Campus by the Sea

Campus by the Sea is a Christian retreat center on Santa Catalina Island with multiple buildings housing accommodations, dining areas, and meeting spaces for groups. The facilities support water activities and access to island trails.

The center was founded in 1951 by Mel Friesen and InterVarsity leaders. A major flood in 1980 caused significant damage, destroying several cabins and affecting the water supply systems.

The place is known for developing the Mark Study method, an educational approach to studying the Gospel of Mark. Original manuscripts that document this learning process can be found in the Crow's Nest library.

The center welcomes visitors year-round except from mid-December through mid-February. Activities include snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, and exploring the island's hiking trails.

A permanent pier was built in 1986, replacing an earlier rope pulley system used to bring visitors from boats to shore. This upgrade made arrival at the center much easier and more direct.

GPS coordinates: 33.34282,-118.32823

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:20