Day trip: Catalina Island from Hyatt Regency Long Beach
Yes — you can do a Catalina Island day trip from Hyatt Regency Long Beach. The Catalina Express terminal is at Catalina Landing across the street from the hotel, with about a one-hour ferry to Avalon and multiple departures each day, making a same-day round trip practical if you take an early ferry.
In this guide
Where to catch the Catalina ferry from the hotel
Hyatt Regency Long Beach sits on the waterfront at 200 S Pine Ave adjacent to Rainbow Harbor; the Catalina Express departures for Avalon leave from the Catalina Landing terminal in downtown Long Beach, directly across the street/near the hotel area.
Walkable access means you can get from the hotel entrance to the ferry terminal on foot; if you prefer, ask the concierge about the hotel's Passport Shuttle or a quick drop-off point for luggage.
- Hotel address: 200 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
- Ferry terminal: Catalina Landing (Downtown Long Beach)
- Ask concierge for directions or a short shuttle/ride suggestion
| From Hyatt Regency Long Beach | To |
|---|---|
| Front entrance / lobby | Catalina Landing terminal (walk or short ride) |
| Ask concierge | Passport Shuttle info or taxi suggestion |
| Luggage stored with front desk (ask ahead) | Terminal check-in |
Ferry timing and what to expect on the crossing
The Catalina Express crossing from Long Beach to Avalon takes about one hour each way. Multiple departures run from Long Beach daily, so an early outbound ferry and a late return make a day trip feasible.
On the ferry you’ll have basic seating, restroom access, and outdoor decks on many sailings. If you need specific accommodations (mobility, large items), check Catalina Express policies and buy tickets in advance.
- Approximate crossing time: about 1 hour each way
- Book tickets early for peak season or holiday weekends
- Confirm boarding time, baggage rules and any accessibility requests with Catalina Express before travel
| Item | Advice |
|---|---|
| Seats | General seating; arrive early for a preferred spot |
| Baggage | Check carrier rules; pack light for a day trip |
| Timing | Early ferry outbound / later return fits a same-day visit |
A practical half-day or full-day itinerary for Avalon
If you arrive in Avalon mid-morning, start with a walk along the waterfront and Crescent Avenue for shops and cafes. Popular short activities include a guided island tour, visiting the Catalina Island Museum, or renting a golf cart to explore farther along the coast.
For lunch choose a waterfront restaurant or casual spot on Crescent Avenue. Allow time in the afternoon for a beach or harbor activity (snorkel, glass-bottom boat, or a short hike) before returning to the ferry terminal for your trip back.
- Morning: stroll Avalon waterfront, visit local shops and the museum
- Midday: lunch on Crescent Avenue or a harbor-side cafe
- Afternoon: short outdoor activity (walk, beach time, boat tour) then return to terminal
| Time | Suggested activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Arrive, explore Crescent Ave & waterfront |
| Midday | Lunch and short tour or beach stop |
| Afternoon | Return to ferry terminal for scheduled departure |
Back at Hyatt Regency Long Beach: amenities to use after your trip
After the ferry return, you can rinse off and relax at the hotel's heated outdoor pool and whirlpool (open 6 a.m.–11 p.m. year-round). Poolside cabanas are available for full-day rental and a Pool Bar operates from a converted vintage VW bus for drinks and light refreshments.
If you prefer dry comforts, Market | Bar offers coffee, pastries and California-style small plates, and the hotel's 24-hour StayFit fitness center (with Peloton bikes) is near the pool if you want a workout.
- Heated outdoor pool hours: 6 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Pool features: sun deck, whirlpool/hot tub, fire pit, cabana rentals
- Dining: Market | Bar (breakfast 6 a.m.–11 p.m.; Bar 1 p.m.–11 p.m.), Pool Bar hours vary
| On-site option | Quick note |
|---|---|
| Pool & whirlpool | Open year-round 6 a.m.–11 p.m. |
| Market | Bar | All-day coffee, pastries, meals and cocktails |
| StayFit fitness center | Open 24/7 with Life Fitness equipment and 2 Peloton bikes |
Luggage, rooms and returning late
If you plan to leave luggage at the hotel while you take the ferry, ask the front desk about luggage storage and any timing restrictions. Hyatt Regency Long Beach requires a photo ID and credit card at check-in; the minimum check-in age is 18.
Room options include Room, Room (Shower), Studio Suite, Harbor View, Suite (Regency), Room, Corner (Harbor View), Room, Harbor View (High Floor) and Room (Partial Beach View). If you’re returning late, confirm check-in and late-arrival policies with the front desk.
- Front desk can advise on luggage storage — ask before you depart
- Room names you can book: Room; Room (Shower); Studio Suite, Harbor View; Suite (Regency); Room, Corner (Harbor View); Room, Harbor View (High Floor); Room (Partial Beach View)
- Minimum check-in age: 18; guests need photo ID and a credit card at arrival
| Need | Hotel action |
|---|---|
| Store luggage for day trip | Ask front desk for storage |
| Late return to hotel | Front desk is staffed 24 hours; notify if arriving after midnight |
| Want water view | All guestrooms are listed as offering water views |
Practical tips and timing considerations
Ferries and island activities can be busier on weekends and in summer. If your schedule is tight, book an early outbound ferry and reserve a later return ticket, and buy any Avalon tours or rentals (golf carts, boat trips) ahead of time.
Check the weather and sea conditions day-of; Long Beach summer and early fall are typically clearest. Also confirm any fees you may face (parking, shuttle, breakfast) with the hotel before you travel.
- Book Catalina Express tickets and island activities in advance when possible
- Bring a light jacket for the ferry — ocean wind can be cool even when land is warm
- Confirm hotel parking, shuttle and bag-storage details with the concierge
- Peak season: early June through mid-October tends to be busiest
| If you have time for only one thing | Do this |
|---|---|
| A short Avalon visit | Stroll Crescent Avenue and the waterfront |
| Want a guided option | Book a short island tour or boat trip in advance |
| Travel with family | Plan kid-friendly activities and confirm ferry policies for young riders |
