Catalina Island Ferry

Everything You Need to Know About the Catalina Island Ferry

Taking a high-speed Catalina Island Ferry is the most popular, convenient, and scenic way to start your Southern California island getaway. Located just 22 miles off the coast, Santa Catalina Island offers a pristine retreat for day-trippers and vacationers alike.

Whether you are looking for trip details on taking a Ferry to Catalina Island, analyzing the Catalina Express Schedule, or looking for a Cheap Ferry to Catalina Island, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know before booking your ticket.

What Is the Catalina Express?

The main passenger ferry fleet servicing Catalina Island is the Catalina Express. Operating year-round, this fleet of high-speed catamarans and monohulls completes the ocean crossing in roughly one hour.

When taking a Catalina Island Boat, you enjoy modern amenities, including:

• Indoor and outdoor seating
• Onboard snack bars serving cocktails, drinks, and snacks
• Wheelchair-accessible decks
• Upgrade options for Commodore Lounge premium seating

Main Catalina Ferry Departure Ports

You can catch a Ferry to Catalina Island from three major mainland terminals operated by Catalina Express.

+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                    Catalina Express Port Summary                        |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1. Long Beach Terminal   -> Service to Avalon (Fastest - ~60 min)      |
| 2. San Pedro Terminal    -> Service to Avalon & Two Harbors (~75 min)   |
| 3. Dana Point Terminal   -> Service to Avalon (~90 min)                 |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+

Ferry to Catalina Island from Long Beach

• Terminal Location: Catalina Landing (320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA)
• Travel Time: ~60 minutes
• Destination: Avalon
• Key Feature: This is the busiest port with the highest frequency of daily departures. Taking a Ferry to Catalina Island from Long Beach is ideal if you are traveling from Los Angeles or Northern Orange County.

Ferry to Catalina Island from San Pedro

• Terminal Location: Catalina Sea and Air Terminal (Berth 95, San Pedro, CA)
• Travel Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
• Destinations: Avalon and Two Harbors
• Key Feature: If you plan to explore the island’s quieter rustic side, a Ferry to Catalina Island from San Pedro is the only Catalina Express route providing direct service to Two Harbors.

Understanding the Catalina Express Schedule

The Catalina Express Schedule varies depending on the season, day of the week, and weather conditions. During peak summer months, the fleet runs up to 30 daily sailings.

Typical Daily Schedule Framework:

• Morning Departures: Standard mainland departures start as early as 6:00 AM or 8:45 AM, allowing you to maximize a full day on the island.
• Mid-Day Sailings: Regular late morning and afternoon sailings cater to overnight guests checking into hotels.
• Evening Returns: Return ferry trips from Avalon back to the mainland usually run between 3:55 PM and 7:45 PM.

Travel Tip: Always double-check seasonal modifications on the official schedule prior to your travel date, as winter timetables reduce total daily departures. Plan to arrive at the terminal at least 45 to 60 minutes prior to departure.

How to Find a Cheap Ferry to Catalina Island

Round-trip tickets generally range between $100 and $115 per adult, which includes city-mandated island wharfage fees. If you want to secure a Cheap Ferry to Catalina Island, consider the following money-saving tips:

• Book Mid-Week: Weekend travel incurs high demand. Mid-week sailings (Tuesday through Thursday) offer better seat availability and lower overall hotel package costs.
• Group Discounts: Traveling with a party of 20 or more passengers unlocks discounted group rates.
• Child and Senior Fares: Reduced rates are automatically offered for children (ages 2–11) and seniors (ages 55+ or 60+ depending on the promotion). Infants under 2 ride for a minimal administrative fee.
• Vacation Packages: Combine your ferry tickets with local tours or hotel bookings via island travel packages to save on overall trip costs.

Essential Travel Tips for Riding the Catalina Boat

1. Reserve Tickets Early: Boats sell out quickly during summer weekends, holidays, and event weekends. Advance online reservations are strongly recommended.
2. Baggage Allowance: Each passenger is allowed two carry-on pieces of luggage plus one personal item.
3. Prepare for Motion: If you are prone to seasickness, choose seating near the back (stern) of the vessel on the lower deck where boat motion is minimized.

7 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Taking the Catalina Express to Catalina Island

Catalina Destination & Logistics Guides

• Catalina Express vs. Catalina Flyer: Which Ferry Should You Take?
  • Focus: A head-to-head comparison covering departure ports (Dana Point vs. Long Beach/San Pedro vs. Newport Beach), travel times, vessel sizes, schedules, parking fees, and pricing.
• The Complete Catalina Ferry Parking & Terminal Guide
  • Focus: Practical logisitical advice detailing parking options, daily rates, overnight rules, and check-in tips for Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point terminals.
• Two Harbors vs. Avalon: Choosing Your Catalina Destination
  • Focus: Contrast Avalon (bustling resort town, shopping, dining) with Two Harbors (rustic, remote, hiking, camping) to help travelers pick the right getaway.

Avalon Catalina Island Itineraries & Activity Guides

• Top 10 Things to Do in Avalon for First-Time Visitors
  • Focus: Highlight iconic attractions including the Casino, Descanso Beach Club, Golf Cart Rentals, Zip Line Eco Tour, and Lover’s Cove Snorkeling.
• Catalina Island on a Budget: Free & Cheap Things to Do
  • Focus: Budget-friendly tips for food, walking routes, free scenic view points, public beaches, and self-guided historic walking tours.
• The Ultimate Catalina Hiking Guide: Trans-Catalina Trail & Day Hikes
  • Focus: Essential advice for outdoor enthusiasts detailing hiking permits, water stash locations, trail maps, and multi-day camping vs. day hikes.

Seasonal & Special Event Content

• Visiting Catalina Island by Season: Best Time to Go
  • Focus: Break down weather patterns, water temperatures, crowd sizes, ferry schedule changes, and seasonal wildlife (e.g., bison sightings, flying fish tours).
• Where to Stay on Catalina Island: Hotels, Resorts & Camping
  • Focus: Accommodations round-up categorized by luxury hotels, boutique inns, budget-friendly options, beachfront rentals, and campsite bookings.

Complete Catalina Express Terminal & Parking Guide

Navigating the mainland ports for Catalina Express is simple when you know what to expect before heading out. Catalina Express operates out of three main southern California mainland ports: Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point.

Here is the complete breakdown of addresses, parking costs, check-in logistics, and travel tips for each terminal.

1. Long Beach Terminal (Catalina Landing)

The Long Beach location is Catalina Express’s main hub, offering the most frequent daily trips to Avalon. It is conveniently located near downtown Long Beach.

Catalina Island

• Physical Address:320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802 Catalina Express
• Primary Destination: Avalon
• Parking Facilities:
  • Location: Adjacent multi-level parking structure right next to the terminal. Travel Pockets
  • Daily Parking Rate: ~$26.95 per 24-hour period. Catalina Express
  • Payment Methods: Major credit cards accepted; payment is processed upon exit.
  • Reservations: No advance parking reservations are necessary; spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Drop-Off & Luggage Logistics:
  • Drive directly up to the terminal drop-off loop to unload passengers and heavy bags before pulling into the parking garage.
  • Check-in counters sit directly inside the glass building adjacent to the dock.

2. San Pedro Terminal (Catalina Sea & Air Terminal)

San Pedro is the ideal port if you are traveling from the South Bay or western Los Angeles. Crucially, it is also the only port with direct ferry service to Two Harbors on Catalina’s rustic west end.

• Physical Address:Berth 95, San Pedro, CA 90731 (located at Swinford St. & Harbor Blvd.) Catalina Island
• Destinations: Avalon & Two Harbors
• Parking Facilities:
  • Location: Open-air, gated lot right outside the terminal doors.
  • Daily Parking Rate: ~$23 per 24-hour period (First 60 minutes are free for quick drop-offs). Catalina Island Camps
  • Payment Methods: Cash and all major credit cards.
  • Reservations: Not required or accepted for standard passenger vehicles. Catalina Express
• Drop-Off & Luggage Logistics:
  • Pull into the short-term drop-off lane directly in front of the terminal entrance.
  • Porter service is often available during peak summer months to assist with large bags or camping equipment bound for Two Harbors.

3. Dana Point Terminal

Serving southern Orange County and San Diego travelers, the Dana Point terminal sits inside the scenic Dana Point Harbor.

• Physical Address:34675 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629 Catalina Island
• Primary Destination: Avalon
• Parking Facilities:
  • Location: Dana Point Harbor long-term parking structure. Catalina Express
  • Daily Parking Rate: ~$24 per 24-hour period. Catalina Express
  • Payment Methods: Major credit cards and digital pay options. Catalina Express
  • Reservations: No parking reservations required. Catalina Express
• Drop-Off & Luggage Logistics:
  • Because parking is located a short walk from the ferry dock, pull into the 15-minute short-term unloading area by the terminal ticket window first. Unload your party and gear before parking in the designated long-term harbor structure.

Essential Terminal Tips for All Passengers

1. Arrival Timing: Arrive at the terminal at least 45 to 60 minutes prior to departure. On summer weekends or holidays, extend this to 75 minutes to allow for vehicle lines at parking gates.
2. Luggage Restrictions: Passengers may bring up to 2 carry-on items plus 1 personal item free of charge. Oversized gear, bikes, surfboards, and kayaks require advance ticketing and pay separate handling fees.
3. Ticketing & Boarding Passes: Skip ticket window lines by using your digital boarding pass on your phone, but ensure your entire party is together before stepping into the boarding queue.

Catalina Express vs. Catalina Flyer: The Ultimate Catalina Island Ferry Guide

Choosing the right ferry operator is the first major step in planning your getaway to Santa Catalina Island. While both Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer offer passenger ocean transportation from the Southern California mainland to Avalon, their departure ports, daily schedules, fleet sizes, and onboard amenities cater to very different travel styles.

Catalina Island

Whether you prioritizing maximum schedule flexibility, departing close to home, or looking for specific onboard upgrades, this side-by-side comparison covers everything you need to know before booking your ticket.

Catalina Express vs. Catalina Flyer: At a Glance

Feature	Catalina Express	Catalina Flyer
Mainland Ports	Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point	Newport Beach (Balboa Pavilion)
Island Destinations	Avalon & Two Harbors (from San Pedro)	Avalon only
Daily Sailings	Up to 30 sailings daily (peak season across ports)	Typically 1 round-trip sailing per day
Travel Time	~60 minutes (Long Beach) to 90 minutes (Dana Point)	~75 minutes
Fleet Size	8 high-speed catamarans and monohulls	1 large 3-deck catamaran
Upgrades Available	Commodore Lounge & Captain’s Lounge	VIP / Commodore-style upgrades (seasonal)

1. Mainland Departure Ports and Route Options

The biggest practical distinction between the two companies is where you board the ferry.

• Catalina Express: Operates out of three major mainland ports—Long Beach (Catalina Landing), San Pedro (Berth 95), and Dana Point Harbor. This provides widespread access for travelers coming from Los Angeles, San Diego, or western Orange County. Additionally, Catalina Express is the only operator serving Two Harbors, making it essential for campers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts heading to the island’s quieter west end. Catalina Island+ 2
• Catalina Flyer: Operates exclusively out of Newport Beach from the historic Balboa Pavilion. If you live or are staying in central Orange County, departing from Newport Harbor offers a very convenient option. Catalina Island+ 1

2. Schedule Flexibility & Daily Frequencies

Your choice of operator heavily dictates how long you can spend on the island.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                        Ferry Frequency & Timing Overview                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| CATALINA EXPRESS : High frequency (Multiple morning, afternoon, & evening  |
|                    departures; up to 30 runs daily across all ports).       |
|                                                                             |
| CATALINA FLYER   : Fixed schedule (Usually 1 morning departure ~9:00 AM     |
|                    and 1 afternoon return ~4:30 PM from Avalon).            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+

• Catalina Express: Because it runs a fleet of eight vessels across multiple terminals, it offers constant scheduling flexibility throughout the day. You can easily choose early morning departures (as early as 6:00 AM) and late evening returns (up to 7:45 PM), giving day-trippers maximum time on land.
• Catalina Flyer: Runs on a strict single round-trip daily timetable. Ships generally depart Newport Beach around 9:00 AM and leave Avalon for the return trip around 4:30 PM. While great for a predictable day trip or overnight stay, you must strictly adhere to that specific departure window.

3. Vessel Size and Onboard Amenities

Both vessels offer comfortable open-ocean ocean crossings, but the experience onboard differs based on ship design.

Catalina Express Experience

• Vessel Types: High-speed catamarans and smooth-riding monohulls. Catalina Island
• Amenities: Indoor airline-style seating, outdoor viewing decks, and full-service snack bars with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Catalina Island
• Premium Upgrades: Passengers can upgrade to the Commodore Lounge, which includes pre-boarding privilege, plush seating, and a complimentary beverage and snack package. Catalina Express

Catalina Flyer Experience

• Vessel Type: One massive, 118-foot three-deck catamaran (one of the largest passenger catamarans on the West Coast).
• Amenities: Three decks including a sun deck, indoor multi-level seating, snack bars, and full cocktail service onboard. Catalina Island
• Passenger Experience: Due to its larger size, the boat offers high stability across open water and ample room to walk around, browse the upper sun deck, and enjoy ocean views. Catalina Island

4. Pricing, Deals, and Discounts

Ticket prices for both services are comparable—generally ranging between $90 and $115 round-trip per adult (including island wharfage fees)—but deal availability varies:

Catalina Island

1. Catalina Express: Standard round-trip fares hover around $93–$96 for adults depending on the port. Discounts are standard for AAA members, military personnel, seniors (55+), and children (ages 2–11). Catalina Express
2. Catalina Flyer: While regular rates mirror Express, the Flyer frequently runs promotional online rates, seasonal travel package bundles, and third-party discount options. Catalina Island

Which Ferry Should You Choose?

Choose Catalina Flyer if: You are starting your journey in Orange County near Newport Beach, prefer traveling on a larger three-deck catamaran, and are comfortable adhering to a set single-departure schedule. Catalina Islandm dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Choose Catalina Express if: You want maximum schedule choices, need to depart from LA County (Long Beach/San Pedro) or San Diego County (via Dana Point), plan to visit Two Harbors, or want to upgrade to a private premium lounge space. Ferrygogo

Accommodations Guide: Luxury Hotels, Boutique Inns & Vacation Rentals in Avalon

Finding the right place to stay on Santa Catalina Island depends heavily on the type of getaway you’re planning. Because space in the seaside town of Avalon is tightly bounded by the sea and steep canyon walls, each accommodation category offers a distinct spatial layout, location footprint, and style of hospitality.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of Luxury Hotels, Boutique Inns, and Vacation Rentals in Avalon to help you pick the best base for your island stay.

Accommodation Comparison Matrix

Feature	Luxury Hotels & Resorts	Boutique Inns & B&Bs	Vacation Rentals & Villas
Best For	Couples, milestone trips, bucket-list pampering	Romance, mid-range budgets, cozy charm	Families, groups, extended stays, self-catering
Key Locations	Wrigley Road, Crescent Ave oceanfront	Central Avalon (Sumner, Metropole, Marilla)	Hamilton Cove, town-center condos & cottages
Included Amenities	Golf cart included (Mt Ada), room service, concierge	Breakfast, wine/cheese hours, roof decks	Full kitchens, laundry, private patios, golf cart (select rentals)
Vibe & Style	Iconic, historic elegance or upscale modern	Craftsman, Art Deco, or Cape Cod coastal charm	Home-away-from-home, private, community-focused
Price Point	High ($500 – $1,200+/night)	Moderate ($200 – $600/night)	Varies ($300 – $1,000+/night + cleaning fees)

1. Luxury Hotels & Resorts: Exclusive & Iconic

If you are looking for high-end pampering, white-glove service, or panoramic harbor vistas, Avalon’s luxury properties deliver memorable landmark experiences.

Catalina Island

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|                         Top Luxury Picks in Avalon                              |
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1. Mt Ada                       -> Ex-Wrigley mansion; 360 views & golf cart     |
| 2. Hotel Metropole & Beach House-> Oceanfront spa hotel with private beach house|
| 3. Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel       -> Historic pueblo cliffside retreat with pool  |
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+

Featured Luxury Properties:

• Mt Ada: The former Georgian Revival summer estate of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. perched high above the bay. It features six suite-style guest rooms, sweeping 360-degree ocean views, daily breakfast and lunch, evening wine service, and a personal golf cart for guests to use during their stay. Catalina Island+ 1
• Hotel Metropole: Located inside the Metropole Market Place right on Crescent Avenue, this hotel features ocean-facing suites with fireplaces, an on-site day spa, a rooftop Jacuzzi, and a standalone two-bedroom oceanfront beach house for VIP privacy. Catalina Island
• Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel: Built in 1926 by author Zane Grey, this renovated pueblo-style retreat sits high on the hills overlooking Avalon. It offers modern room design, sweeping harbor views, and a heated outdoor swimming pool. The Hotel Guru+ 1

2. Boutique Inns: Charming & Walkable

Avalon excels in boutique inns and Bed & Breakfast properties. Mostly clustered within 1 to 3 blocks of the ferry terminal and harbor beach, these hotels offer personalized service, historic architecture, and unique decor.

Featured Boutique Inns:

• Hotel Atwater: Built by the Wrigley family in 1920 and recently updated with fresh island decor, this central hotel sits a half-block from the beach. It offers luggage transfer service straight from the ferry terminal and complimentary arrival drinks. The Hotel Guru+ 1
• Snug Harbor Inn: An intimate, 6-room Cape Cod-style oceanfront B&B featuring fireplaces, jetted tubs, window seats with sea views, and breakfast delivered straight to your room. The Hotel Guru
• The Avalon Hotel: A Craftsman-style inn set off the waterfront that features custom wood craftsmanship, cozy garden patios with fire pits, a koi pond, and a quiet rooftop deck overlooking the bay. Catalina Island
• Aurora Hotel: A sleek, 19-room contemporary boutique hotel featuring modern decor and a rooftop lounge deck overlooking the harbor. Catalina Island

3. Vacation Rentals & Villas: Space & Flexibility

For families, larger friend groups, or guests staying more than a few days, vacation rentals often make the most practical and economic sense.

Types of Vacation Rentals:

• Hamilton Cove Villas: A gated, Mediterranean-style cliffside community located just 1.5 miles north of downtown Avalon. These multi-level oceanfront condos feature private balconies, ocean views, community pools, tennis courts, and access to a private beach. Note: Most Hamilton Cove bookings include a private golf cart for driving into town.
• Town Center Cottages & Condos: Character-rich historic wooden cottages and modern apartments scattered throughout Avalon’s canyon streets.
• Key Advantages: Full kitchens for cooking meals, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, washer/dryers, and living rooms for family gatherings. The Hotel Guru

Booking Guidelines & Local Tips

Luggage Transfer: Check if your hotel provides complimentary luggage pickup service from the Catalina Express ferry terminal so you can start exploring hands-free upon arrival. Catalina Island

Mind the Seasonality: Peak summer dates (June–August), holiday weekends, and special island events (like the Catalina JazzTrax Festival in October) book out 6 to 9 months in advance.

Elevators & Accessibility: Many historic inns in Avalon do not have elevators. If stairs pose a challenge, request ground-floor rooms or double-check accessibility before booking. Dave’s Travel Corner

15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Avalon, Catalina Island

A trip to Santa Catalina Island does not have to break the bank. While high-speed zip lines, helicopter tours, and private cabana rentals grab headlines, the seaside town of Avalon offers endless ways to explore its rich history, Mediterranean charm, and ocean vistas on a modest budget.

Catalina Express+ 1

Whether you are stepping off the ferry for a quick day trip or settling in for an extended weekend, this guide details the absolute best free and cheap things to do in Avalon.

Free Sights & Iconic Walking Tours

1. Stroll the Crescent Avenue Waterfront

The palm-lined main promenade—locally called Front Street—follows the curve of Avalon Bay. Walking Crescent Avenue costs nothing and offers premier people-watching, classic harbor photography spots, and stunning views of yachts bobbing in the harbor.

2. Take a Self-Guided Catalina Tile Hunt

During the 1920s and 1930s, Catalina Clay Products produced vibrant, hand-painted ceramic tiles using local island clay. Today, these collectible tiles remain embedded in public fountains, building facades, benches, and sidewalk murals throughout town. Exploring the streets to spot these historic artworks makes for a fantastic, free treasure hunt.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                     Where to Find Historic Catalina Tile                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| * Crescent Avenue Fountain     -> Vintage decorative floral tile patterns   |
| * Wrigley Stage Wall           -> Colorful oceanfront tile murals           |
| * Avalon City Hall Facade      -> Classic 1930s architectural accents       |
| * Frontage of Local Storefronts-> Original Catalina Pottery company pieces  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+

3. Walk to the Historic Catalina Casino

Located at the edge of the harbor, the iconic 1929 Catalina Casino remains the island’s proudest landmark. While guided interior tours carry a fee, walking the exterior Casino Point path is completely free. You will get close-up views of the 12-story Art Deco masterpiece and enjoy unmatched views looking back across the bay toward Avalon.

4. Visit the Avalon Diving History Exhibit

Located inside the lower level of the Catalina Casino, this small exhibit is entirely free to browse (donations welcomed). It showcases vintage diving helmets, antique suits, and memorabilia detailing the early history of underwater exploration around the Channel Islands.

Free Outdoor & Beach Activities

5. Relax on Avalon’s Public Beaches

You don’t need a pricey club reservation to enjoy the sand. Both South Beach and Middle Beach run along Crescent Avenue and offer free public access. Pack a towel, bring a picnic, and spend the day swimming in the gentle harbor waters.

Catalina Express+ 1

                [ AVALON HARBOR BEACH LAYOUT ]

     +---------------------------------------------------+
     |              Crescent Ave Waterfront              |
     +-------------------------+-------------------------+
     |   South Public Beach    |   Middle Public Beach   |
     |   (Free Swim & Sun)     |   (Free Swim & Sun)     |
     +-------------------------+-------------------------+
                               |
                        [ Green Pier ]

6. Snorkel Lover’s Cove & Casino Point

Catalina features world-class shore snorkeling.

• Lover’s Cove Marine Reserve: A short walk east of the ferry terminal, this shallow cove is teeming with marine life, including California’s bright orange state fish, the Garibaldi. Fun Orange County Parks
• Casino Point Dive Park: Located right behind the Casino, this protected underwater park lets shore-snorkelers see kelp forests and giant sea bass swimming just off the rocks.

Budget Tip: Bring your own mask and snorkel on the ferry to enjoy this marine sanctuary 100% free. If you need to rent gear locally, basic mask-and-snorkel sets run around $15–$20 per day.

7. Hike to the Garden to Sky Trail Ridge

Get a workout and breathtaking ocean views without spending a dime. Obtain a free hiking permit online or at the Catalina Island Conservancy Trailhead building on Clarissa Ave. From Avalon Canyon, hike up the Hermit Gulch Trail to the Garden to Sky ridge. At the summit, you can see both sides of Santa Catalina Island simultaneously!

Catalina Island

Cheap Activities Under $20 in Avalon

8. Tour the Catalina Museum for Art & History

Located on Metropole Avenue, this modern museum showcases the island’s rich heritage—from its indigenous Gabrielino-Tongva history to William Wrigley Jr.’s Chicago Cubs spring training era and Hollywood’s golden age.

Fun Orange County Parks

• Cost: General admission is under $20 per adult, and children 15 and under enter free.

9. Stroll through the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden

Located at the top of Avalon Canyon (roughly 1.5 miles inland), this 37-acre botanical garden displays rare island-endemic plants that grow nowhere else on Earth. At the head of the garden stands the massive Wrigley Memorial, built from native Catalina stone and tile work.

• Cost: Adult admission is roughly $12, making it one of the best low-cost attractions in town.

10. Play a Round at Golf Gardens Miniature Golf

Tucked into a tranquil garden setting just one block off the beach, this historic 18-hole mini-golf course has entertained visitors for decades.

Catalina Island

• Cost: Around $12–$15 per round, offering cheap, fun entertainment for families and couples.

11. Ride the Catalina Garibaldi City Bus

Want a cheap guided-style loop around Avalon’s hills without paying high golf cart rental fees? Jump on the local city transit bus (known as the Garibaldi).

• Cost: Rides are only around $2 per passenger, taking you on an elevated scenic circuit through local neighborhoods and mountain curves.

Budget-Friendly Eats & Summer Entertainment

12. Snack on Fresh Eats at Green Pleasure Pier

Stretching into the center of Avalon Harbor, the wooden pier features quick-service food stands where you can grab fish and chips, clam chowder bowls, or burgers for under $15 while watching boats dock.

13. Grab Ice Cream at Local Creameries

No trip to Avalon is complete without a sweet treat on the boardwalk. Walk down Crescent Avenue and grab a hand-scooped cone from local ice cream shops for under $8.

Fun Orange County Parks

14. Catch Free Beach Bingo & Movies in Summer

If you visit between June and August, the City of Avalon hosts the Avalon Summer Series. Enjoy free events like Tuesday/Thursday night Beach Bingo at South Beach (bingo cards are just $1) and free Wednesday night outdoor movie screenings right on the sand!

Visit Long Beach+ 1

15. Watch the Sunset from Buena Vista Point

Conclude your day with one of the island’s finest sunset perspectives. Walk up Wrigley Road toward Mt Ada to reach Buena Vista Point. From this elevated bend, you can watch the sun set over the Pacific as the lights of Avalon Harbor begin to glow—completely free of charge