Family Fun at Catalina Island

Catalina Island, California’s hidden gem! If you have never been to Catalina Island you really must make it a point to go and see this amazing Island. You can make it a day trip or a weekend getaway. Either way you will not be disappointed. It is a great place to take your family or if you are in need of a couple’s getaway. You must first book a ferry ride over with one of the two boats that over daily ferry service, they are Catalina Express and the Catalina Flyer. The boat ride over takes approximately 1 hour to arrive to Catalina Island from Dana Point. You can also catch a ferry ride from Long Beach and San Pedro if you are closer to those areas on the Catalina Flyer. On a clear sunny day you may be one of the lucky ones and see dolphins, whales, and even seals. They have inside seating and as well as open deck seat for those of prefer the fresh air. Make sure to bring a light weight jacket, because even on sunny days you may get a chill from the winds on the Ferry ride over.

Catalina Ferry

Fun things to do in Catalina

There are so many wonderful things to do from snorkeling, miniature golf, boat rentals, zip lining, peddle boats, glass bottom tours, visit the botanical gardens, and so much more!! A must do is to rent a golf cart and follow the complimentary tour map most of the golf cart companies give you of the area and you can actually follow this tour and be done in two hours’ time! It is not only a great way to get up and close with this beautiful Island, but a fun way to do it as well. Another popular must do when coming to Catalina is one of their deep sea fishing tours. This is an all day trip and is so much fun for anyone who has wanted to give fishing a try or for the experienced fisherman’s!

Catalina Beach Fun

Catalina Historic Buildings

You can also just sit back and relax for the day on the sandy beach area or for a small fee you can take a short walk to Descanso Beach and rent a lounger and umbrellas. Descanso Beach is also part of the Descanso Beach Club where you can stay or just go to eat at their full restaurant and bar. One of the most historically places to visit in Catalina is the Casino building (it is no longer an active casino), but they have daily tours and a movie theatre in this building. Another activity you can do while visiting Catalina is camp, they have campgrounds and even have tent and all the camping supplies necessary for rent. Also fun for the kids is to tour the free animal sanctuary (this is also a great place to stop by for a clean restroom). It is a little small, but there are usually tons of things to learn and explore and even a short video of important news.

Catalina Animal Sanctuary

Catalina Island is also known for their amazing selection of shops! They have almost anything you can think of as well as the usually clothing from beach ware to high end clothing. They also have fun trinket type shops that have a lot of fun and funny tourist type items. You absolutely must go to the infamous Lloyds ice cream and candy shop. This shop is best known for their homemade taffy, chocolate oh so many things with chocolate, and freshly made waffle cones. There is truly something for everyone’s sweet cravings in this amazing shop! Another must try is Mi Casita they have the best tasting Mexican food around.

Catalina Island truly offers many options for almost any type of visitor. They have several different types of Lodging on this Island from vacation rentals, ocean view hotel stays, small intimate Inns, and so many more to list! There is an endless amount of things to do and see. Once you come and explore this amazing place you will not want to leave. I would love to help you plan your future visit to Catalina Island, CA feel free to contact me for a FREE quote Carrie@travelwiththemagic.com

catalina island boat pic