About Catalina

Located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island-with its Mediterranean charm and myriad of exciting activities-provides a quick and easy getaway. Travel time to Avalon, the Island’s only city, can be done in as little as 15 minutes by air, or one hour by boat. Travel time to the village of Two Harbors is about 90 minutes by boat from San Pedro.

Population

The city of Avalon has a population of about 3,500. Summer and weekend population can rise to over 10,000.

Climate

There’s a reason Catalina Island has been said to have “the perfect climate.” Catalina boasts a year-round Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny days and cool evening breezes. In the summer, the average temperature is 75 degrees, while the mild winter average temperature is 65 degrees. The sun shines an average of 267 days a year, and the average rainfall is 14 inches per year.

What to Wear

With our warm weather and laid-back island atmosphere, it’s no surprise that casual attire is the preferred dress code for Catalina Island. Sandals are popular, but bring a good pair of walking shoes if you are planning to do any hiking or tour the interior. Bring a sweater or light jacket if you are planning to stay overnight, and don’t forget your swimsuit! Visit one of the many clothing shops in Avalon for a wide selection of tropical resort wear.

Public Showers & Restrooms

In Avalon, you will find public restrooms for men and women in several locations: at the foot of the Green Pleasure Pier, Boat Terminal Mole, Casino Walkway, Island Plaza and at Pebbly Beach. Coin-operated public showers are located along the Casino Walkway. Free salt-water showers are available right on the beach. Don’t forget to bring your own towel!

Lockers

For your convenience, lockers are available for storage while you enjoy your day on Catalina Island. They are located at the Island Plaza and at the Boat Terminal Mole.

ATMs & Bank Locations

There are two ATM locations in Avalon: SCI Information Center on Catalina Street (across from the Green Pier) and at US Bank (303 Crescent Avenue), the island’s only bank.

Local Publications

There are two weekly newspapers published in Avalon:

Avalon Bay News

  • (310) 510-1500

Catalina Islander

  • (310) 510-0500

Post Office

Located in the Avalon Arcade, which can be entered from either Sumner Ave. (next to the Hotel Atwater) or Metropole Ave. (across from Vons Market). The Post Office (310-510-0084) is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 am-5 pm, and on Saturday from 11 am-1 pm. Last call for outgoing mail is 3:30 pm on weekdays, 12:30 on Saturday. There are also mailboxes on Metropole Ave., just outside the Post Office, and on the corner of Crescent and Metropole.

There is no mail delivery in Avalon; residents and visitors must pick mail up at the post office. UPS, Federal Express, Airborne Express and other cargo services can be shipped and received by Catalina Flying Boats (310-510-1403), located on Catalina Street.

Medical Services

Avalon Municipal Hospital & Clinic

  • Hospital (310) 510-0700
  • Clinic (310) 510-0096

Leo’s Drug Store

  • (prescription medications) (310) 510-0189

Dental Services

Dr. Benedetto Calise

  • Offices at 204 Metropole Ave.
  • (310) 510-0322

Emergency Services

In case of an emergency, call 911 (police/fire/paramedics). Fire Department

  • (310) 510-0203

Sheriff’s Department

  • (310) 510-0174

Hospital

  • (310) 510-0700

Groceries

Vons – Located on Metropole, just up from Crescent Ave. Summer hours 7 am to 10 pm, otherwise 7 am to 9 pm. (310) 510-0280.

Vons Express – On Catalina Ave., just up the street from the pier. Specializing in service deli and bakery. Lots of snacks and drinks. (310) 510-7397.

Service Club Meetings

Rotary Club of Avalon

  • Wednesdays at 12:00 pm
  • Country Club Restaurant
  • Contact David Creigh at (310) 510-3590

Avalon Lions Club

  • 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 6:30 pm
  • Catalina Canyon Hotel
  • Contact John LaFleur at (310) 510-1011

Women’s Club of Catalina

  • Meets monthly at various locations.
  • Call Beverly Sullivan at (310) 510-2265

Catalina Island Women’s Forum

  • Meets Mondays at 5:30 pm.
  • Catalina Canyon Hotel
  • Call Arlene Blake at (310) 510-0687

Catalina Art Association

  • Meetings are 1st Thursday each month at 6:00 pm.
  • Casino Art Gallery
  • Call Gail at (310) 510-0808

Laundromats

Catalina Coin Wash – Located in the Metropole Marketplace, corner of Crescent and Metropole. Open daily.

Cottonwood Coin Laundry – Located at 220 Metropole, across from City Hall. Open daily. Call (310) 510-1244 for more info.

Library

Los Angeles County Library – Avalon Branch Located across the street from the tour bus plaza. In the summer there is a reading program for school-age kids, and a story time daily. They have a good collection of videos, including some classics, that can be checked out for up to a week.

  • 215 Sumner Ave.
  • Sunday, Monday, Closed
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1pm-7 pm
  • Friday, Saturday 10am – 4pm

Teen Center

Cornerstone Teen Center – Recreation hall located in the basement of the Community Church, at the corner of Beacon and Metropole, featuring pool tables and video games. There is also a Study Center, with computers, CD-ROMs and reference books.

Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce

Located at the foot of the Green Pleasure Pier, the Visitor Center can answer questions and provide information about transportation, accommodations, activities and special events. If you are looking for a hotel, they can help you make reservations by providing a list of hotel vacancies, updated daily.