A recommended day trip: Catalina Island from Dana Point
Yes — you can do a day trip to Catalina Island from Surf & Sand Laguna Beach by driving (or arranging transport) to Dana Point Harbor and taking the Catalina Express ferry to Avalon. Expect about a 15-minute drive to Dana Point Harbor, a roughly 90-minute ferry each way from Dana Point, and plan for about five to six hours on Catalina for walking Avalon, beach time, and a golf-cart or island tour.
In this guide
Morning: Getting from Surf & Sand Laguna Beach to Dana Point Harbor
Start your day at Surf & Sand Laguna Beach (1555 S Coast Hwy). The resort’s concierge can arrange private transportation or advise on driving and parking; the drive to Dana Point Harbor is commonly described as about 15 minutes by car.
If you prefer to self-drive, allow extra time for valet parking routines at the hotel and for Dana Point Harbor parking if you plan to leave a car while on Catalina. The ferry departs from Dana Point’s passenger docks (Dana Wharf).
- Ask the Surf & Sand Laguna Beach concierge to confirm ferry schedules and book transfers.
- Plan to be at the Dana Point boarding area at least 30 minutes before departure — ferry operator requirements may vary.
- If you need a car returned at the hotel while you’re on the island, ask the hotel about retrieval logistics with valet.
| Leg | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Laguna Beach to Dana Point Harbor | About 15 minutes by car (typical) |
| Dana Point to Avalon by ferry | About 90 minutes one way |
| Recommended time on Catalina | About 5–6 hours for a day trip |
Buying ferry tickets and timing your trip
Catalina Express operates the Dana Point–Avalon route; boats from Dana Point typically take about 90 minutes to reach Avalon. Frequency varies by season and day, so check the ferry operator’s schedule for the day you travel.
A typical Catalina day trip allows roughly five to six hours on the island — that’s enough for a walk around Avalon, a beach or harbor-side snack, and one guided island activity (golf-cart tour, glass-bottom boat, or short hike).
- Reserve Catalina Express tickets in advance if you travel on weekends or during summer.
- Confirm return ferry times before going ashore and buy a round-trip ticket to lock in your return.
- If you have limited mobility, check for ADA accommodations or priority boarding options with the ferry operator.
| What to book | Why |
|---|---|
| Round‑trip ferry ticket | Guarantees return time and avoids sold‑out afternoon vessels |
| Island activity (golf-cart tour or guided walk) | Maximizes limited time on Avalon |
| Travel insurance or flexible ticket | Useful if weather or schedules change |
What to do on Catalina in a day
Avalon is compact and walkable; popular activities for a short visit include strolling the waterfront, visiting shops and galleries, and enjoying a harbor-front lunch. If you want to see more of the island interior, rent a golf cart or join a guided tour to cover more ground fast.
Water activities and short excursions are available from the harbor area, such as glass‑bottom boat rides and snorkeling trips, but availability depends on the operators and the season.
- Walk the Avalon waterfront and Crescent Avenue shops.
- Book a golf‑cart rental or a guided island tour for viewpoints and quiet bays.
- Look for short harbor excursions (glass‑bottom boat, snorkeling) if you want a water-based experience.
| Activity | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Walking Avalon & shops | 1–2 hours |
| Golf‑cart island tour | 1–2 hours |
| Harbor boat excursions | 30–90 minutes |
Dining: where to eat back in Laguna or on Catalina
If you prefer to return to Surf & Sand Laguna Beach for dinner, Splashes serves coastal Californian cuisine with ocean views and has hours for dinner (check current times with the hotel). For a quick start before you leave, Pacific Perk at the hotel serves coffee and pastries in the morning.
On Catalina, Avalon has several harbor-front cafes and restaurants for lunch; menus and service hours vary seasonally, so plan to check specific venues when you arrive.
- At Surf & Sand Laguna Beach: Pacific Perk (coffee/pastries) opens in the morning; Splashes serves dinner — check current hours with the hotel or make a reservation.
- Bring snacks or a small cooler if you have specific dietary needs — island options may be limited in low season.
- If you want a waterfront dinner after your return, give Splashes a call to reserve a table with an ocean view.
| Hotel dining | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Pacific Perk | Morning coffee, pastries |
| Splashes | Dinner (reservations recommended) |
| Splashes Bar / Bella Vista Terrace | Drinks and small plates — check posted hours |
Packing and practical tips for a Catalina day trip
Bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a light layer — marine layers or coastal breezes can make mornings cooler. If you plan water activities, pack a swimsuit, towel, and waterproof bag for your electronics.
Because day trips mean limited time ashore, bring a small backpack with essentials and any medications. Check the ferry operator’s luggage rules before travel; some boats have capacity or size limits for carry-on items.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and a light jacket.
- Water bottle and snacks for the ferry and island walking.
- Valid photo ID — sometimes required for ferry boarding and for rentals on Catalina.
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen & hat | Sun and glare protection on ferry and island |
| Light jacket | Morning marine layer/cooler sea breeze |
| Comfortable shoes | Cobblestone streets and short hikes |
Timing, accessibility, and fitness notes
Ferry schedules and travel time mean most day trips use a morning outbound ferry and an afternoon or early‑evening return. Check the Catalina Express schedule so you can choose a return time that fits your plans on the island.
Avalon is hilly in places and some points of interest involve stairs or uneven terrain; if you have mobility concerns, contact Catalina Express and the specific activity providers for accessibility information before you go.
- Plan based on the ferry schedule — no assumptions about frequency on the day you travel.
- If you need assistance, both the ferry operator and Surf & Sand Laguna Beach concierge can advise on accessibility and transfers.
- Carry any mobility aids you need; check in advance whether rental activities can accommodate them.
| Consideration | Tip |
|---|---|
| Ferry frequency | Check operator schedule in advance |
| Island terrain | Expect hills and some stairs in Avalon |
| Assistance | Ask concierge or ferry staff about accessibility |
