Santa Catalina Island What to Pack

Luggage and bags: Unless your staying for more than the day, try to only take a beach bag. You don't want to lug it around all day and if you're on a cart there's no where to put them. I ended up buying a mesh beach tote and putting everything in it.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Wear comfortable shoes- you'll be walking a lot. Dress comfortably. Take a light jacket or sweat shirt- the ride to Catalina was chilly enough- I bought a sweatshirt for the ride back.

Photo Equipment: Lots of film- there's a lot to see!

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Sunscreen! When you're driving around you don't realize how hot the sun is!

Luggage and bags: You can't bring your car here, and 80% of hotels are within 300 yards from the ferry terminal. So I would say, don't bring what you can't carry walking 300 yards. Otherwise you will need a taxi or golf cart just to get to your hotel. I usually bring just a backpack for a 3-day stay. Most of things you can get on the island anyway.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Weather is similar to southern California. If your visit is in the summer like most people, no worries about cold or rain, just a light jacket for evening and ferry ride. As to shoes, I usually wear a pair of comfortable flip-flops throughout the trip unless I plan to hike.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: No special need.

Photo Equipment: Camera, of course. If you plan to get wet, bring a waterproof camera. Or, you can buy one of those one-time-use underwater camera here for about a buck more than mainland. All my underwater photos shown on this page were taken by one-time-use.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: The 4 campgrounds here are equipped, and there's a VON's in Avalon to get your food supply. Don't forget sunscreen and visors because most hikes here have no shade.