Snug Harbor

Santa Catalina Room 1VM_edited_edited.jpg

Let your vacation begin now...

IN ALL THE WORLD NO ISLAND LIKE THIS

Catalina Island feels like a world apart, yet it sits just off the Southern California coast, waiting to be discovered. Steeped in history and surrounded by brilliant blue water, the island blends relaxed seaside charm with a surprising sense of adventure. In Avalon, colorful buildings line the harbor, boats drift lazily at their moorings and life moves at a gentler pace. Stroll along the waterfront, browse locally owned shops or settle into a café and watch the day unfold.

Beyond town, Catalina reveals a wilder, more dramatic side. Rolling hills, deep canyons and sweeping ocean views create a landscape made for exploration, whether on foot, by jeep or on horseback. The island’s clear waters invite snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving, offering a front-row seat to California’s rich marine life.

Whether you come for quiet moments by the sea or days filled with discovery, Catalina has a way of making every visit feel beautifully unhurried and endlessly inviting.

Getting here is half the fun

Reaching Catalina Island is part of the adventure. The island is just over 20 miles off the Southern California coast, and the journey across the shimmering channel sets the tone for your stay. Most visitors arrive by high-speed passenger ferry, with the ride typically taking about an hour and often including views of dolphins or sea birds along the way. If you are arriving by passenger ferry, it's just a short stroll to the Snug Harbor Inn. For a faster, more dramatic arrival, helicopter service from the mainland offers sweeping aerial views of the Pacific and delivers you to Catalina in just minutes. From the heliport, taxi service can be arranged to the Snug Harbor.