We often fly to Catalina airport by fixed wing aircrafts or helicopters. Preferably the UH-1H Huey. For some reason every time we flew there in the Huey coming from the north end of the Island descending onto Catalina Airport it feels just like how my dad flew his birds to Pleiku Air Base in 1969. The view from the sky looks exactly like Pleiku Air Base in a way. Surrounded by a dense green environment. When you're flying fixed wing the landing feels almost like you're in the 1990 film called "Air America" starring Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. Landing at the top of the mountain. PRETTY EPIC!!! The airport of the sky is probably the most secluded airport in the world and the most low traffic airport. Almost every time we flew there it's either only us or if we're lucky we'll see one to two aircrafts. The land fee is $25 is which a total bargain to fly into the most epic airport in California. Airport of The Sky restaurant. They're a bit overpriced than most of the restaurants you'll ever eat in the mainly since everything they serve has to be shipped over to the island either by plane or boat. The food is absolutely delicious though prepared homemade style by the most family friendly staff there is. We all love eating there indefinitely. I think by far the most delicious burgers and tacos I ever had in most restaurants in Orange County were from this restaurant. Buffalo burgers are on everyone's favorite list. It's a MUST TRY when you're at The Airport of The Sky restaurant. :) When you're already here you can either take a bus shuttle to the main city Avalon or to Two Harbors the other side of Catalina Island. Or you can try walking but it is EXTREMELY far to hike yourself back to the city. read more

This airport is the coolest airport to fly into! Quite literally an airport in the sky, located on the top of a mountain on catalina island, the runway can appear to be floating. Enjoy landing here in a sunny day (it does close at 5pm so make arrangements or you're spending the night!) there is a nice airport loop trail where you can sometimes catch bison. The restaurant had decent food, the gift shop has cool merchandise and snacks for hikers, pilots, guests and tourists who stop here on the wildlife tour of the island. There's a fire place for cooler days and the option to camp if you're a conservancy member. You can also grab a shuttles a few times a day down to avalon but it's a bumpy ride. Have met the airport manager, Carl and he's lovely! read more

See all

This airport sightseeing place is in the interior so tourists would need a real car or go on a tour. Our friend was nice enough to take us here. It was fun minus the excessive heat and sun. It's basically just a plane hangar and some small planes on the field. A store for snack food, cold drinks and souvenirs. The Catalina stone map thing was the best cause it's a very detailed map of the entire island. I was surprised that we really made a long journey from Avalon bay to here! A small garden in the back which was nice and informative. The black outdoor cat was so chill and wasn't afraid of ppl at all. I just hoped that he had a shelter somewhere cause it gets cold at night. It was a fun trip to this airport in the middle of nowhere. It's not a bad idea to visit at least once. read more

See all

When you're exhausted from hiking, Airport in the Sky is the nourishment you need! The bison burger is so good! The fries melt in your mouth. I have been coming here for 3 years and it seems like the food gets better every year. Make sure you stop if you're hiking the trans-Catalina trail. Get a cookie to go so you can enjoy by the campfire. The service here is the best on the island. Every single person was super helpful and accommodating. I also charged my phone while I ate. And they have beer on tap. I daydream about this burger when I'm on the mainland. Thank you airport in the sky for a great memory! read more

See all

Super cool small airport in Avalon on Catalina Island. We flew in on our private plane and the runway is literally in the sky on top of the mountain. We easily found parking despite it being a weekend day. The airport does charge a $25 fee for usage but quite reasonable. There's a small cafe inside the airport and a small gift shop. You can get a bus service to the main tourist area of Avalon from this airport. We decided to have lunch here and get the buffalo burger! That was really delicious and reasonably priced. Came with salad as well. Very cute place! read more

See all

Nicest people you'd ever meet! Pilots fly over for their Buffalo Burgers. We take the tour or shuttle up for aviation related souvenirs, from hats and T shirts to coasters and jackets. But do try the cookies...... they're kinda addictive.. read more

Airport in the Sky - Airports Near Me - Avalon, California

Well what can I say all you pilots that have bought conservancy cards or Aero Club cards this last year. You're not going to get to use a month to 2 months of it. I just got off the phone with the conservancy to find out what if anything are they going to do about this time period that the pandemic lock down took away from us on our memberships. I'm being told that they have decided tough luck even though all it would take is changing a date in a computer and adding what ever was missing. We're being told to suck it up and just conceder it a donation to the cause. That should be my choice not theirs ! WOW !! Is this anyway to get more people to donate to the conservancy? I have to say that left a bad taste in my mouth, I for one have bought my last conservancy Aero Club card. And will probably visit Catalina Island fewer times now which means less that I will spend in their economy. This is what happens when the all mighty dollar means more to you than the people. read more

Airport in the Sky - Airports Near Me - Avalon, California

Easy to find! After biking 10 miles of "up" to reach this place, I felt like a needed a tall drink of water, beer, wine, & a fresh salad. My friends all ordered bison burger -5 star - they said and some ordered another to take to their camp site to eat for dinner. Bean burger patty- I liked this very much -- it was crumbled on my salad. I ordered 3 wine little bottles and a Coke Zero plastic bottle. Cute trinkets inside the store/ cafe. Lots of hikers and tourists who drove or hiked up. We were a party of 10, plenty of space still available on a Friday at 11:30 ish. It was also cool to see the cargo trucks and hanger. Bathrooms clean and large stalls. They call your name when your food is ready, so don't wear your ear buds and think you're going to get served. Coffee creamer available if you ask. I've eaten here 6 times now- all bike rides back and forth from 2 harbors to Avalon, Avalon to little harbor. Etc etc... this is a good place to stop just for refreshments. Water fill spigot in the back. Or you can buy bottled water. read more

See all

Would not have visited here if the exciting Cape Canton Hummer off-road tour hadn't brought us. That said, super glad that it's on the tour! We split a DC-3 Bison burger (provolone, chipotle sauce ... I'd add onion) and a salad which were both tasty and reasonably priced. We heard the gigantic cookies are awesome but we were still so full from our free breakfast had to skip desert. The views are also beautiful and there is a cute gift shop as well. read more

Airport in the Sky - Airports Near Me - Avalon, California

See all

Trans Catalina Trail- day 2. Best burritos in town! Bison breakfast burritos are sooo delicious! read more

Airport in the Sky - Airports Near Me - Avalon, California

See all

Buffalo burger is a must try! Gift shop is perfect for Holiday shopping...can't leave without a killer cookie!

Great place to stop and have some lunch. Enjoy a nice cold beer. Enjoy the view the wildlife it's peaceful enjoy the fireplace. Sit and talk with your friends, friendly people, enjoyable service. read more

Some friends and I stopped in for a bison burger and beer while hiking. The guy at the counter had us rolling in laughter. Pretty sure his previous gig was in the DJ booth at the roller rink. This place is a must stop on the trail. Plus one less meal to pack. read more

A must-stop if you are hiking the Trans-Catalina Trails and are in need to get some great food, water, and to charge your phone. the customer service was amazing and very inviting by allowing us to recover here after hiking 7 miles. read more

The Airport-in-the-Sky is probably the most wonderful airport in the world. You literally fly over the ocean and land on a mountaintop! Though pilots consider the takeoffs and landings here to be challenging, it is a spectacular place to arrive or depart from. Perched 1602 feet above the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island's Airport-In-The-Sky is built between two mountain peeks in the interior of the island.. The asphalt-paved, 3250-ft. runway can handle aircraft up to and including DC-3. Mainly small private planes use the runway. The Airport also has a nice little restaurant- the Buffalo Springs Station Restaurant. There is a gift shop, historical displays, beautiful native plant gardens, a Nature Center, scenic vistas, tiled fountains and a great hiking trail. If you take the Inland Motor Tour of the island, it will stop here at the Airport for a brief visit. Shuttle service is available between the Airport and Avalon. The ten-mile drive takes approximately 25 minutes and goes down some steep, hair-raising turns to reach town. Built in 1946, landings are restricted to daylight hours from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. from mid-April to mid-October and until 5 p.m. the rest of the year. The landing fee if you fly in is $20 per plane with an overnight tiedown charge of $5. Even if you are not inclined to fly over to Catalina, don't miss the opportunity to visit this most beautiful and scenic airport in the sky. read more

See all

We often fly to Catalina airport by fixed wing aircrafts or helicopters. Preferably the UH-1H Huey. For some reason every time we flew there in the Huey coming from the north end of the Island descending onto Catalina Airport it feels just like how my dad flew his birds to Pleiku Air Base in 1969. The view from the sky looks exactly like Pleiku Air Base in a way. Surrounded by a dense green environment. When you're flying fixed wing the landing feels almost like you're in the 1990 film called "Air America" starring Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. Landing at the top of the mountain. PRETTY EPIC!!! The airport of the sky is probably the most secluded airport in the world and the most low traffic airport. Almost every time we flew there it's either only us or if we're lucky we'll see one to two aircrafts. The land fee is $25 is which a total bargain to fly into the most epic airport in California. Airport of The Sky restaurant. They're a bit overpriced than most of the restaurants you'll ever eat in the mainly since everything they serve has to be shipped over to the island either by plane or boat. The food is absolutely delicious though prepared homemade style by the most family friendly staff there is. We all love eating there indefinitely. I think by far the most delicious burgers and tacos I ever had in most restaurants in Orange County were from this restaurant. Buffalo burgers are on everyone's favorite list. It's a MUST TRY when you're at The Airport of The Sky restaurant. :) When you're already here you can either take a bus shuttle to the main city Avalon or to Two Harbors the other side of Catalina Island. Or you can try walking but it is EXTREMELY far to hike yourself back to the city. read more

I fell in love with this airport. I never thought it possible to fall in love with a place but strangely I did with the surroundings, peacefulness, openness, and feel of this place. Landing here was supposed to be the most difficult landing a pilot could expect. However, it wasn't bad at all. My co-pilot did most of the landing but it didn't feel bad at all. Yes, the runway could be extended but it was still just fine. There's 25$ landing fee, which I didn't have to pay as flight school covered it. The food is not great but just okay. They supposedly have Buffalo Burger but I didn't try it. They sell all kinds of Avalon souvenirs as well. The view is magnificent and it's such nice and secluded place. It is so peaceful away from all noise pollution. The tower is not in service so pilots land and take off without having to wait forever for clearance Happy landing! read more

Airport in the Sky - Nice and Secluded - Airports Near Me - Avalon, California

Flew the Skyhawk into Catalina Island and fell in love. The landing fee was about 25 bucks at the airport. The view is amazing and you can grab a bite to eat before you hike around the area. There is a little restaurant inside the gift shop at the airport. They have a pretty decent food selection. The buffalo burgers are so delicious. I still crave it till this day. It's pricey but it's worth every bite. I can't wait to go back! read more

See all

Flying to Catalina is so fun! I definitely prefer it to taking the ferry. This airport staff has always been very accommodating and friendly. Whether you need information, a shuttle, or food, you can count on the Airport in the Sky. Shuttles to and from Avalon or Twin Harbors are available for a (relatively pricey) fee. However, the alternative is walking/biking several hours down VERY rugged terrain. The ride usually includes very close encounters with the local buffalo herds and beautiful views all around. (For those interested in rally racing, you MUST take a look at these roads. Pure gravel hairpin heaven! It's a shame that they can't hold races here. :P) There is a restaurant and giftshop available while you are waiting for a shuttle. The menu is relatively limited, but all of the food is good. There is both adequate indoor and outdoor seating. Sometimes you can see foxes scurrying about from the little patio. If you park your plane/helicopter there, I believe you get a free (huge) cookie of your choice with a purchase of $10 or more. The gift shop has lots of souvenirs for infants and children. There is outerwear and jewelry for adults, as well as typical magnet and shot glass kind of gifts. Public restrooms are clean and just down the hall from the restaurant seating. If you so choose, you can take a walk down the few trails outside of the airport and see the historic facts of Catalina. There are little placards posted on the marked trail. It's a very pleasant place to visit. read more

Airport in the Sky - Airports Near Me - Avalon, California

If you're coming to Catalina for shopping, dining and beach going, then this probably isn't going to make it on your to-do list. Yes, it's a bumpy (but spectacularly scenic) road and it takes about 40 min each way but it's also the most prominent point on the island which allows for spectacular vistas back toward the So Cal shores and mountains. The cafe offers a great selection of home-cooked specialties, including their signature buffalo burger. As there may be some roaming nearby, be sure to eat first or you may not have the heart to order one. The gift shop is worth visiting, as is the quaint nature center on the patio but if you have time, take the 3 mile trail around the airport for some views of the island that are one of a kind. Bison? Yes there are and you may be lucky enough to see and photograph one that often lurks on the south end of the airport. read more

Airport in the Sky - A Catalina local grazing near the Airport in the Sky Cafe - Airports Near Me - Avalon, California

This Airport is so nice .management system of this airport is so relaxing, Excellent. Outside looking is very marvellous. Super cool small airport. The airport does charge but quite reasonable. The view is amazing and u can grave a bite to eat before u hike around the area. The best airport in southern California .the facilities are minimal. read more

This review is from a bucket list landing in August, 2019. Flew the 182 there from Tucson just to say I did it, and to evaluate the new concrete runway,. Landing fee is now $35.00 and on certain days single engine props must park in the dirt. The brand new runway is the worst I've ever landed on. It's very bumpy, as it the taxiway. It's like it was dont by community volunteers with. O knowledge of construction. My home airport was just repaved with asphalt and it is smooth. It was done by pros, not Habitat for Airports. The grounds around the " tower" are in need of some landscaping. read more

Happy birthday to me out with my honey we are at the cutes Lottie eatery the tacos are good and don't for get to get the cookies it's so beautiful up here you must come to Catalina read more

Very cool place to visit. The peanut butter chocolate chip cookie was absolutely amazing! Wish they had milk too! We were there for only a few minutes but enjoyed the warm cooking and some of the interpretive plaques in and around the building. read more

(Sing like Jim Morrison) Airport in the sky Airport in the sky Airport in the sky This ole boy and his girl went riding out one sunny and windy day Upon a ridge they rested as they went along their way When all at once a mighty herd of tourist they did see A-plowing through the bustling gift shop, heading right for me Their pales legs were pink like fire and their socks were made of black Their hats were big and floppy and their enthusiasm we could feel A bolt of fear went through us as they thundered through the halls For we saw the tourist coming hard and he heard their joyful calls Yippie yi ooh Yippie yi yay Airport in the sky Their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred, their shirts all soaked with sweat We're riding hard to escape that herd, and they ain't caught us yet 'Cause they've got to ride back down on that bus, down from that range up high On buses snorting fumes As they board, we all just sigh As the tourist shuffled on by us, we heard one call a name If you want to save your soul from our bus a-riding on our range Then boy change your ways today or with us you will ride Trying to catch the tourist's herd, across these endless skies Yippie yi ooh Yippie yi yay Airport in the sky Airport in the sky Airport in the sky read more

I thought they recently resurfaced the runway?? Felt as though my nose wheel was going to come off as I tried to slow down just prior to the hump on RY22. The runway is in pretty deplorable shape in some areas, use caution and keep back pressure in as much as possible during roll out. read more

My son's words capture the experience, "We are higher than the clouds." If you hike, bike, land a plane or tour in a truck, reach for the stars and meet up at the pinnacle of Santa Catalina island. read more

Great airport. Friendly and helpful staff. Fun place to visit for an afternoon. One of my favorite airports in Southern California. Easy to get to, and a nice restaurant right at the airport. Check their website for their famous summer bar-b-ques where they stay open late, fire up the bar-b-que and have a huge dinner out on the patio during sunset. Airport stays open late for take off after these events. The shuttle into Avalon is reasonably prices at $28 round trip. Plan on 30-45min drive depending on opposing traffic. Going down the narrow road switchbacks can take some time if there is a lot of opposing traffic that the bus needs to wait for. In general I don't even go into the city anymore. Plenty of hiking to do up on top of the island and the restaurant has great food. The airport now offers yearly memberships for $150 and includes unlimited landings for the pilot. Normally $25 per visit. Decided to try it out and now find myself going a couple times a month if not more. Stabilized approach is critical. Too fast and you can find yourself going over the other end, too slow and the downdraft at the end of the runway can wake you up real fast. read more

This was a super fun adventure. The roads leading here were terrible, but the rewards is great. I watched a handful of private craft take off right in front of me, had one of their cookies (which are phenomenal), ate a brisket sandwich and enjoyed the scenery. The staff was friendly and I had a very good time. On an island that was overpriced and pretentious, this was a great destination to check out. There was even a wedding being set up while we were there, and interesting idea. Check it out and have a cookie! read more

The Best Airport in Southern California. The facilities are minimal but there is a really nice niche novelty Mini Shop and a Cafe. Awe-inspiring location; tremendously one of a kind. Saturated in history and stories like Frank Sinatra crashing his jet off the runway alongside Catalina's tales of native history, aliens, ghosts and all sorts of other extraordinary things. ALSO, roaming freely around are buffalo, awesome huge buffalo on an island (be careful, they are actually wild.) Wrigley of Wrigley's gum, imported buffalo to the island years ago and they have now made it their home. The official Catalina drink is a buffalo milkshake The cafe at the airport has buffalo burgers. This is amazing because buffalo is fudging healthy and so satiating. The runway can be a bit treacherous and the altitude is a bit high. There is also a slightly elusive grade on the runway. The hours need to be extended to include late night flights but it is really still a cool airport. Human buffalo contact can be extremely dangerous. Experience says that if you want to go this magical little Island, then the best way is to fly through the Airport in the Sky. read more

There a really cute restaurant up at the airport. I got when ever I can. I don't think I have enough words to describe how good the food is. They have extremely good vegetarian options. And for island cost of food. There prices are great. I love the veggie tacos, and the banza burger if your super hungry. There even have buffalo burgers. And if you get in before 11 they have awesome breakfast. Although the restaurant (food) closes at 4 (in the winter schedule) it's so worth it. Not to mention the view. Watching planes fly in and a airport loop trail to walk around. There a lot to do. You can buy a round trip up on conservancy bus for $32. Tours are more expensive. And taxes even worse. read more

Rode a mountain bike up here on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Oooof what a ride! But definitely worth it at the top. Fantastic beers and burgers to re-fuel before the long ride back. Lots of items for sale, including some really cute art and locally handmade items. I believe you can take a shuttle up here, or be really fancy and fly a plane over. Worth checking out if you're on Catalina! read more

This is a review of the eatery place at Airport in the Sky. We had a stop here from one of the tours we took. The airport is on top of mountain with a nice view of Catalina. We bought a hot dog from the snack shop and my BF could not stop talking about it. It was the best food we had on the island. We've had our share of hot dogs from bacon wrapped to what not street dogs of LA but this was just a plain hot dog butterflied in the middle with your regular condiments less the relish and onions but maaan was it good. I heard the cookie is delish too that even ravens are crazy for them (so I heard)! ;) read more

What a treasure! We visited the Airport in the Sky while on our Cape Canyon Expedition. The restaurant and shop are nice and cozy - it was a crisp, cool day outside, but they had a nice fire going in the fire place. The Buffalo Burger and fries were delicious! The DC-3 cookies are monstrous and very tasty! The service was great and the gift shop had lots of neat items to choose from. There were a lot of old photos and lots of historical information. We enjoyed our visit!! read more

As part of my yearly ritual, I head over to the Airport in the Sky to take in the breathtaking views and enjoy the nice ride on one of their Flexible busses. Get one of their cookies, grab a beer, and enjoy the beauty that is the Catalina Skyline. Definitely would recommend this to anyone wanting to experience everything about Cataline Island. read more

Was our mid-way stop on the Skyline Adventure Tour with Molly and it was a quaint, charming and friendly spot to stretch your legs. I'm a history buff so I really enjoyed the history and conservation of the airport. I f you like little known facts about a place you'll find it worth your time even though it's a small establishment. read more

i love this spot, it is a very long scenic drive on a tour bus to get there; unless you know some locals with a pass, but just the burger alone is worth the drive! they have a gift shop and an incredible view outside while you eat read more

My family and I took the shuttle to the Airport in the Sky for breakfast. We had a delightful time. Our driver, Charles, was personable and knowledgeable, and made the ride very pleasant. Breakfast was delicious and priced reasonably. Overall it was a wonderful experience. read more