Bringing your dog to Catalina Island seems simple until you run into the fine print that nobody talks about. Pet friendly? Mostly. Hassle free? Not exactly. The island has plenty of trails, patios, and hotels that welcome dogs, but there are rules and limits that can catch you off guard. We broke it all down so you do not end up guessing once you are off the ferry. This is the guide every dog owner needs before planning a trip to Catalina.
Best Dog-Friendly Lodging On Catalina Island
If you’re planning a trip to Catalina Island and don’t want to leave your furry friend behind, you’re in luck!
There are a number of dog-friendly places to stay on the island that will gladly welcome you and your four-legged companion. Here are the best-rated options:
🛌 Budget-Friendly: Avalon Cottage
This pet-friendly cottage has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and is decorated in a classic style. There’s a front porch with street views and a private backyard.
The cottage also includes a washer & dryer and allows dogs weighing less than 40 pounds. It can accommodate a maximum of 6 people. The cottage is close to the beach, shops, and restaurants in Avalon. It’s a great deal for its price.
🛌 Mid-Scale: Beachside Vacation Home
Just 2 blocks from the beach, this 2-bedroom 2-bath vacation home can accommodate up to 6 people and offers a great view from every room.
The vacation home has a kitchen that’s fully equipped with modern appliances, and the living room has a 65″ smart TV and an electric fireplace. The outdoor patio has a BBQ grill and LED lighted umbrella for outdoor dining.
🛌 Lux: Eagle’s Nest
Rated 10/10 for having the best panoramic view of Avalon, the Eagle’s Nest offers a fully renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom villa and an expansive terrace with a spa for up to 7 guests.
The villa is equipped with fast Wi-Fi, smart TVs, brand-new appliances, and a patio garden. The villa is just a short walk or golf cart ride away from the beach and town.
Dog-Friendly Camping On Catalina Island
Camping with your furry friend can be a fun and exciting experience, and Catalina Island has 3 campgrounds that welcome dogs:
🏕️ Parson’s Landing
The beachfront campground is located in a secluded area that can only be reached by foot or kayak.
It offers 8 campsites with beach access and chemical toilets, but no water supply or ranger on site.
You can have fires in designated fire rings and purchase lockers with water, firewood, and a starter through Visitor Services. To obtain the locker key, visitors must pick it up in Two Harbors.
🏕️ Little Harbor
Little Harbor offers a stunning ocean view and has been named the “Best Campground in the West” by Sunset magazine. It’s located on the other end of the island.
The campground features 26 sites, with amenities including beach access, potable water, chemical toilets, and some shade structures.
Plus, cold showers are available, and fires are allowed in designated fire rings. You can purchase firewood from Visitor Services, and a ranger is present on-site to assist campers.
🏕️ BlackJack
With its location atop the highest point on the island, the campground provides spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding hills and canyons.
There are 10 sites available, along with potable water, chemical toilets, and cold outdoor showers.
Open fires are not permitted, and there is no ranger stationed at the campground. But, you can find a restaurant 2 miles away at Airport-in-the-Sky.
Best Dog-Friendly Activities On Catalina Island
🐕 Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon
This tour allows you to explore the major highlights of the Avalon area. You’ll see landmarks like the Catalina Casino, Pebbly Beach, and the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden.
This tour offers a personalized way to see more attractions in 2 hours. And your dog can hop onto the golf cart with you!
🐕 Avalon Kids & Dog Park
This park is a great place for dogs to socialize and play. The park is clean and well-maintained, with ample space for dogs to run and play off-leash. The park is located on Avalon Canyon Rd.
🐕 Trans-Catalina Trail
The Trans-Catalina Trail is a popular hiking trail that stretches for 38.5 miles. Hike as few or as many miles as you’d like on this trail. Avoid hiking when it’s very hot or in the afternoon; there is very little shade on the trail.
This trail takes hikers through the island’s stunning landscapes, including rugged hills, pristine beaches, and lush forests.
The trail offers hikers the opportunity to experience the island’s unique wildlife, such as bison and foxes, as well as its rich history and culture.
Dogs are allowed on all parts of the trail except at the Two Harbors and Hermit Gulch campgrounds. They must be on a leash when hiking the trail. There are some uneven and harsh areas on the trail.
🐕 Two Harbors
Two Harbors is dog-friendly as dogs are allowed on the beaches and around the town of Two Harbors. You can hike a dog-friendly hiking trail, walk the coastline or swim with your furry friend.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants On Catalina Island
🍽️ El Galleon
El Galleon is a seafood and steakhouse located in the heart of Avalon. It offers an extensive menu featuring seafood, steak, pasta, and more.
The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and offers indoor and outdoor seating options. Plus you can sign karaoke here!
🍽️ Bluewater Grill
Bluewater Grill is a highly recommended seafood restaurant in Avalon, situated on the site of the former SS Catalina Ferry dock.
The restaurant offers breathtaking waterfront views of the beach, harbor, and casino. They have extensive outdoor patios that are pet-friendly and perfect for groups.
🍽️ Buffalo Nickel
Buffalo Nickel is a popular restaurant known for its blend of Mexican and classic American cuisine.
It is famous for its signature Buffalo Burgers and Buffalo Milk, among its extensive menu of 75 dishes and over 60 drinks. Operating since the 1980s, it is one of the oldest restaurants on the island.
Where are Dogs Not Allowed On Catalina Island
Dogs aren’t allowed in the following areas on Catalina Island:
❌ Public beaches in Avalon
❌ Green Pleasure Pier
❌ Cabrillo Mole ferry terminal
❌ Paved areas on lower Sumner and lower Catalina
❌ Crescent Avenue between Metropole and Clarissa
❌ Certain shops and restaurants (check for any signs before entering)
❌ Avalon boardwalks
❌ Two Harbors boardwalks
❌ All campgrounds except Parson’s Landing, Little Harbors and BlackJack
Best Way To Get To Catalina Island: Catalina Express Ferry
⛴️ By Ferry
Taking the ferry is the best way to get to Catalina Island and while Catalina Express allows pets on the ferry, Catalina Flyer doesn’t.
Catalina Express only allows 1 pet per traveler for the safety of other pets and travelers on the ferry.
While pets are allowed on the ferry, Catalina Express’s pet policy states that they must be in a pet carrier or wear a muzzle – even emotional support animals.
The ferry asks that you bring a leash when traveling with service dogs. Read more about their pet policies.
🚁 By Helicopter
If you’re worried about getting seasick, you can choose to fly from mainland California to Catalina Island via Maverick Helicopters.
They allow dogs on their helicopters but make sure to read their Pet Policy on their FAQ page before booking.
How To Get Around Catalina Island
The best way to tour Catalina Island is to book a golf cart tour! If you’re not interested in touring in a golf cart, you can rent one at either of these two golf cart rental shops:
🏌️ Catalina Island Golf Cart Rental
🏌️ Island Golf Cart Rentals
Both companies allow dogs in their golf carts (we called them up to confirm!)
👣 By Foot
The cheapest way to explore this island is by walking around. The island’s size is only 76 square miles. Plus you get to walk your dog!
🚕 Taxi
If you’re looking for an alternative option to Uber or Lyft, you can take a taxi from Catalina Transportation Services.
You’ll find taxis as you exit the ferry terminal and the taxi stand (where Metropole Avenue meets Crescent Avenue). Dogs are allowed in the taxis as well.
Uber or Lyft isn’t available on the island due to regulations on the limit of vehicles on the island. Plus, you can’t drive your car on Catalina Island since the island is very small and cars aren’t allowed. There’s a 25-year waiting list to have your car on the island.
Avalon or Two Harbors: Which Is Better For Dogs?
Both Avalon and Two Harbors are dog-friendly destinations on Catalina Island, but each has its own unique characteristics and restrictions.
Avalon is more developed and has more amenities such as shops, restaurants, and hotels that welcome dogs. But the town can be more crowded and busy, which may be overwhelming for some dogs.
Two Harbors, on the other hand, is a smaller and quieter town that is more secluded and peaceful, making it a great destination for dogs who prefer a more relaxed environment. But there are fewer options for dog-friendly accommodations, shops, and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, dogs are allowed on Catalina Island. There are certain areas where dogs aren’t allowed on the island but the majority of outdoor areas are dog-friendly.
Yes, you can bring your dogs to Avalon. There are certain boardwalks, hotels, and restaurants where dogs aren’t allowed.
Yes, Two Harbors is dog-friendly. Dogs must be leashed and are allowed on the beaches and in the town but not the Two Harbors Campground.
Dogs can travel to Catalina Island on the Catalina Express ferry, which allows 1 pet per traveler. Or private boats and yachts can also transport dogs to the island but check with the marina or boat company for their specific pet policy.
Yes, you can live on Catalina Island. There are different residential options, including apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes in Avalon.
While it’s not mandatory to carry passports to go to Catalina Island and there aren’t any immigration checks, it’s best to carry a government-issued identification like a driver’s license, Real ID, or passport in case of emergencies.
Yes, Catalina Island is definitely worth it! There is so much untouched natural beauty and lifetime tours to do on this island. Plus it’s more accessible and cheaper to get to Catalina for island life compared to other island destinations.
Final Thoughts
We hope this post provides all the info you need on bringing your dog to Catalina Island, including the best dog-friendly accommodations, camping options, things to do, restaurants, and other helpful tips. Looking for another dog-friendly post? Check out these best San Diego hikes with dogs.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
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Cheapest Way To Get To Catalina Island
Renting A Golf Cart On Catalina Island
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