Catalina Island, California, USA

CATALINA ISLAND : Overview

OVERVIEW

Catalina is a beautiful island located off the California coast. Avalon, the main city on Catalina, is a great destination for relaxing out on the beach, shopping, exploring, and people watching. The island does offer wheelchair accessible accommodations.

LANGUAGE

The national language of the United States is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United States is the U.S. dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

CATALINA ISLAND : Logistics

BOAT TRANSPORTATION

Catalina Channel Express: The Express runs out of both Long Beach and San Pedro. There is disabled parking available at both locations. The Express boat takes about one hour, and there are daily departures. According to the website, the newer boats are very accessible, but note that the bathrooms may not be accessible.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about boat transportation for this destination.

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

The Catalina Airport, Airport in the Sky, is only able to accommodate small planes. Therefore, physically challenged travelers are better off accessing Catalina via boat.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about air transportation for this destination.

TAXI

Catalina does have an accessible taxi cab. To obtain a ride, simply use one of the courtesy phones located around town.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about taxi services for this destination.

SHUTTLE

Catalina has an Island Hopper tram that is wheelchair accessible and runs a regular route throughout the town.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about shuttle services for this destination.

CATALINA ISLAND : Accommodations

HOTELS

The older hotels on Catalina Island are less accessible, but there are wheelchair accessible hotels available.

Pavilion Lodge: The Pavilion Lodge is located close to the beach and has wheelchair accessible rooms with roll in showers. For reservations and more information, call: (800) 626-1496.

“The Pavilion Lodge has three rooms with roll-in showers. The rooms are nicely decorated and face the courtyard. The hotel offers a continental breakfast. The courtyard is a nice place to relax and enjoy a book or a pre-dinner cocktail. The hotel staff is extremely helpful.  We really enjoy the baggage delivery service to the dock.  BE AWARE:  Luggage is not delivered to the docking gate.  You will still have to manage to transport your luggage for about 500+ yards to the dock gate. If the front desk offers to make dinner reservations for you be certain they know to mention that you have a wheelchair in your party.” Chris and Jean, 9/28/2009

Add your accessible travel knowledge about hotels for this destination.

LUXURY RESORTS

Add your accessible travel knowledge about luxury resorts for this destination.

CATALINA ISLAND : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

We were not able to locate any wheelchair accessible sightseeing tours on Catalina Island.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about sightseeing tours for this destination.

ACTIVITIES

The Catalina Island Museum: The Catalina Island Museum educates guests on the cultural history of the island. It is wheelchair accessible via a ramp.

The Historic Casino building: The Casino building, which actually isn’t a casino at all, does have an elevator and is wheelchair accessible. The Casino Building hosts special events throughout the year.

Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden: This combination memorial/botanical garden is accessible to the physically challenged traveler. According to the website, persons with disabilities may arrange for assistance when visiting this facility by calling (310) 510-2897.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about activities for this destination.

RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Add your accessible travel knowledge about restaurants or nightlife for this destination.

CATALINA ISLAND : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Catalina Island Medical Center: This medical center serves the population of Catalina Island.

Add your knowledge about medical services or hospitals for this destination.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Brown’s Bikes: Wheelchairs are available for rent through Brown’s Bikes. Please call for more information 310-510-0986.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about medical equipment rentals for this destination.

CATALINA ISLAND : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

During the popular summer months, Catalina Island can get extremely hot during the day, so bring plenty of water and a spray bottle to cool down since there is limited shade on the beach. Always keep your feet off the sand or wear shoes to protect your feet as the sand gets extremely hot (I have burned my feet before).

Popularity: 7% [?]