A day trip from Terranea: Catalina Island

Getting from Terranea to the ferry terminal

Drive time from Terranea Resort to the Catalina Express terminal in San Pedro is commonly about 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Most guests choose to drive or take a taxi/rideshare; Terranea’s concierge can advise on local transportation options and shuttle availability within the area.

If you prefer on-property logistics, Terranea offers a complimentary area shuttle within a roughly 5-mile radius (check availability and schedule with concierge). For trips to the San Pedro ferry terminal, confirm arrangements and timing with the resort before you leave.

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• Address for Terranea Resort: 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.
• Ask the concierge at Terranea about timing to reach Berth 95/425 S. Palos Verdes St. (San Pedro) for your ferry departure.
• Allow extra time for Los Angeles-area traffic, especially midday and late afternoon.

Booking the ferry and timing your day

Catalina Express runs daily routes from San Pedro to Avalon; crossing times are about 1–1¼ hours. Ferry schedules vary by season and day, so buy tickets in advance and confirm departure/return times before you travel.

For a same-day visit, choose an early outbound ferry and a mid- to late-afternoon return to maximize time on the island. If you want a more relaxed visit, consider an overnight stay in Avalon rather than trying to fit everything into a single day.

• Purchase tickets online via Catalina Express and print or have mobile tickets ready.
• Check ferry cancellation and refund policies before you buy—policies can differ by departure and season.
• Factor in time to get from Terranea to the ferry terminal and to arrive at the terminal early for boarding.

Top things to do on Catalina (Avalon) for a day trip

Avalon is the main town on Catalina Island and offers a compact mix of beaches, shops, and activity providers. Popular short activities include strolling the waterfront, visiting shops and the casino building (public areas), and renting a golf cart or taking a guided island tour.

If you want active time, book snorkeling, kayaking, or a glass-bottom-boat trip in advance. Island outfitters and Catalina Express’s terminal area offer activity providers; many excursions have limited daily capacity.

• Waterfront walk and shops in Avalon
• Snorkeling, kayaking, or glass-bottom-boat tours (book ahead)
• Rent a golf cart to explore more of Avalon’s roads and viewpoints
• Visit small local museums or take a guided island tour if time permits

Packing and practical tips for a Catalina day trip

Bring sun protection, a light layer for coastal breeze, and comfortable walking shoes—Avalon’s center is walkable but includes uneven sidewalks and some hills. If you plan to swim or snorkel, pack a towel and quick-dry clothing; some outfitters provide gear for a fee.

Carry a printed or digital copy of your ferry tickets and a valid ID. Ferry crossings can be choppy at times; if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring remedies. Check return ferry times before you disembark so you don’t miss the last boat back to the mainland.

• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Light jacket for cool ocean breeze
• Printed/mobile ferry ticket and photo ID
• Cash or card for island vendors and activity operators

Planning meals and timing while on Avalon

Avalon has several casual restaurants and cafés near the waterfront; if you plan a day trip, consider making a reservation for midday or dinner at a popular spot. Meal service times vary by venue and by season.

Back at Terranea, options include Catalina Kitchen for breakfast and daytime dining, Nelson's for casual oceanfront meals, and Mar'Sel for a more formal dinner experience—check each venue’s hours with the concierge before you go.

• If you’ll be gone for a full day, pack a small snack for the ferry or plan to eat after you arrive in Avalon.
• At Terranea, Sea Beans opens early for coffee and pastries if you want a quick bite before heading to San Pedro.
• Check Bashi, Nelson’s, Catalina Kitchen, and Mar'Sel hours with resort concierge for same-day dining plans.

Returning to Terranea and on-property logistics

When you return from Avalon, plan your transfer from the San Pedro ferry terminal back to Terranea. Allow time for potential ferry delays or lines, especially on weekends and holidays. If you left a car at Terranea, expect the drive from San Pedro to be about 15–20 minutes under normal traffic.

At Terranea, rooms and suites with ocean or Catalina views include Ocean View Room, Premier Ocean View Room, Ocean Front Room, and several Casita and Bungalow options—ask Reservations or the concierge about availability and which room type best suits your group. If you want to relax after a day trip, Solviva serves wellness-minded lunches and The Spa at Terranea offers treatments (book spa appointments in advance).

• Confirm return ferry time and allow buffer for travel to the terminal.
• Contact Terranea concierge if you want dinner reservations after your return.
• If you expect to arrive late, check Terranea’s standard check-in/out policies: standard check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.