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Catalina Island offers a compelling vacation getaway from San Diego. With two ferry ports just a short drive away in Orange County, travelers from San Diego can be at Santa Catalina Island in just a couple of hours. Although there is not a Catalina Island ferry from San Diego, Dana Point and Newport Beach offer convenient options.

San Diego is one of California’s most fascinating and populous counties, home to more than three million people. A Catalina Island vacation from San Diego is a perfect option, offering proximity, adventure and relaxation. Public transportation to Catalina Island is available via ferry and helicopter.

  • Catalina Island ferries are available from Dana Point, Newport Beach, Long Beach and San Pedro.
  • Catalina Island helicopter transportation is available from Long Beach and San Pedro.

While residents will find vacationing to Catalina Island from San Diego is a great option for the entire family, adding on the island to a San Diego vacation is also a great option. San Diego, CA offers a multitude of attractions, making it an ideal family vacation destination and Catalina Island is a perfect complement.

  • To reach Catalina Island from San Diego, CA, via Dana Point take the 5 Freeway north to Pacific Coast Highway and head west. Turn left on Dana Point Harbor Drive and left on Golden Lantern Street. Those traveling to Catalina Island can park in the short-term parking lot to purchase their tickets and long-term parking pass, but will need to leave their vehicles in the long-term parking lot before boarding the Catalina Island ferry.
  • To reach Catalina Island from San Diego, CA, via Newport Beach, take the 5 Freeway North to the 55 Freeway south until it turns into Newport Blvd in Newport Beach. Newport Blvd becomes Balboa Blvd as it makes the left turn onto the Balboa Peninsula. At Main Street, turn left to access the Newport Beach ferry terminal.