Escape the California Crowds on a Catalina Family Getaway


Just 22 miles off the shore of Southern California lies Catalina Island, a popular destination for tourists since the early 1900’s. This laid-back island gives families the opportunity to enjoy small town charm, adventure activities, and a wild coastline without the hefty price tag of the average island getaway.

Catalina is the US version of Mediterranean paradise. Mountain peaks surround Avalon Bay and vacation homes cling to their little piece of the hillside. The 12 story casino building dominates the skyline, battling with palm trees and azure waters to capture your attention.

The city of Avalon is Catalina’s only incorporated city, and it has a unique charm that has been luring families, celebrities, and politicians since the 1920s. Hop on a golf cart and enjoy the best the island has to offer including relaxed days on the beach, snorkeling, zip lining, and even buffalo spotting!

Looking for something more remote? Check out our article on Two Harbors, the other side of Catalina.

Getting to Catalina

Catalina Express

There are two ways to get to Catalina- by boat or by helicopter. Many people visit Catalina as a day trip on their cruises out of Southern California, and while you can also take your own boat to the island, most of us don’t have that luxury. Luckily, there is an affordable ferry service that visitors can take from harbors in LA and Orange County.

Getting to Catalina Island is simple with Catalina Express. The ferry ride takes just over one hour from Long Beach (slightly longer from Dana Point) and with up to 30 departures/day, getting there is crazy convenient.

While on board, travelers can check out the beautiful ocean views, search for wildlife, and snack on treats and beverages (including beer, wine, and cocktails). An upgrade to the Commodore Lounge offers priority boarding, a complimentary beverage and snack, and larger, more comfortable seats with impressive views of the passage.

Santa Catalina Island is only a 22-mile ferry ride from the Port of Los Angeles, but as soon as the town of Avalon appears on the horizon, travelers quickly realize that they have arrived someplace very far from the freeway clogged urban monster that is LA.

Catalina by Golf CartCatalina by Golf Cart

There’s no need to worry about renting a car upon arrival; the one-square-mile town is easily traversed on foot. In Avalon, golf carts rule the roads and rush hour is nothing more than a few hotel shuttles picking up guests from the dock. You can easily rent a golf cart and take a tour of town and the surrounding viewpoints as well.

Our Favorite Things to do in Catalina on a Family Vacation

Catalina offers a wide array of activities and tours from parasailing to snorkeling to island tours. The island even has what my family has deemed, the best miniature golf course of all time! 

Zip Line Eco Tour

Catalina Zip LineCatalina Zip Line

Flying through the sky with nothing but incredible ocean panoramas in view was definitely the highlight of one of my trips to Catalina.

This zip line course has some of the best views on the island, akin to what a soaring bird might see.. Your experience begins with a shuttle ride which takes you 600 feet above the water to a ridge top. From there you will take a series of zips before eventually ending near the Descanso Beach Club.

The friendliness of the staff and the focus on safety helped me push my nagging fear of heights out of mind. In my group there was an eight year old, 12 year old, and 16 year old, and they all had an absolute blast.

Descanso Beach

Catalina's Descanso BeachCatalina's Descanso Beach
Descanso Beach

The zipline tour begins and ends at Descanso Beach, a beautiful little cove that serves as an activity headquarters. Kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and snorkeling gear can all be rented here.  

For those looking to spend a lazy day on the beach, the Descanso Beach Club is the best place to do it.  Private cabanas and chaise lounges are available for rent, and food and drinks are available at Avalon’s only seaside restaurant and bar. 

As I sat enjoying my post-ziplining lunch from the comfort of our cabana and took in our amazing view, I had to keep reminding myself that I was still in Southern California and not some far off locale.  Catalina had officially stolen my heart.

Catalina Aerial Adventure

Catalina Aerial AdventuresCatalina Aerial Adventures

One of the newer experiences on the island that adventurous families absolutely love is the Catalina Aerial Adventure. It is located right above Descanso Beach in Descanso Canyon, which is a short walk around the corner from the iconic Catalina Casino.

Located high up in the eucalyptus trees, these courses will help you test your skill, strength, and bravery as you tackle rope ladders, swinging log bridges, short zip lines, and other obstacles. There are two beginner, two intermediate, and one advanced courses to complete.

Children as young as seven may participate and kids 7 – 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must weigh between 50 lbs – 265 lbs and be at least 55 inches tall.

Catalina Climbing WallCatalina Climbing Wall

Keep reaching new heights on the Catalina Climbing Wall which is in the same area. There are routes of varying difficulty to encounter.

Catalina Falconry Experience

A Catalina Family Getaway 1A Catalina Family Getaway 1

If you have never had the joy of having a bird of prey land on your arm, you definitely need to book the Catalina Falconry Experience. Instructors introduce you to basic falconry techniques as well as a few of the falcons, owls, and hawks that they own. The highlight is casting a falcon from your glove, watching it soar in the Pacific breeze, and then calling it to land back on you.

This is a seasonal activity which can be booked April through October.

Catalina Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour

Catalina Semi-Submarine TourCatalina Semi-Submarine Tour

The Catalina Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour is given in a semi-submersible boat which reminds me a bit of the submarine ride at Disneyland. Instead of an animatronic Nemo, we were greeted by brightly colored orange garibaldi and calico bass weaving their way through the kelp beds. This is a great option for families who want to see the sea life in Catalina’s thriving kelp beds without snorkeling or scuba diving.

Kids over the age of 12 can participate in a unique Sea Trek Eco Tour that requires no snorkeling or diving experience, but puts guests under the water exploring the ocean floor.

Catalina Island Safari Vehicle Tour

Exploring the backroads of Catalina on an all-terrain tourExploring the backroads of Catalina on an all-terrain tour

To explore the island by land, consider taking a half or full day trek to the rest of the island. The Santa Catalina Island Company offers rugged “outback” tours in specially designed, all-terrain vehicles that utilize local reclaimed oil for fuel.

This is a great way to discover the wild portions of the island and explore canyons and capes as you enjoy vast views of the Pacific and beyond. Keep your eyes out for the bison that have called the island home for decades after being left behind by a movie crew in the 1920s. Bald eagles and mule deer are also common sites on the island. If you are lucky you may even see the tiny Catalina Island fox.

Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens

The Wrigley family (of chewing gum fame), purchased Catalina Island in 1919 and developed tourism on the island. For three decades, it even served as the Spring Training home for the Chicago Cubs, which they also own.

In 1975, Phillip Knight Wrigley deeded 42,000 acres of the island to Catalina Island Conservancy, keeping the majority of the landscape wild through a balance of conservation, education, and recreation.

The Wrigley legacy continues to live on today. The family home, Mt. Ada, is now a 4-star bed and breakfast.

It also lives on at the island’s botanic gardens which focus on plant species that are endemic to California’s islands. The 38-acre garden is also the home of the Wrigley Memorial which is decorated with the famed Catalina tile.

Catalina Mini Golf Gardens

A Catalina Family Getaway 2A Catalina Family Getaway 2

Catalina Mini Golf Gardens is not one of those places that has dilapitated windmills and castles with paint peeling off their spires. The holes at this course, as well as the surrounding gardens, are immaculately maintained. Each hole presents its own challenge, making playing mini golf a blast for the whole family.

Create Your Own Catalina Tiles at Silver Canyon Pottery

A Catalina Family Getaway 3A Catalina Family Getaway 3

As you walk around Avalon you will notice that there are many beautiful tile mosaics bringing color to the area. Catalina Tile Company produces some of the finest hand-glazed art tile and pottery of the 1920’s and 30’s. The tile was made from red clay found on the island and is highly collectible.

Your family can make your own keepsake tiles at Silver Canyon Pottery. This is a unique experience that results in what will surely be a cherished souvenir.

There are literally dozens of designs to choose from and children as young as five are welcome to join in the fun. After you finish your tiles, they will be colored and fired by the pros and then mailed to you.

Eat and Shop on the Main Drag

A Catalina Family Getaway 4A Catalina Family Getaway 4

Indulge your children’s sugar fantasies as Lloyd’s Confectionary. Lloyd’s has been making their famous salt-water taffy in the window of this shop since 1934. There is something for everyone including amazing taffy, caramel apples, ice cream, peanut brittle, fudge, chocolates, and bulk candy.

Two’s Company is a great spot to purchase colorful Catalina Island tile and more art reflective of the island’s culture. The Steamer Trunk is another nice place to find quality Catalina souvenirs. Kids will want to head to the Metropole Market Place which houses a miniature bowling alley as well as an arcade. There is also a coffee and cookie shop in the cobblestone village that is definitely worth stopping in.

We sampled just a tiny portion of the island’s fare and could easily return on a foodie-trek vacation. Our favorite restaurant had to be Steve’s Steakhouse, voted the island’s favorite restaurant as well. Stunning harbor views, impeccable service, kid-friendly entrees, and fine steaks and seafood made for a perfect evening.

For a casual lunch consider Lobster Trap where local fisherman-turned-restaurateur, Caleb Lins, still catches fish and California spiny lobster to serve up daily. You will find options like burgers, pasta, clam chowder, and lobster tacos on their menu.

Buffalo milkBuffalo milk
Shark Attack and Buffalo Milk

Parents should definitely order the local cocktail, Buffalo Milk, from one of the restaurants in town. This sweetly smooth, alcoholic concoction was amazing. It features vodka, kahlua, creme de cocoa, and creme de banana.

Where to Stay in Avalon

Pavilion HotelPavilion Hotel
Pavilion Hotel

Although the island offers quite a few hotel options, There are a couple properties we can recommend from experience. Writer Katie Bodell’s family loved staying at Hotel Metropole.

Their room, which boasted views of the ocean, featured a fireplace, patio with morning sunshine, and garden views. The complimentary continental breakfast helped them begin the day with ease.

I also really enjoy staying at the Pavilion Hotel. It prides itself on being 14 steps from the beach and most ground level rooms have private lanais. There is complimentary continental breakfast in the morning and an evening wine and cheese reception for guests.

Sharlene EarnshawSharlene Earnshaw
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