Beach Photos / California Aerial Photographs

Catalina Island Airport in the Sky is located at an elevation of 1602 feet and contains a 3250 ft. runway for small planes. The airport is managed by The Catalina Island Conservancy. Located in the center of the Island, it serves the helicopter and small plane charters guests can take, saving approximately 30 minutes in water transportation to the island, a trip that takes approximately one hour on high-speed Catamaran regularly scheduled daily journeys.

Built in 1946, the runway required blasting away the tops of two mountains and using the 200,000 truckloads of rock to fill the gap between them. Often closed to traffic due to weather conditions such as fog, the airport includes a small cafe known for its Buffalo Burger.

Air transportation to Catalina Island is by no means the cheapest method of travel.  In addition to the expense of flying and airport fees, guests must take a shuttle into town.  The Airport Shuttle Bus to Avalon (310-510-0143) provides transportation on a regular basis. Buses leave the airport at 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. The last bus for the airport leaves Avalon at 5:30 pm daily. The cost of a round-trip is normally under $25.


General information number for the airport and terminal is (310) 510-0143. Call 800-255-8700 for weather information.

The Runway Cafe, with both indoor and outdoor seating, is open from 8:30 am until 4 pm daily. Try the famous buffalo burgers! Call 310-510-2196 for info.
Catalina Island Nature Center is a open-air exhibit about the flora and fauna of the Island, its geology, and the history of its early inhabitants. It's run by the Catalina Island Conservancy. There is a lovely garden featuring native Catalina plants and cacti, and showing all five of the Island's native plant communities.

Catalina Safari Shuttle Bus provides transportation from the airport to the village of Two Harbors (14 miles) stopping along the way at Little Harbor campground. Buses run twice daily in the summer leaving the airport at 12:15 am and at 6:15 pm. Call 310-510-7265 for additional information.


Catalina Island Airport is 10 miles from Avalon, connected by a picturesque paved road that follows the ridge. There are several closer destinations for a walk. Try the beaches at Rippers Cove (4-1/2 miles, steep descent) and at Little Harbor (7 miles), where there is also a campground. The nearest campground is Black Jack Camp (3-3/4 miles). Camping on Catalina Island is permitted only in officially designated areas. Hiking permits and biking permits are required for either activity in the interior of the Island and are available at the airport.