Holiday rentals and lettings in Santa Catalina

Situated 30 miles southwest of Long Beach, California, Santa Catalina Island is the southernmost of the Channel Islands. The 22-mile-long island boasts a year-round Mediterranean climate, making it a great holiday destination any time of the year. Santa Catalina is home to a rich and fascinating history, stunning clear water bays, and beautiful natural landscapes. Spend your holiday here swimming at the beaches, browsing boutique shops, and indulging in delicious fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. It’s a popular holiday choice for couples, families, and outdoor lovers seeking to explore a lesser known gem in Southern California.

Treat yourself to a memorable holiday on Santa Catalina island with a holiday rental suited perfectly to your preferences. Holiday rentals and lettings come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and features, with a little something for every type of traveller. Stay in a letting in the heart of Avalon, Santa Catalina’s main town, where you can easily walk to beaches, shops, and restaurants just a few minutes away from your rental. Opt for a holiday rental with a private balcony and tranquil views of the water. Oversized properties are available for families and large groups, while couples can choose from a variety of smaller, more intimate options. Holiday rentals in Santa Catalina are well-equipped with modern amenities, plush furnishings, and customized features to ensure your comfort throughout your stay. With such excellent holiday rental options to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for your holiday in Santa Catalina!

Santa Catalina can be accessed by ferry or aeroplane from Los Angeles County. There are numerous passenger ferries which regularly depart from Long Beach, San Pedro, Newport Beach, and Dana Point. On average, it takes around an hour and a half to reach the island from the mainland via ferry. There are no commercial flights available to the island, but there is a small airport for people who will arrive via private plane. You can also access the island via helicopter, which is surprisingly popular, and takes around 15 minutes and costs around $130.

There are not many cars on Catalina Island, and hiring a car is not necessary or recommended for holidaymakers here. The most popular way of getting around is via a golf cart hire which are available at daily and hourly rates. Hiring bicycles is a practical way of getting around the island, too. The island’s main town, Avalon, is walkable and can easily be explored on foot.

Santa Catalina is a unique and memorable place for a family holiday. Enjoy a family visit to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden which is one of the island’s top attractions. Here you can enjoy a lovely and fairly easy walk through a small canyon which leads to an art deco memorial and a botanical garden centre. Browse the collection of rare plants, cacti, and succulents as you enjoy the stunning natural scenery.

Couples can enjoy numerous romantic activity options around the island. Go for a leisurely walk along the Green Pier where you can enjoy stunning views and stop by the Visitor’s Centre to inquire about activities and tours. Also, grab a cup of coffee and some freshly baked American-style cookies at Catalina Coffee & Cookie Company.

There are four beaches for visitors to enjoy in and around Avalon on Catalina Island. Middle Beach is the most popular with its central location near the main harbour. The shores of the beach are lined with lovely shops, and it’s an excellent beach for strolling and sunbathing. Descanso Beach is another favourite with its palm-tree lined shores and clear, calm waters which are perfect for swimming. You can rent loungers and cabanas here. Step Beach boasts a scenic bay area dotted with sailboats and yachts, as well as a designated area for swimming. The powdery white shores of South Beach are perfect for leisurely walks and sunbathing, plus, you can enjoy stunning views from here.

One of the best ways to explore Avalon and the rest of the island is by bicycle. You can hire bicycles from a variety of bike shops in the centre of Avalon, which offer daily and hourly rates. Explore harbours, charming streets, seaside pathways, and more! The entire island is bikeable, and many ambitious travellers even come here to cycle the entire 45-mile circumference of the island.

Treat yourself to a scenic waterfront meal at one of the many top-rated restaurants in Avalon. Bluewater Avalon is a classy bistro serving fresh seafood dishes and craft cocktails in an ambient waterfront outdoor dining area with pretty views of the Green Pier. Or, pop by Descanso Beach Restaurant during your visit to Descanso Beach where you can enjoy a top-rated food menu paired with relaxing views of the water.

One of the best ways to experience the island is from the water! Santa Catalina Island is a popular place for water sports, and you can enjoy a wide variety of them here. Hire glass-bottom boats, kayaks, canoes, or stand-up-paddleboards and leisurely explore the coastline. For a more active water adventure, opt for jet ski hires or parasailing. Lover’s Cove is an excellent place for scuba diving and snorkelling with its crystal clear waters and abundance of marine life.

The centre of Avalon is a delightful area to explore on foot. You’ll find a variety of shops lining the streets selling everything from clothing, to souvenirs, to jewellery, boutique items, and more! Also, be sure to take a photo alongside the stunning colourful mosaic Cabrillo Fountain in the heart of the town.