Day Trip to Catalina Island (Dana Point to Avalon) 🚢☀️💦

Let’s set sail for Catalina Island. We’ll explore the city of Avalon and also enjoy spectacular views from the top of the Wrigley Memorial. With many Catalina Island first-timers going, this will truly be an adventure to remember. Come join us!

We’ll set sail from Dana Point aboard the Catalina Express. Buy your ferry tickets in advance.

ITINERARY

• 7:30am - Leave your house and drive to Catalina Express in Dana Point
• 8:30am - Park in Catalina Express short-term parking to purchase your parking pass.
• 8:40am - Move your car to long-term parking and walk 10 minutes back.
• 9:00am - We all meet and greet at the Catalina Express ferry terminal
• 9:30am - Ferry leaves Dana Point for Avalon
• 11:00am - Explore Avalon, Grab lunch, tour the Catalina Casino
• 1:21pm - Catch the $2 bus ride from the Catalina Casino to Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden
• 1:40pm - Walk to the top of the Wrigley Memorial for some spectacular views
• 3:05pm - Catch the $2 bus ride back to town (or a 30-min downhill walk)
• 3:30pm - Free time in Avalon
• 5:00pm - Ferry leaves Avalon for Dana Point
• 6:30pm - Drive back to San Diego
• 7:30pm - Arrive back home

COSTS: (Total = $155)

• $98 Catalina Express round trip ferry from Dana Point to Avalon
• $20 Parking at Catalina Express Dana Point
• $20 Tour The Catalina Casino (not a gambling casino)
• $13 Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden
• $4 round trip bus fare to the Wrigley Memorial
• $18 (Optional) Catalina Museum for Art & History

WEATHER in AVALON in July

• Daytime high 70F (21C)
• Nighttime low 60F (16C)

PURCHASING FERRY TICKETS
Ferry tickets often sell out a week in advance when the weather is nice. So I encourage you to purchase tickets now. If something comes up last minute, you can cancel your ferry tickets 48 hours in advance for a full refund.

Here are the steps for purchasing the ferry tickets.

1. Go to www.catalinaexpress.com
2. Click on "Book Now"
3. Select "Dana Point -> Avalon"
4. Use the calendar to select "Saturday July 19, 2025"
5. Underneath the calendar, select "9:30am Dana Point -> Avalon"
6. Select 1 adult ticket for $44
7. Fill in your First Name and Last Name
8. Agree to the Cancellation Policies, Travel Policies, and Terms and Conditions
9. Select to park one vehicle for one day ($20) unless you are carpooling with someone else
10. Select "Add to cart"
11. Book your return trip by clicking on "Avalon -> Dana Point"
12. Use the calendar to select "Saturday July 19, 2025"
13. Underneath the calendar, select "5:00pm Avalon -> Dana Point"
14. Select "Add to cart"
15. On the checkout page, confirm that you have selected the correct roundtrip origins, destinations, and dates. (Roundtrip with parking = $116)
16. Fill in the contact details
17. Fill in the payment details
18. Select "Complete and pay"
19. You will immediately receive one email containing your roundtrip tickets