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Family Time : Catalina Express

Family Time

Two young girls sitting on the beach.

Leave the hustle of everyone’s busy schedules behind during your next family getaway on the Island. Whether you are planning an overnight stay or a day trip, Catalina is the perfect place to reconnect with the ones you love most.

A family overlooking Avalon bay on a golf cart.

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Whether the experience is by land or sea, Catalina Island has many different activities for family members of all ages to enjoy. 

To explore Avalon at your family’s own pace, rent a bike from Brown’s Bikes or a golf cart from Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals. If your group is interested in individually riding around Avalon and burning some extra energy, then Brown’s Bikes would be a perfect fit. Reserve a bike for a full day or walk-in the day of for an hourly rental. Tour Avalon with the whole family on board with Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals. The self-guided route takes you through the hills of Avalon with up to six passengers on a private golf cart. If you have a little one that still requires a child car seat, they have some available for no additional cost.

Mom and son walking through the Botanic Gardens

To have a knowledgeable guide show you around Avalon, the Discover Avalon Tour is a journey up the hillsides to the most outstanding views on the Island. Learn about the most known Catalina Island landmarks as well as the history of the Island on this 50-minute tour. Go back in time to learn more about one of the most iconic landmarks, the Wrigley Memorial. The Wrigley Memorial is at the centerpiece of Ada Wrigley’s Botanic Garden, which honors William Wrigley Jr. and his vision for Catalina Island. Built with a majority of local materials, the Memorial provides incredible views of both sides of the Island and is a must-see. 

Three people parasailing in Catalina Island

Is your family seeking a water adventure? Try out one of the many water tours or excursions for some family fun. Fly high above the water for the opportunity to see Catalina Island from a bird’s eye view with Island Water Charters or Parasail Catalina. Prefer to explore the bay at eye level? Check out Joe’s Rent a Boat and rent a private motor boat or pedal boats for the family. A motor boat fits up to six passengers and is perfect for sightseeing. For a guided experience, discover Catalina’s abundant marine life on the Undersea Sub Expedition. Each family member gets their own seat and porthole to explore the underwater of Lover’s Cove.

Ceviche avocado appetizer from Coyote Joe's.

Dine

With a full day of family fun, meals of tasty food to enjoy are always necessary. Have a home cooked meal right at Original Jack’s Country Kitchen for breakfast. Or if you would like a grab & go option, stop by the Bistro at the Atwater for a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich or burrito. For lunch or dinner, Antonio’s Pizzeria and Cabaret is a great, casual spot for a family-friendly Italian meal. Head to Coyote Joe’s to indulge in an authentic Mexican dish! From their ceviche avocado to the coyote fajitas there’s a meal for everyone.

You can’t forget about dessert! Watch the famous saltwater taffy be made right in front of you at Lloyd’s of Avalon. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Lloyd’s different desert options. If your family has a craving for ice cream, then Sailor’s Delight is the place. The smell of homemade waffle cones is bound to draw the whole family in!

Stay

Check out our exclusive Boat and Hotel Package offers for when you are traveling with the whole family or a larger group! Visit Catalina Island on your family’s next Spring Break or upcoming Summer vacation. Your family will be making memories that will last a lifetime.

Daily Boat Trips To Catalina Island

Discover paradise on Catalina Island with daily ferry trips to and from the island. More than one million travelers choose Catalina Island as their getaway each year and Catalina Express' large fleet of boats make the trip in about an hour, operating every day, year round from three mainland ports - Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point.

Escape To Catalina Island

Leave the hustle and bustle of the "mainland" behind. Catalina Island is the perfect place to take a break from the demands of daily life. With so many activities to choose from, your visit to Catalina Island can be adventure-packed or filled with rest and relaxation. With its year round Mediterranean climate, it's the ideal place to enjoy ocean air and sunshine.