Catalina Island

Photo of Catalina Island
Credit: Flickr user Ipotatol
Photo of Catalina Island
Credit: Image by Judy Belshe Toernblom
Photo of Catalina Island
Credit: Image by David Mark from Pixab
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About Catalina Island

Just 22 miles off Southern California, Catalina Island is a sun-soaked paradise of rugged hills, turquoise waters, and Mediterranean charm. Avalon, the island’s lively hub, brims with luxury resorts, chic boutique hotels, and family-friendly stays close to the beach. If you’re after seclusion, head to Two Harbors for rustic cabins and a back-to-nature vibe. From stylish escapes to budget-friendly bases, Catalina’s hotels offer the perfect match for every kind of island getaway.

Catalina Island is a laid-back escape where the ocean and the outdoors take centre stage. You can dive right into its clear, protected waters for snorkelling or scuba, paddle along the coast by kayak, or even spot marine life without getting wet on a glass-bottom boat ride. Back on shore, the island invites you to slow down and soak it all in—whether that’s hiking or biking through rugged interior trails, lounging on sun-drenched beaches, or teeing off with ocean views. Add in the fresh seafood and cosy seaside restaurants, and it’s the kind of place that feels both adventurous and wonderfully relaxed.

The Best Places to Stay on Catalina Island

For a cosy b&b

  • Banning House Lodge is a cosy B&B on the edge of Two Harbors, with beautiful ocean views in a tranquil setting. A Craftsman-style lodge, the residence has 12 guestrooms, with space for couples, friends or families. Charming.

For families or groups

  • Pavilion Hotel sits just opposite the beach and is the perfect pick for active travellers looking to spend their days boating, swimming, surfing and fishing before kicking back around the hotel's fire pits. Brilliant for families or groups of friends, and well-located in Avalon.
  • Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel is a landmark hillside hotel overlooking Avalon and the harbour. Recently renovated, this 1926-built gem has exquisite interiors and flexible room options, including romantic suites, big bedrooms with space for children, and a penthouse which sleeps 7 people. The heated swimming pool will be a hit with guests of all ages.
  • Hotel Metropole is an indulgent hotel with space for couples, friends or families, close to Avalon's seafront. The two-bedroom beach house is great for groups or those travelling with little ones, and there's even an onsite spa. Speak to the team about organising family-friendly activities on land and sea.

For couples

  • Snug Harbour Hotel is an appealingly intimate six-bedroom spot with pretty Cape Cod-themed interiors. The ideal Avalon pad for couples, the hotel offers in-room breakfasts, superb sea views, cosy fireplaces and evening wine and hors d'oeuvres. Very romantic.
  • Hotel Atwater was built by the Wrigley family in 1920, and retains elements of its original Art Deco style. Now a swish property with bright pops of colour and leafy interiors — and some suites have striking sea views — this is a great pick for design-minded couples. The central Avalon location means that there's heaps to do on your doorstep, and you can expect complimentary champagne on arrival!

For an apartment or cottage

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Los Angeles International Airport, and take a 15-minute helicopter ride or hour-long ferry across to Catalina Island.
  • California is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Catalina Island is a year round destination, but warmer seas mean that summer is the most popular time to visit. Autumn, on the other hand, is known as 'the secret season' amongst locals — it's still warm, but the crowds have gone.

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The best hotels in Catalina Island

Banning House Lodge

Banning House Lodge

Catalina Island (California)

An early 20th-century summer home converted into charming sea-view B&B. Built on an intimate scale, the Craftman's style lodge offers plenty of shared relaxation areas & has a homely feel. Views from rooms & terraces overlook Two Harbours & surroundings. Rustic & relaxed pied-à-terre for exploring.

  • Total relaxation - A tranquil environment works perfectly for those looking for a quiet place to rest, read, relax & enjoy the scenery
  • Local exploring - A great base for those looking to do a few sightseeing tours of the island at a leisurely pace
  • Back to Nature - Surrounded by palm trees, rural land and walking distance to coves, beaches & hillsides
  • Kayaking - Equipment available at the lodge for guest use includes kayaks, mountain bikes, paddleboards, SCUBA & snorkelling gear
from £156 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Pavilion Hotel

Pavilion Hotel

Catalina Island (California)

A nautical setting in manicured tropical gardens on the sea front. A dreamy film set town mirrored in the light rooms with all mod-cons, private bathrooms and breakfast. Restaurants, pool and spa treatments close by. Water sport activity heaven: sailing to surfing, boating and swimming.

  • Family
  • Fishing - Fly fishing boat trips are popular and readily avaliable.
  • Diving - SNUBA dive experience is the one.
  • Local markets - Atwater for markets and shops.
from £183 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Hotel Atwater

Hotel Atwater

Catalina Island (Avalon)

Art Deco-era hotel minutes from Avalon ferry terminal. Island decor combines a fresh colour palette, a light airy feel & ocean-inspired touches; certain rooms boast fab sea views while all feature super modern bathrooms. Offers breakfast as well as endless dining options nearby. A classic choice.

  • Local exploring - Perfectly situated in the heart of the historic downtown, close to the starting point of most local tours plus sites & beaches
  • Beach Life - Guests have access to Descanso Beach Club, a stunning private beach with cabanas, food service & live DJs
  • City Style - Combines on-trend interior design & technology with reassuringly established feel
  • Kayaking - Organise a kayaking excursion or spend the day on a submarine as part of a Catalina Island Undersea Expedition
from £200 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel

Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel

Catalina Island (PO Box 216)

Stunning boutique hotel with a prime ocean-facing location overlooking Avalon's town, beach & harbour. Seriously spacious rooms & suites blend contemporary cool with classic homely touches. A heated pool, sea-view breakfast & panoramic terraces offer the perfect holiday package. Ideal for couples.

  • Groups - The penthouse works well for families or friends with three bedrooms, four private balconies, living room & kitchen
  • Honeymoons - Expansive Honeymoon Suites come with romantic fireplaces & stunning outdoor terraces with some of the best views
  • Historic - Built in 1926, the property cleverly combines an iconic past with impressive contemporary feel & amenities
  • Views - Perched above the village and facing the ocean, this property is all about amazing views
from £212 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Hotel Metropole

Hotel Metropole

Catalina Island

Elegant sea-front property steps from the water. Contemporary rooms & suites feel fresh & airy; look out over the ocean or cuddle up in front of cosy fireplaces. Enjoy the cafe, day spa, rooftop terrace with a hot tub plus shops on the doorstep. Perfect beach base for exploring the island.

  • Groups - Stunning two-bed Beach House offers ideal set-up for friends. Enjoy panoramic views, living room, kitchen & entertainment deck
  • Romantic Break - Just what you want to come back to; romantic suites boast fireplaces, spa tubs, fluffy robes & sea-view balconies
  • Local exploring - Wonderful location steps from the beach with killer views, yet nestled within the town's entertainment hub
  • Spa - On-site day spa offers range of relaxing massages, facials & body treatments - plus a range of competitive packages
from £237 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Snug Harbor Inn

Snug Harbor Inn

Catalina Island

Cape Cod-themed upmarket B&B located on Avalon waterfront. Each well-appointed room boasts its own fireplace & spa tub plus window seats for enjoying sea & town views. Take breakfast in bed or venture out to endless choices on the doorstep. A tranquil grown-up option designed for couples.

  • Local exploring - Located in the heart of town meaning the beach, restaurants, shops & sites — as well as ferry terminal — are all metres away
  • Romantic Break - Rooms offer ideal conditions for romance; think fireplaces, spa tubs & high-thread counts
  • Sailing - The island's water-based activities include everything from diving, fishing & snorkelling to underwater submarine excursions
  • Great walks - Enjoy great veiws over Avalon after a quick climb to the top of the Buena Vista Point Scenic Overlook
from £247 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees