Travelers need to consider taking a ferry or helicopter to reach Catalina Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes while the helicopter takes 15 to 20 minutes. The cost of the ferry is around $75 per person while the helicopter costs approximately $135 per person. Renting a golf cart is the most fun and popular way to travel around Avalon. Expect to pay around $40 for one hour and $200 for the entire day.
If you have a few extra days, consider taking a scuba diving class or renting a sailboat to explore the open water. You can also visit the Catalina Casino, a famous landmark in Avalon that offers tours, music, and shows. For a more physical experience, try hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail, a 38.5-mile trail that showcases the island's stunning scenery.
The nearest airport to Avalon is the Catalina Airport (AVX) located in the city's center, 5 miles east of the Avalon Downtown. However, this airport is only accessible through inbound flights from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Orange County. An alternative is flying to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and taking a shuttle service to Long Beach or San Pedro, where ferries and helicopters depart for Catalina Island.