course, the oldest operating course west of the Mississippi, offers spectacular views to accompany your game. For the kids, Avalon's Golf Garden Mini Golf is a 50-year-old family favorite.
- LA adjacent: Catalina Island can just be a stop on your trip around the greater Los Angeles area. From stargazing in Hollywood and Beverly Hills to hitting the Beach Cities and Santa Monica pier and exploring Old Town Pasadena, there are endless places to explore SoCal style.
Best Places to Stay on Catalina Island
When it comes to nice hotels on Catalina Island, you have several options. You can stay on Catalina Island in the bustling town of Avalon, or you can lodge a ferry ride away on the mainland. No matter where you choose to call your digs, there are great hotels on Catalina Island as well as across the sea. Here are some of the best areas to stay for your Catalina getaway:
- Avalon: Avalon, which sits on the eastern part of Catalina Island 22 miles from the California coast, is the island's picturesque seaport village. Avalon is where you'll find the top tourist attractions and the majority of hotels, restaurants and bars. Here you can view sea life through a glass bottom boat, explore history at the Catalina Island Museum, or take a tour of the magnificent Catalina Casino. In this part of Catalina Island, you'll find everything from high-end hotels with shimmering blue views to quaint boutique hotels with homey vibes.
- San Pedro: San Pedro is a community in Los Angeles with a fishing village personality and rugged shoreline. Stay in San Pedro, and you can catch a ferry at the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal to cruise to Catalina Island in about an hour. This is the place to stay for easy boat access and to find a cozy hotel near Catalina Island. You'll have options in San Pedro when it comes to accommodations, from luxury hotels with harbor views to inviting budget hotels with all the basics. While waiting for your ship to come in, you can explore the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, dig into a platter piled high with fresh seafood at the San Pedro Fish Market or tour the Battleship IOWA Museum.
- Long Beach: Long Beach is a coastal city in Los Angeles County where you can hop a ferry at the Catalina Landing downtown. There are dozens of ways to play in Long Beach as you wait for your Catalina Island excursion. Here you can visit over 11,000 animals at the Aquarium of the Pacific, enjoy a charming boardwalk stroll in Shoreline Village, or have a relaxing scenic picnic at Shoreline Aquatic Park. You'll find some of the best hotels near Catalina Island in Long Beach, such as a high-end hotel with a rooftop pool.
- Dana Point: Dana Point is a coastal city in Orange County, known for gorgeous beaches amid hills and bluffs and some of the best views on the coast. Here you'll find a Catalina Express vessel in the Dana Point Harbor, or you can stay a little longer to enjoy breathtaking views at Hilltop Conservation Park, relax on Doheny State Beach or eat grilled seafood at the Harbor Grill. Here you'll find an array of good hotels in the Catalina Island area.
- Newport Beach: The Catalina Flyer in Newport Beach will take you to the island in just a little over an hour. Newport Beach is another coastal Orange County city known for its colorful boat-filled waters. Here you can hike amazing trails at Crystal Cove State Park, ride the iconic Ferris wheel in the old-school Balboa Fun Zone, or eat at the retro Ruby's Diner on the Balboa Pier. You'll find plenty of upscale hotels in Newport Beach with views to zap your worries away instantly.
Places to Eat on Catalina Island
When you think of an island paradise, what type of cuisine comes to mind? Do you envision melt-in-your-mouth seafood and tropical cocktails? Catalina Island has the island fare you crave plus options to satisfy the pickiest eaters. Either way, make sure to try the island's legendary beverage — Buffalo Milk, which is essentially an alcoholic milkshake. Here are some of the island's must-try eateries:
- Lobster Trap: The Lobster Trap is a favorite among visitors and locals. Come here to satisfy all of your seafood needs, whether you're dying for a creamy lobster roll or a piece of locally-caught fish prepared just how you like it. With a happy hour and late-night menu, it's no wonder locals and tourists love this joint by the sea.
- Steve's Steakhouse: People flock to Steve's Steakhouse for the delicious food, awe-inspiring views of the Avalon harbor and friendly service. Located on the second floor of the same building as Maggie's Blue Rose, this is the place to go for old-school luxury and quality beef or seafood dishes.
- Maggie's Blue Rose: Maggie's Blue Rose is located below Steve's Steakhouse and owned by the same crew. Head to Maggie's if you're in the mood for a flavor fiesta. Here you'll find Mexican eats prepared with the same level of care as Steve's cuisine, a large selection of margaritas and unique appetizers you won't find elsewhere on the island. Pull up a chair on their airy patio and dig into braised duck taquitos and avocado enchiladas as you watch people go by.
- Original Jack's Country Kitchen: Locals and visitors line up at Jack's for a hearty down-home breakfast, a hot cup of Kona coffee and a cozy retro diner feel. Stop here to fill up on Portuguese French toast, chicken and waffles or a build-your-own-omelet, and you'll be set for a day of outdoor adventure.
- Bluewater Grill: Bluewater Grill invites you to dine in the open air right on the waterfront. This popular seafood grill promises a relaxed atmosphere and the finest in-season fish. Feel like a celebrity as you savor cedar plank salmon, killer views and a soothing seaside breeze.
- Antonio's Pizzeria and Cabaret: Antonio's is a casual family-friendly waterfront eatery with indoor and outdoor seating so you can enjoy classic Italian fare with a view. Stop here to try their house special, Mamma Mia's Day Old Spaghetti, or cool down at the bar with a bucket of beer and complimentary peanuts.
- Luau Larry's: A trip to an island wouldn't be complete without visiting a fun beachfront tiki bar. Welcome to Luau Larry's, a Catalina Island institution. With great views and live entertainment, this is the spot to let loose and try the island's trademark concoctions such as Buffalo Milk and Wiki Wackers. Don't forget to wear a straw hat!
Did you have one too many Wiki Wackers and need a break from the crowd? In a popular town like Avalon, you may be surprised to stumble upon a low-profile eating destination, but we did the work for you. Here are a few spots to hang with locals and ponder island life:
- Buffalo Nickel: Take a short stroll east of the Avalon hustle and bustle, and you'll find Buffalo Nickel, a friendly, casual restaurant with cushy green booths and outdoor seating. Buffalo Nickel offers an eclectic menu full of classic Mexican, American and Italian dishes. If you can't decide whether you want pizza, fish tacos or a burger and fries, you can eat it all, and your Buffalo Milk too, at Buffalo Nickel.
- The Sandtrap: Want to feast on $1 tacos with locals during happy hour? Head to The Sandtrap, a laid-back Mexican restaurant and bar with an outdoor patio and yummy affordable bites. Located next to the Catalina Island Golf Course, The Sandtrap is a short walk from the Avalon waterfront, and totally worth the trek.
- The Marlin Club: As the oldest bar in Avalon, The Marlin Club isn't exactly hidden. However, you'll still find locals mingling with visitors in this kitschy old-school dive bar. Imagine a checkered floor, neon signs, a fishy mural and a boat-shaped bar — it's hard to pass up. Stop in for live music, a round of pool and lots of fun.
Things to Do on Catalina Island
Catalina Island is a haven for wilderness lovers and adventure seekers. Snorkeling, hiking and guided tours of the island's rugged interior are major draws to this California jewel. Even if you want to go to Catalina Island just to soak up the sun, sip margaritas and enjoy the scenery, you're welcome to do that too. Here are some top attractions to consider:
- Catalina Casino: Catalina Casino is the island's shining landmark and likely the first building you'll notice when you arrive. This beautiful round structure isn't a casino in a gambling sense, but the home of a ballroom and a theater. This is the spot where visitors used to do the jitterbug all night to big bands by the sea. Today, you can tour the opulent ballroom and theater when you arrive and set the stage for a memorable journey.
- Zip Line Eco Tour: One of the most popular ways to see Catalina Island is via zip line. Head to the Zip Line Eco Tour base at the Descanso Beach Club and get ready to soar through Descanso Canyon like a seabird. You can book your tour through Catalina Island Company, which offers tons of other land and sea tours for thrill seekers.
- Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden: Take a 30-minute stroll from the heart of Avalon, and you'll find Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, a popular gateway to hiking trails, a memorial and garden. The Wrigley Memorial honors William Wrigley Jr., a famous gum creator and a major player in building Avalon. Made of native crushed stone and concrete, you can see an unparalleled view of the bay from the memorial. Here you can also explore the surrounding garden and desert plant collection.
- Catalina Island Inland Expedition: Want to venture into the wilderness of Catalina Island to catch a glimpse of foxes, bison, bald eagles and other wildlife? Meet up with your tour guide at Island Tour Plaza in Avalon and get ready for a miles-long bus ride into the rugged heart of the island. Make sure to bring your camera for majestic views of cliffs, unspoiled beaches and the Pacific.
- Casino Point Dive Park: Want to go scuba diving and get close to marine life but not sure how? Casino Point Dive Park, located next to the landmark Casino building, invites you to give it a shot. Since 1962, the Casino Point Dive Park has been providing a unique dive experience for visitors who want a new view of the island. The park is over 2 acres in size, marked with boundaries to keep boats at bay, and features cement stairs for easy entry and exit. This is a great place for both beginner and expert divers who want to snorkel among an abundance of sea life.
- Glass Bottom Boat: If you wish to see sea life but stay dry at the same time — no problem. Catalina Island Company also offers glass bottom boat tours. Book a spot onboard a glassy floored vessel and peer through the window at a variety of colorful fish as you cruise Lover's Cove.
Many people head to Catalina Island to escape the din of LA and have a rejuvenating experience. Did you know that Catalina Island is also a great place to soak up art and history when you aren't catching rays on a sun-drenched patio? Here are some island gems where you can explore the cultural and historical side of Catalina:
- Silver Canyon Pottery: You can enjoy art therapy on Catalina Island at Silver Canyon Pottery, a pottery studio located on Pebbly Beach Road. Head to Silver Canyon Pottery to learn the basics of tile making, and create your own souvenir. You'll also get to explore their mini-museum and shop as part of this off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Catalina Island Museum: The Catalina Island Museum is a must-see. Here you'll find over 18,000 square feet of exhibition space housing a large collection of artifacts, photographs and art meant to preserve the unique history and culture of the island. Start your visit with a film about Catalina Island's history, and then get ready to explore.
- Catalina Chimes Tower: The Catalina Chimes Tower is one of the most beautiful and iconic structures in Avalon. This 1925 tower holds chimes that were installed to cover the town with magic and melodies throughout the hours. Although the Chimes Tower is in need of restoration, you can trek up Chimes Tower Road for a closer look and a stunning view of the sea below.
Where to Find the Top Hotels on Catalina Island, California
Catalina Island is a relaxing getaway just a short boat ride from the nonstop action of LA. Some people head to Catalina Island to slow down, unwind and enjoy the view. Others can't wait to head there for outdoor adventure. If you're planning an escape to Catalina Island, know there's a comfortable room waiting for you, either on the island or on the mainland. Whether you need a luxury hotel on Catalina Island or a room nearby, your piece of paradise awaits you.
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