A Catalina Island Family Travel

A Catalina Island Adventure—Because 22 Miles Apart Wasn’t Gonna Fly

When your firstborn heads off for his first-ever overnight field trip—without you—your mama heart takes a hit. When your oldest heads out for his first-ever overnight field trip—on a boat, to an island, with his class—your mama heart takes a hit and hold your breath a little. Okay, maybe a lot.

Princeton’s 5th grade class was heading to Camp CIMI on Catalina Island, and while I was so proud of him, the nerves were real. I mean, Catalina and Los Angeles have about 22 miles of ocean between them. We don’t even let him sleep over at friends’ houses, so this felt huge.

I knew this trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for him, and I wasn’t going to stand in the way. But if he was going to be on that island, there was no way I’d be sitting at home. So, we packed our bags, scooped up Skyler, and followed. Not to camp, of course, but to the same island. If Princeton was going to be on Catalina having an adventure of his own, then we were going to be close by—breathing the same ocean air and creating memories of our own. Catalina Island Family Travel here we come!

Getting to Know Catalina Island on a Family Travel Trip

Catalina is the kind of place that wraps itself around you slowly and completely. The main town of Avalon is walkable, charming, and full of character. You won’t need a car here—everything is close. Shops, restaurants, beaches, hiking trails, and even those famous tile-lined stairways are all steps away from each other.

Craig and I have taken many trips to Catalina Island. We've done a bar hop with friends, on a one day turnaround trip. We've flown to Catalina by helicopter and spend a few romantic days, just enjoying each other's company, eating, shopping, and lounging. And now, we spend a beautiful family travel weekend in Catalina with our little boys. Well, one little boy at camp on the island and the other little one with us.

We spent time browsing the local boutiques, popping into candy stores and stopping for ice cream, bookstores, and little gift shops that sell everything from handmade soaps to Catalina-branded sweatshirts. There’s a small-town feel, but with just the right touch of island glam.

Whether you’re staying for three days or a full week, there’s plenty to see and do—and enough peaceful corners to do nothing at all. Honestly, three days felt just right for us to unwind, explore, and recharge. But a week? That would be a dream. The island has this peaceful rhythm that makes you want to slow down, stay longer, and just be.

Getting There: Catalina Express + Wildlife Wonders

Our journey began aboard the Catalina Express (@catalinaexpress), and I can’t overstate how magical the ride was. Catalina Express operates up to 30 departures daily from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point with comfortable, high-speed catamarans that get you to Avalon in about an hour.

We upgraded to the Commodore Lounge, which gave us priority boarding, comfy leather-trimmed seating, and complimentary snacks and drinks. But the real highlight? The wildlife.

On our way over, we were treated to one of the most surreal scenes I’ve ever experienced at sea. Hundreds of dolphins danced in the water alongside the boat—leaping, gliding, and racing through the waves like they were putting on a private show just for us. We spotted seals lounging near the surface, and the most unforgettable moment? A baby humpback whales frolicking, splashing like toddlers in a pool. It was pure ocean magic, and Skyler was completely awestruck. So was I.

Honestly, if the trip had ended right then and there, it still would’ve felt like a win.

Watch video HERE

Where We Stayed: Bellanca Hotel

We checked into the beautifully updated Bellanca Hotel (@bellancahotel), a boutique gem just steps from Avalon Bay. With only 40 rooms, a stunning rooftop deck, and ocean views from practically everywhere, it was the perfect place to unwind.

Our room was light, modern, and just beachy enough to feel like we were on vacation without being overly “themed.” And the location? It couldn’t be better. Avalon is walkable, and Bellanca put us right in the middle of it all.

Watch video HERE

Where We Ate: Catalina’s Coastal Bites

Family travel with little picky eaters can be challenging. Here is a list of our favorite dining destinations on Catalina Island.

The Naughty Fox

Housed inside Bellanca, The Naughty Fox (@naughtyfoxrestaurant) was the ideal kickoff to our island eats. Their poke nachos were fresh and flavorful, and Skyler’s french fries were gone before I could ask for a bite. With a big patio and ocean views, it’s both casual and cool—barefoot luxury at its best.

Watch video HERE

Lobster Trap

You haven’t really done Catalina without a meal at the Lobster Trap (@lobstertrapinsta). Fresh off a renovation, this local favorite now has a sushi bar and even more space for fans to devour dishes caught by owner and commercial fisherman Caleb Lins himself. For me, it was all about the raw oysters in a half shell and the lobster roll. Hubby and Skyler loved the whole lobster and the bacon wrapped scallop skewers.

Watch video HERE

M Restaurant

Dinner at M Restaurant (@mrestaurantandevents) was all about romance and oceanfront elegance. The vibe was elevated without feeling stuffy, and the food was vibrant, seasonal, and fresh. Whether you sit on the patio watching the boats sway in the harbor as the sun went down or inside in the cozy main room, this is a hit. Try the Pesto Linguini and substitute the chicken for shrimp. Chef's kiss!

Watch video HERE

Bluewater Avalon

Our last dinner was at Bluewater Avalon (@bluewatergrill), a lively, family-friendly seafood spot with a killer view. Between the oyster bar, the sushi options, and a solid kids’ menu, everyone left happy. We lingered on the patio, which literally sits above the water, trying to make time slow down just a bit.

Watch video HERE

What We Did: Simple Adventures, Beautiful Moments

Undersea Sub Expedition

This was an instant favorite for Skyler. We boarded the semi-sub at Green Pleasure Pier and peered through portholes into Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve. Colorful garibaldi fish and schools of sparkling minnows passed by as we glided through the calm waters—it was peaceful, immersive, and perfect for little explorers.

Watch video HERE

Golf Cart Cruising

We picked up a cart from Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals (@catalinaislandgolfcart) and took our time winding through Avalon. Stops at Mt. Ada, the Chimes Tower, and other lookout points gave us some of the best photo ops of the trip.

Watch video HERE

Golf Gardens Mini Golf

Set under shaded trees in the heart of town, Golf Gardens was a fun and nostalgic stop. This 18-hole course has been around for nearly 50 years—and you can feel the charm in every hole. Skyler dominated the scoreboard (again), and I’m still plotting my comeback.

A Mama’s Peace of Mind

Watching Princeton wave goodbye from the bus that whisked him and his class away to the dock was tough—but knowing we were just around the bend made it easier. This trip was born out of love and maybe a little anxiety, but it turned into something so special.

Catalina reminded me that sometimes, the best way to let go is to stay close. Not hovering, not interfering—just being there. And in doing so, we created a family adventure that none of us will ever forget.