The Vibrant Yet Serene California Island Where Marilyn Monroe Lived

For fans of the iconic Marilyn Monroe, Southern California is a cultural mecca steeped in history and glamour. Explore Hollywood on a Marilyn-themed tour, cruise past the Beverly Hills home she shared with Joe DiMaggio, or enjoy cocktails poolside at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, which is allegedly haunted by the star. If you’re keen to relax, a short ferry ride will take you to Santa Catalina Island—often just referred to as Catalina—where a young Marilyn once found solace.

Located 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles, Santa Catalina is part of the Channel Islands archipelago. Known for its stunning landscapes, charming architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, the island features just two towns, with Avalon taking the spotlight as the picturesque hub. Visitors are greeted by pastel-colored houses, palm-dotted hills, and hidden coves boasting crystal-clear waters.

Today, it’s a quick getaway; high-speed ferries can whisk you away in about an hour, while helicopters can cut that time down to just 15 minutes. Marilyn Monroe’s journeys to Catalina were less expedient, but as her biographers note, the travel was always worthwhile. Time spent on Catalina was perhaps some of the happiest in her tumultuous life.

Follow Marilyn’s Footsteps on Catalina

Marilyn’s connection to the island began long before her rise to fame. In 1943, she arrived as Norma Jeane Mortensen, a young bride whose husband, James Dougherty, was stationed at a military base during World War II. They lived together on Catalina for a year until their marriage dissolved in 1946. To learn more about this unique piece of history, stop by the Catalina Island Museum for Art & History, where exhibitions shed light on her time there (open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission $12).

Just a short walk from the ferry terminal, the museum is conveniently located near the bungalow Marilyn reportedly shared with Dougherty at 310 Metropole Avenue. As you make your way back to the harbor, don’t miss Lloyd’s of Avalon, a classic candy shop where Monroe held a part-time job. In operation since 1941, it’s still a delightful stop for saltwater taffy, fudge, and caramel apples—treats that have changed little since her time behind the counter.

Continue your walking tour along the waterfront to the historic Catalina Casino. This Art Deco landmark, opened in 1929, offers stunning views of the town and harbor. Its grand ballroom was a favorite dance venue for a young Marilyn, where she enjoyed elegant evenings filled with music. Step inside to admire the hand-painted murals and the original theater, which houses a pipe organ—a unique glimpse into Catalina’s storied past.

Plan a Trip to Santa Catalina Island

While Marilyn enjoyed dancing and working in the town’s candy shop, both she and Dougherty cherished Catalina’s breathtaking natural beauty. “I have sweet memories of our time in Catalina,” he wrote in a 2001 memoir, reminiscing about their exploration of the island. “The homes dotted about were soft pastels… Catalina was a paradise for us.” Follow their footsteps to Lover’s Cove, known as the island’s most romantic spot with an underwater garden and picturesque sunset views.

Getting to Avalon is simple via the Catalina Express, with routes from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. Round-trip fares typically cost around $94 for adults and $75 for kids. Booking in advance is wise, and online reservations are available. Alternatively, the Catalina Flyer provides a similar service from Newport Beach at a comparable price. For those who prefer speed, Maverick Helicopters flies from Long Beach (15 minutes) and Santa Monica Airport (25 minutes), with flights starting around $200 per person.

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