Best Place To Stay In Catalina Island

So you’re thinking about Catalina Island. Not just a day trip with a ferry ride and a quick photo. You want to stay overnight. Smart move. The island changes when the day-trippers leave.

But where should you sleep? That depends on whether you want wine bars or wild buffalo. Avalon and Two Harbors are the two main towns. Each has a totally different personality.

Avalon: The Postcard Town That Never Gets Old

Avalon is the main hub. It’s walkable, cute, and full of golf carts. Imagine a Mediterranean village that decided to retire near Los Angeles. That’s Avalon.

Hotels range from historic to modern. The Pavilion Hotel sits right on the water. You can roll out of bed and onto the beach. The Avalon Hotel is pink and charming. It feels like a vintage movie set.

Want budget? Hermosa Hotel is simple but clean. Want luxury? Mt. Ada is a former Wrigley mansion. The views are ridiculous. It’s like staying inside a postcard.

Vacation rentals are also big here. A whole house with a golf cart? Yes, please. But book early. Summer fills up like a sardine can.

Two Harbors: The Quiet Rebel of Catalina

Two Harbors is tiny. One restaurant. One general store. That’s it. It’s like summer camp for grown-ups who hate crowds.

The classic stay is Banning House Lodge. It sits on a hill overlooking the harbor. You can also rent a cottage or camp nearby. Want solitude? This is your spot.

No traffic lights. No stress. Just kayaks, hiking trails, and occasional buffalo. Yes, real buffalo. They wander like they own the place.

Camping: Sleep Under Stars, Not Overpriced Pillows

Catalina has some great campgrounds. Hermit Gulch is closest to Avalon. You can hike in or take a shuttle. Black Jack is higher up and cooler. Little Harbor is right on the water.

THE 10 BEST Hotels in Catalina Island, CA for 2022 (from $152

Camping here is like rent-free beachfront living. Except you pay a fee. And you carry your gear. But the stars? Unreal.

Just watch your snacks. The island foxes are adorable thieves. They will steal your granola bar without guilt.

Vacation Rentals: Home Away From Home

Airbnb and VRBO have plenty of options. A cozy cabin in the hills? Romantic. A big house in Avalon? Perfect for families.

But read the fine print. Some rentals are a steep walk from town. That’s fine unless you packed heavy. Also, check if a golf cart is included. That’s a game-changer.

So, What’s the Best Place to Stay?

There’s no single answer. It’s about matching your mood. Are you a people-watcher? Avalon. A nature hermit? Two Harbors. A budget adventurer? Campground.

Want a splurge? Mt. Ada or Pavilion Hotel. Want a quiet cabin? Two Harbors. Want to meet other travelers? Avalon’s hotels and hostels.

Think of it like this. Avalon is a bustling boardwalk. Two Harbors is a quiet campfire. Camping is a sleepover with raccoons. Rentals are a home away from home.

CATALINA ISLAND HOTELS & PLACES TO STAY

Pro Tips for Booking Your Stay

Book your ferry and lodging together. Some hotels offer packages. Catalina Express is the main ferry. It leaves from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point.

Summer weekends sell out fast. Like, really fast. So plan ahead. Spring and fall are quieter and cheaper. The weather is still nice.

Also, pack light. You’ll thank yourself later. And bring a reusable water bottle. The island is precious about waste.

One Last Consideration

One more thing: consider the season. Summer is loud and lively. Winter is quiet and cozy. Some places close, but the ones open feel like a secret.

Also, think about how you’ll get around. Avalon is walkable. Two Harbors is tiny. Campgrounds need hiking. A golf cart helps in Avalon, but you don’t need it everywhere.

Final Vibe Check

Catalina is small, but it has range. You can go fancy or rugged. You can party or unplug. The island doesn’t judge.

So pick your adventure. Then go. The ferry ride is part of the fun. The island will do the rest.