A one-hour ferry ride from the mainland, Santa Catalina Island has long been a favourite holiday spot thanks to its Mediterranean-like climate, laidback vibe and abundance of family-friendly activities.
From adventure to luxury, Catalina Island ticks all the boxes for a California family holiday. Visit the picturesque town of Avalon or the rustic village of Two Harbors. Avalon is filled with activities on land and sea. Two Harbors is a spectacular remote location with campgrounds and beautiful beaches.
The island has gone through stints as a hangout for Spanish explorers, Franciscan friars, sea-otter poachers, smugglers and Union soldiers. In 1919, the entire island was purchased by chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr (1861–1932), who had buildings constructed in the Spanish Mission style.
Today 88 percent of the island’s 75 square miles is a nature preserve requiring (easily available) permits for access to hiking and cycling. Apart from its human population, Catalina’s highest-profile residents are a herd of bison, brought here for a 1924 movie shoot and who ended up breeding.
With no traffic lights on the island, it feels remote and unspoiled. Visitors are more likely to see the sights of the main town of Avalon from aboard a boat or golf cart.
Top things to do on Catalina Island with kids
Snorkelling, diving and water sports
The island’s protected leeward beaches are the perfect spot for toddlers, who can happily spend hours playing in the sand and splashing in the shallows. Older children can enjoy water sports including snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boating.
Snorkelling and scuba diving sites are accessible from the shore, with the most popular site, Casino Point, a few steps from the old art deco Casino in the pretty town of Avalon. Here you can swim through kelp forests where you’re likely to see rays, octopus, leopard sharks and the island’s most famous fish, the garibaldi.
Take a boat cruise or submarine tour
The bay can also be explored by kayak, paddle board, pedal boat, motorboat – or on a glass bottom boat. You can even take a ride on a semi-submersible submarine and see a magnificent kelp forest. The vessel features a fish food system launched by torpedo buttons, so you can feed the bright orange Garibaldi and other fish from your seat – at an extra cost.
Adventure activities
Explore the island by Hummer or 4WD
It’s also worth booking a 4WD-tour (especially to see the wild buffalo roam!) with Catalina Island Conservancy Eco Tours or Catalina Island Bison Expedition. Or explore Catalina’s interior by hummer, looking out for bison and other animals and plants indigenous to the island.
Bike rides
You can also hire a bike for the day, with children’s bikes, tandem bicycles and beach cruisers all on offer. Thrill-seeking teenagers may prefer a mountain bike for an off-road expedition. Helmets, which must be worn by everyone under 18, are also available.
Family-friendly dining
There is no shortage of family-friendly dining options, from pizza and burgers to fish and chips. But chefs on Catalina don’t limit themselves to traditional kid offerings, and you and your family won’t have to either. Discover great seafood, pasta, steaks and more in eateries ranging from beachside bistros to refined restaurants.
How to get to Santa Catalina Island
Catalina is just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. Getting there is quick and easy aboard the Catalina Express ferry, which takes you to Catalina Island in just an hour with year-round service and up to 30 daily departures. Boats depart ports in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point.
Travel on fast, sleek and smooth vessels and experience first-class comfort with airline-style seats and cabin attendant service. Do it in style by booking upgraded seating in the Commodore Lounge, which includes priority boarding privileges, reclining leather seats, a drink of your choice and a snack.
Bookings: catalinaexpress.com
