Regular readers of this blog know that my wife and I love to explore the world with our two young boys, ages 4 and 6. Our most recent adventure took us to Avalon located on the southeastern side of Santa Catalina Island. The trip was planned around celebrating my dad’s 75th birthday, and we were joined by eight other family members as we boarded the Catalina Flyer the morning of May 3rd and prepared for our four-day excursion. From the moment we hopped on the Catalina Flyer at the Fun Zone in Newport Beach, excitement filled the air. Our boat ride took approximately an hour and fifteen minutes. Avalon Bay welcomed us with its stunning array of boats moored in the Pacific, setting the stage for an incredible getaway.
Day 1 – Mini Golf
Upon arrival, we made our way to our rental home in the heart of Avalon. Our accommodations in a century-old house were the cherry on top of an already amazing trip ahead of us. Located near the shoreline and grocery store, it offered the perfect home base for our adventures. Plus, with amenities like a golf cart and fishing poles included, we were ready to explore the island. If you’re planning a trip to Catalina Island, I highly recommend booking a stay at this charming house – just be sure to make your reservations well in advance! For more information or to book your stay, contact the owner at ellis5@pacbell.net.
Ellis5@pacbell.net
208 Clarissa Ave
Avalon, CA
Knowing our time there was limited, we decided to hit the ground running and head to Mi Casita Mexican restaurant followed by some souvenir shopping. Once we had some food in us, we walked over to Vons (the local grocery store) and did some meal planning for the stay. With chores completed, it was time to have some fun with the boys. Our next stop was Golf Gardens Mini Golf. Our whole family played the 18 holes, and at a dollar a hole, it was PGA level competition. The boys ran from hole to hole trying their best to beat the adults and sink the elusive hole in one. After the game, we went our separate ways, my wife and I headed to the house with the kids for a well-deserved break.
Day 2 – Immersed
Day two started with a tasty breakfast at the Pancake Cottage followed by a trip to the Immersed Ocean Wonders experience. Immersed is filmed underwater and experienced in full 360-degree footage capturing the moment from all angles. It is projected onto the inside of a custom-built dome theater that surrounds the audience. The journey takes you from the waters in Catalina to Baja, the Great Barrier Reef, and more and lets you experience the underwater flora and fauna from all around the world. The boys were enamored by the dolphins, rays, sharks, and sea caves thought to experience.
Once we finished up there, we headed to Pirate Ship Playground. It is probably one of the most visited playgrounds on the island since it is located near the arrival area for the boats visiting the island from the mainland and Avalon’s most famous hotels and restaurants. It was a great place to let them burn off some energy before heading back to the house for some downtime and my dad’s birthday celebration.
With the festivities winding down, we went fishing at Cabrillo Mole. It was a major highlight of the boys’ trip to Catalina. They got to fish with grandpa and their aunt and uncle. The Mole is an easy win, easily accessible and teeming with life. They had a blast!
Day 3 – Golf Cart
After breakfast at the house on day three, we decided to take the golf cart out for a spin. We started by heading toward Pebbly Beach, then up the hill toward the Wrigley Mansion. The Wrigley Mansion is perched on the top of Mt. Ada and was completed in 1921. It was originally built by the famous chewing gum magnate, William Wrigley, Jr., for his wife Ada as their summer cottage. In 1985, it was placed on National Register of Historic Places.
From the top of Mt. Ada, we were able to see the entire town of Avalon and miles out to sea. As we continued on, we came back down into town and drove over to Avalon Canyon past the Avalon Canyon Fit Trail and Hermit Gulch Campground. The campground is a hiker’s delight. It is well-known as the entryway to the famous 38.5-mile Trans-Catalina Trail.
We then pushed on past the golf course and up to the Wrigley Botanical Gardens. The gardens are a unique part of Catalina’s history. Now owned by the Catalina Conservancy, they put a special emphasis on California island endemic plants which grow naturally on one or more of the Channel Islands, but nowhere else in the world.
At that point, we turned around and headed to Country Club Drive toward Tremont Overlook for another bird’s eye view of Avalon. As we continued around the loop, we could see Descanso Beach before reaching the Catalina Chimes Tower which houses the landmark chimes. This Spanish-style tower built in 1925 can be heard every 15 minutes. The first notes from the Chimes Tower were played in March of 1926.
At the bottom of the hill, we arrived at the Catalina Casino, a must-see when visiting the island. It is a spectacular building with a history of hosting entertainers and special events since it opened on May 29, 1929.
On the home stretch of the loop, we passed the Tuna Club of Avalon. It is the oldest tuna club in the United States and was founded in 1898. It is a beautiful landmark and worth a visit on the beautiful coastline in Avalon.
With our golf cart tour complete, we headed out for lunch at the Bluewater Grill, and it was amazing. The Bluewater Grill, although a bit pricey, holds a special place in my heart. We ordered oysters on the half shell, and to my surprise, my 6-year-old helped us polish them off. After our entrees, we decided to treat the boys to dirt and worms. A dessert that consisted of vanilla ice cream, crushed Oreo cookies, and gummy worms. My wife and I treated ourselves to some delicious cocktails. Sitting on the patio was one of the highlights of my trip, basking in the sun with my family, enjoying the waterfront and all the amazing yachts, it is a place I won’t soon forget.
Day 4 – Descanso Beach
Day four started with a drive-by of the Catalina Aerial Adventure. Although my boys were a bit too small to take part (7 years old & 55 lbs), we still wanted to check it out. Located behind Descanso beach, it is an amazing obstacle course in the trees designed to test even the bravest individuals.
With that option eliminated, we headed back and grabbed the boys’ wetsuits and back down to Descanso Beach. Descanso Beach took us away to another place far away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby California beach towns just a mere 26 miles across the water. It has a tropical feel that radiates from its crystal clear waters, palm trees, and beachfront dining. It is the ideal place to find a cabana and let your worries wash away with the tide. While the boys splashed and played in the water, we sat on the beach and enjoyed our final day on the island. After an hour or so, we grabbed a tasty meal at the Descanso Beach Club and a Mojito before heading back to the house to prepare for our departure back to Newport Beach on the Catalina Flyer.
As our incredible Catalina Island adventure came to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the countless memories we made with our boys. From exploring the island’s hidden gems to indulging in delicious meals and soaking up the sun at Descanso Beach, the trip was filled with joy. These memories will stay with us forever, and I’m already looking forward to our next adventure in this local paradise. Until next time, Catalina Island!
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