To and from catalina island from airport?

Question

Hello,wife and I are planning our 1st trip to catalina Island and would really appreciate some guidance? Where should we fly into? Can we get transportation to and from airport to the island and back? We're looking at about $200 per night for 3 nights, suggestions? Were planning for early part of July..Appreciate any help

Answer

For your first trip to Catalina Island, here’s a detailed guide on how to get there, transportation options, and lodging suggestions based on your budget.

Flying in: The most common way to reach Catalina Island is via ferry, but you can also fly into a nearby airport and take a helicopter or small plane to the island.

Airports: The closest major airports are Los Angeles International (LAX), Long Beach Airport (LGB), and John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County. LGB is the most convenient for ferries and helicopter services.
Helicopter: Helicopters depart from Long Beach, San Pedro, and other points in Southern California. The flight is around 15 minutes and drops you directly on the island in Avalon.
Small plane: Catalina Airport (Airport in the Sky) is a small airstrip on the island. Small planes can land there, but it is less common for casual visitors compared to ferry or helicopter.

Ferry options: The easiest and most popular method is taking the ferry from the mainland:

From Long Beach: Catalina Express offers multiple departures daily; the trip is about 1 hour. This is the most frequent and convenient route.
From San Pedro or Dana Point: Also operated by Catalina Express; travel time is roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on the departure point.
Tickets: Book in advance in July as it is peak season; round-trip tickets are recommended for convenience.

Transportation on the island: Once on Catalina, cars are extremely limited. Most visitors get around Avalon on foot, by golf cart, taxi, or bike. If you land at Airport in the Sky, shuttle service or taxi is available down to Avalon.

Lodging suggestions (~$200 per night): Budget and mid-range hotels can be tight in July due to peak season, but you have a few options:

Hotel Catalina – centrally located in Avalon, comfortable rooms, within your budget if booked early.
Beach Cottages at Avalon – basic but charming and close to beach access.
Airbnb or vacation rentals – check for small apartments or studios in Avalon; these often fit the $200/night budget if booked early.
Panoramic Lodge or Bungalows – slightly above budget, but worth checking for last-minute deals.

Tips:

Book transportation (ferry or helicopter) early to secure your preferred times, especially for July.
July is summer peak season, so accommodations fill quickly; consider flexibility in your dates or alternative rentals.
Walking is the main mode of transport in Avalon; bring comfortable shoes. Golf carts and taxis are available for short trips.
If you want a quieter stay, consider staying in Two Harbors on the west side of the island, but note fewer accommodation options and longer ferry rides.

In summary, flying into Long Beach, taking a ferry or helicopter to Avalon, and booking centrally located accommodations within your budget is the most practical plan. Early reservations will help secure the best options for both lodging and transportation.

To and from catalina island from airport?

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