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Catalina Express: Catalina Island Travel Blog : Catalina Express

Catalina Express Blog

two young girls sitting on a beach

Tips and Tricks to Catalina Island with Young Children

As schools begin to let out for the summer, it is time to start planning your family vacation. The thought of traveling with young children can be daunting, especially if your vacation spot is an hour boat ride away. However, with a little bit of preparation and some travel hacks, your trip will go as smoothly as a baby’s bottom. Here are some travel tips and tricks to traveling to Catalina Island with young children.

Family by the coast

Explore Catalina Island with Dad

Trade in the traditional dad tie for something he will really enjoy, an island adventure. Make memories with him this Father’s Day by visiting Catalina, where he can make the catch of the day or relax beachside with his favorite brew or cocktail. The Island offers a variety of activities for every type of dad, so being bored is never on the agenda.

large group of people attending a festival on a beach

Tasty Festivals on Catalina Island

Taste and sip your way through Catalina Island by experiencing the upcoming festival season. From the occasional wine and beer drinker or restaurant goers to an expert oenophile or gastronome, Catalina is sure to have an event just for you. The Island hosts many delicious foodies, beer and wine fests from summer to fall that you won’t want to miss. 

mother and two young kids on a sunny day

Give Mom the Gift of Travel this Mother’s Day

Finding the perfect gift for Mother’s Day is always a challenge. What do you get the woman who does everything for you all year?
This year skip the traditional bouquet of flowers or sweater and give mom the gift of travel. Plan a fun getaway to Catalina Island where she can relax and spend time with you. No matter what your mom’s personality is, Catalina has you covered with a wide range of activities.

Guests enjoying a sunny day high in the sky parasailing

Catalina Island Paradise at a Bird’s-Eye View

There are many great ways to explore the beautiful island of Santa Catalina, but the most treasured and surreal way is by a parasail ride, just like a bird in the sky. Parasailing has been around for many years in many vacation spots around the world, but it is especially unique seeing the Island from afar, with peace and silence around you as you glide in the sky with breathtaking views of the canyons.

A family walking to their hotel after arriving in Avalon

A Packing List for Your Catalina Island Vacation

Getting ready to go on vacation is very exciting, especially if your destination is on our local Southern California paradise, Catalina Island. You most likely visited many websites to help you plan your trip and learn about the events that will be happening during your stay. Now you are counting down the days to your departure. You’ve booked your boat, maybe even upgraded to Commodore Lounge to treat yourself, and now you’re on your way to get away from it all. Finally, it’s time to pack. What do you bring?

Girl on Aerial Adventure course high up in the sky

When adventure calls we answer

When the Aerial Adventure on Catalina Island opened, we didn’t have to think twice about trying it out. After tackling the climbing wall and undertaking the Action Flyboarding, we have been waiting for a new adventure on the Island. The convincing argument for this one: they have three levels of difficulty: beginner, intermediate and advanced. So there are no excuses for not trying at least the beginner level.

basket of rice crispys and other delicious sweets

Sweets on Catalina Island

When visiting Catalina Island, don’t forget to pack your sweet tooth. The Island has treats ranging from the classic caramel apple to ice cream with a unique adult twist. One thing is for sure, you will not be disappointed with your choice!

The San Pedro terminal with the Thomas bridge behind

Exploring the San Pedro Terminal

Your Catalina adventure doesn’t begin on the Island but before you board the boat. Opened in the summer of 2012 just steps from the original San Pedro terminal, the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal is an architectural gem on the Port of Los Angeles waterfront that should be explored.

Catalina Island Casino at sunset with holiday decorations

Catalina Holiday Gift Guide

In honor of the iconic Christmas song, here are our 12 favorite Catalina holiday gifts – including nine presents we love to give and get, plus three that you can give to the Island.

mother and two young kids overlooking Avalon Harbor

10 Things to be grateful for on Catalina Island

Alongside tables of Thanksgiving bounty, evenings full of family and friends and football galore, the fall season reminds us to take time to be thankful. Family and friends are always on the list, but with Catalina Island just a short ride away, it’s easy to find even more to be grateful for this season.

A road lined with shops and businesses on a sunny day

Shopping on Catalina

With the holidays coming up, Avalon is a great place to find that unique gift for the ones you love. One would expect to find the typical souvenir shops but Avalon has a rich collection of unique items to offer: anything from fun color changing nail polish to high-end jewelry and art. There is something for everyone on your list.

Group of friends on a hike overlooking the ocean

The Insider Scoop on what to do on Catalina Island

Whether you are looking for an adventurous weekend or time to reconnect with loved ones special, Catalina has something for everyone when visiting this island hideaway. There are so many activities and restaurants to try on Catalina Island that it helps to have a direction based on the type of vacation you are looking to experience. Check out our itineraries while planning your next trip to the Island. Pay special attention to the Travel Tips for Catalina deals and the insider scoop.

Person on a water powered action flyboard with a man on a jetski watching

Jet off on Catalina

Summer is here and everyone is looking forward to their adventure vacations, weekend getaways or at least a day trip to cool off. With a quick boat ride from San Pedro, Long Beach or Dana Point, Catalina Island is the perfect spot to take a break from the everyday life. The best thing about Catalina is that it doesn’t matter how long you stay, there are so many enjoyable activities offered, you won’t be bored. It was hard for me to pick one thing to do, but I finally decided on a fast and fun water sport activity that is just taking off. Action Flyboarding!

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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.