Helpful Catalina Island Information
Population
The City of Avalon has a population of about 4,000. Summer and weekend population can rise to over 10,000.
Climate
There's a reason Catalina Island is said to have "the perfect climate." Catalina Island boasts a year-round Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny days and cool evening breezes. Summer temperatures average 75 degrees, while winter temperatures average 65 degrees. The sun shines an average of 267 days a year. Average rainfall is 12 inches per year. Check the weather forecast for your visit.
What to Wear
Sandals are popular, and bring good walking shoes to hike or tour. Bring a sweater or light jacket for evenings, and don't forget your swimsuit! Visit one of the many clothing shops in Avalon for a selection of tropical resort wear.
Sustainable Tourism
Catalina Island's natural beauty stands as a testament vigilant environmental stewardship. Visitors are encouraged to make responsible choices while on the island. Please conserve water, energy and other resources. Learn more about Care for Catalina.
Beaches
Catalina Island has a variety of beaches that you can visit.
Public Showers & Restrooms
The are public restrooms in Avalon: at the foot of the Green Pleasure Pier, Cabrillo Mole Boat Terminal, Casino Walkway, Island Tour Plaza, by the Sheriff's Station, Casino Dock and Bird Park.
Coin-operated showers are located along the Casino Walkway. A free saltwater rinse-off area is near the foot of the Green Pleasure Pier. Free outdoor showers are also available at Descanso Beach Club, along with changing rooms. Remember to bring your towel!
Transportation
Getting around on the island easy. The Avalon Transit bus, a fixed route service, offers $2 seven days a week. Taxi service is also available.
Cell & Internet
Cell phone service is available in most areas on the island, although during busier times service may not be as reliable as it is on the mainland. Cellular data service may also be slower than mainland speeds. See information about phone charging and computer access.
Lockers & Baggage Service
For your convenience, lockers are available for storage while you enjoy your day on Catalina Island. They're located at the Cabrillo Mole Boat Terminal and Descanso Beach Club. Avalon Blue Line Baggage Service (310-510-9599), located at the Cabrillo Mole Boat Terminal, will pick-up and deliver items from hotels, condos, homes and campgrounds. They also provide baggage, scuba gear and equipment storage. See information about lockers and baggage.
Laundromat
Avalon Laundry - 225 Crescent Ave in the Metropole Marketplace.
Catalina Coin Op Laundry - 220 Metropole Ave.
Two Harbors Coin Op Laundry - Isthmus Pier
ATM Machines and Bank Locations
The US Bank is at 303 Crescent Ave. There are nine ATM locations in Avalon: Abe's Liquor Store, Avalon Liquor, Cabrillo Mole Boat Terminal, Catalina by the Sea, the corner of Crescent Ave. and Pebbly Beach Road, Green Pleasure Pier, Metropole Marketplace, Three Palms Arcade and US Bank.
Local Publication & Radio Station
Catalina Islander - 310-510-0500
KISL 88.7 FM - owned and operated by the Catalina Island Performing Arts Foundation - 310-510-7469
Shipping/Mail Services
The United States Post Office is located in the Shops at Atwater, between Metropole St. and Sumner Ave. UPS, FedEx and other cargo services can be shipped and received by:
Catalina Flying Boats, 231 Catalina St., 310-510-1441
For FedEx Ground Service, 800-463-3339
Medical Services
Catalina Island Medical Center - 310-510-0700
Clinic - 310-510-0096
Leo's Drug Store (prescription medications) - 310-510-0189
Emergency Information - In case of an emergency, call 911 (police/fire/paramedics)
Avalon Fire Department - 310-510-0203
Avalon Harbor Department - 310-510-0535
LA County Sheriff's Department - 310-510-0174
Catalina Island Tourism Authority
Located at the foot of the Green Pleasure Pier, the Visitor Center can provide information about transportation, accommodations, activities and events. We can help you make hotel reservations by providing a list of vacancies, updated daily.
Catalina Island Visitor Center - 310-510-1520
Library
LA County Library (Avalon Branch), 215 Sumner Ave. -310-510-1050
Pets
Animal Hospital - 310-510-1210
Pets are allowed on the Catalina Express but they must wear a leash and a muzzle or be in a pet carrier for the duration of the trip. Pets are not allowed on Crescent Ave. between Clarissa and Metropole and they are not allowed on Avalon public beaches. Some hotels, vacation rentals and restaurants are pet friendly.
Time Zone
Catalina Island is in the Pacific Time Zone and observes Daylight Savings Time from March to November.
Minor Children
Children less than 18 years of age are minors. The City of Avalon enforces a curfew for minors between 10 pm and daylight. Further information is available online from the City of Avalon.
Water
Water is a precious resource on Catalina Island. During your visit please conserve water whenever possible. Water conservation on Catalina Island helps our island flourish. There are several stations for refilling reusable water bottles in Avalon.
View more information on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
