Cruise from Long Beach to Catalina for Island Fun

Want to get away without really having to get away?

Catalina Island is the perfect Southern California day trip destination and it’s just an hour from Long Beach.

Resting 22 miles south-southwest of Los Angeles, Catalina Island is the southernmost island of California’s Channel Islands. It is made up of two towns, the city of Avalon on one end and a village called Two Harbors on the other. Not only is it a fun place to explore, but it’s easy to get there by taking a direct cruise from Long Beach to Catalina Island.

Visit Catalina and find out why it is known as “California’s Island Escape.”

GETTING FROM LONG BEACH TO CATALINA ISLAND

Hotel Current is conveniently located just twenty minutes from the Port of Long Beach where you can catch the Catalina Express Ferry for cruises to Catalina Island from Long Beach with a round trip ticket costing adults $74.50.

For a little extra adventure, you can even take a helicopter from Long Beach to Catalina’s Island’s Airport in the Sky, which sits on a mountaintop 1,602 feet above sea level.

Once on the island, most visitors move around by bike, foot, or golf cart as cars are not allowed on the island.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO ON CATALINA ISLAND?

Catalina makes for the perfect day trip from Long Beach, but that doesn’t mean you’ll only want to stay for one day.

There’s so much to do that it’s difficult to pack it all into just a couple of hours.

We recommend starting out your day by exploring the oceanfront shops in the town of Avalon. After that, you can explore the landscape of the island and witness wild buffalo along with dramatic coastline vistas.

Catalina is also perfect for an active family that enjoys hiking trails to hidden harbors, swimming in crystal clear blue water, kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling with colorful fish.

After tiring yourself out in the water, it’s time to dine and Catalina has some amazing choices. Check out the Lobster Trap or the Bluewater Grillfor two popular options.

5 QUICK TIPS FOR VISITING THE ISLAND

• Visit Descanso Beach Club for a delicious virgin Piña Colada
• A cruise ship docks in Avalon every Monday and Tuesday, so if you can, visit on an alternate day and avoid the crowds.
• A free shuttle runs every half hour from town to Descanso Beach (depending on the season)
• You can get a FREE round-trip boat ride on the Catalina Express if you depart on your actual birthday!
• Watch helicopters take off and land from the Buffalo Nickel Restaurant

For more information ask your friendly Hotel Current front desk associate or head to https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/.