If you’re looking for a family vacation that promises adventure, Riviera-style views, and plenty of relaxation with zero jet lag, hop on a ferry to Catalina Island where crystal clear water, sea lions, and plenty of family-friendly activities await. From must-do excursions to where to go for the best donuts in town, check out our ultimate guide to the best things to do on Catalina Island with kids.
Descanso Beach Club
This ocean-front beach club has French Rivieria vibes and is the perfect spot to rent a long chair or private cabana for the day. You can rent a paddleboard onsite or snorkel off the beach—the crystal blue water makes looking for ocean creatures easy. You can order lunch and drinks and since this is one of the only beaches in Southern California you can legally drink at—make sure to order the Buffalo Milk—a Catalina specialty made just for 21 and over.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Rate: $2 fee to access the beach
Golf Gardens Mini Golf
No seaside retreat is complete without a round of mini-golf where classic family competition and bonding are par for the course.
Ridgetop Eco Adventure
Visitors aren’t allowed to drive cars on the island, so if you want to really see the island, book an Indiana Jones-style tour in an open-air biofuel H1 Hummer. This escorted expedition is rugged and reaches its peak at 1500 feet above sea level. Expect stunning views, hairpin turns, and breathtaking drops.
About midway through there’s a stop where you can get off and hike to the top of the world (or so it feels) for a lesser-known glimpse of the island outside of Avalon and a firsthand look at the bison that wander the barely-inhabited island. Don’t forget to bundle up (higher elevations equal lesser temps) and buckle up—it’s a car seat-free experience.
Good to Know: For kids 5 & up, this tour is two hours long. Operates year-round, weather permitting.
Cost: Adults $84.95; Kids $80.95
Glass Bottom Boat Voyage
With this glass-bottom boat adventure through Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve, every passenger gets a porthole (no fighting over window seats here). If you’ve never been on a boat like this, it’s like scuba diving without the form-fitting get-up and claustrophobic breathing thingie.
The tour guide will grace you with their knowledge as the proof swims right past you (like that 70% of the world’s oxygen comes from kelp—who knew?). When you take this kid-friendly approach to view life beneath the surface, prepare for multiple jaw drops. Yours, theirs, and possibly a Garibaldi or two (they’re the ones that look like someone colored them in orange highlighter).
Cost: Adults $19.95; Kids $17.95
The Catalina Zipline Eco Tour is a must for those who love a good thrill. The two-hour experience includes five ziplines that descend through Descanso Canyon, offering incredible views of the island, eucalyptus groves, and the ocean beyond while you dangle at up to 1,100 feet in the air. You’ll have two experienced guides with you the entire time, and there’s a tandem option for kids under 80 lbs and/or under 10 years of age. Since my son was under the weight limit, we rode together, which was better for me since I’m the one who’s terrified of heights.
Each platform has plaques explaining the local wildlife and history on the island, and on your last zip, you’ll end up at the Descanso Beach Club, where you’ll find an aerial adventure park, and a rock climbing wall open (open seasonally). Once you’re done stroll back to the heart of Avalon in under 15 minutes to continue your visit.
Good to Know: Children under 5 are not allowed on this tour.
Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Cost: Starting at $129 per person
Located in the Metropole Marketplace, this island arcade is a perfect way to close out the day. All ages can enjoy mini-bowling, arcade games, skeeball, air hockey, and more. They also have a bar that offers beer, wine, cocktails, and food.
Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m
Where to Eat on Catalina Island with Kids
Bluewater Grill Avalon
You’ll love this restaurant for the ahi, the raw oysters, and the incredible marina views, but the kids will love the bento box-style menu designed just for them. Delivered with grilled dipping sticks (fish, shrimp, chicken, steak, or salmon) and sides to the tune of edamame, scalloped potatoes, fresh veggies, or a garden salad, they’ll be so busy eating you’ll probably be able to enjoy your meal too. Staple items like grilled cheese and fries are also available for pickier eaters, and the dessert at the end is especially fun—a cup of Dirt with Worms: vanilla ice cream, Oreo cookie crumbles, and gummy worms.
The M Restaurant
Adjacent to Hotel Metropole, this cozy spot serves Italian fare and is perfect for a group dinner. Seating is available indoors or outdoors with gorgeous views of the harbor. Everything from the flatbreads to the shrimp scampi is delicious, and the service is top-notch.
Lobster Trap
Seafood rules at the Lobster Trap—the restaurant’s owner fishes for the catch of the day and, in season, spiny lobster. Ceviche is a great starter, always fresh and brightly flavored. Locals (you’ll see many at the small counter) come for the relaxed atmosphere, large portions, and draft beer. High chairs and kids’ portions are available upon request.
Buffalo Nickel
If you want to eat like a local, check out Buffalo Nickel and grab a slice of pizza or fish tacos. You’ll need to take a shuttle (check their website for stops) but this little spot’s unassuming charm and rustic feel are worth the trip.
Pancake Cottage
If you have a pancake connoisseur in your group, impress them by stopping at this friendly neighborhood spot. Order a fluffy stack or a bacon waffle to get your day off to the right start. The selection here is large and the portions are huge! Kid menus offering mini pancakes are available. And don’t pass up on the house-made whipped cream or the fresh fruit toppings.
Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co.
This place is a must-visit, as every parent knows finding the perfect coffee shop is key to a successful vacation. Open at 6:30 a.m. for early risers and serving hot breakfast all day, you can even order online to skip the line. Cookies baked fresh daily and made from scratch are available, as are sweet treats like the “best brownie ever” or churro donuts.
Scoops Catalina
In the seaside town of Avalon, ice cream rules but for made-from-scratch desserts that reflect the seasons, head to Scoops, where they use local fruits, berries, and ingredients to create these creamy concoctions.
Loyd’s Candy Shop
Home of the World Famous Lloyd’s salt water taffy made in the window, just try to walk by this shop without stopping. The island shop is known for its caramel apples and 160 different types of bulk candy. If it’s sweet, you’ll find it at Loyd’s.
Island Donuts
If some of the largest donuts and a quick cup of coffee are something you need on your way out to explore Catalina, then head to this tiny shop on the main drag in downtown Avalon.
Where to Stay on Catalina Island with Kids
Located in the heart of Avalon, Hotel Metropole is a boutique property with an intimate feel and a rooftop sundeck for incredible Avalon Bay views. One of the advantages to staying here is that the hotel wraps around Metropole Market Place, so you’re just steps away from shops, restaurants, the arcade, and even outdoor live music. Be sure to take advantage of the free continental breakfast and the wine and cheese reception in the afternoons.
Tip: Take advantage of the Best of Winter package and enjoy discounts at Hotel Metropole.
Pavillion Hotel
With its lush landscaping, inviting fire pit, and comfortable chaise lounges, the Pavilion Hotel is a relaxing, family-friendly spot in the middle of town. If you book a stay here, don’t miss their cheese and wine reception (once it’s safe to resume).
Hotel Atwater
Originally opened in 1920, and just half a block off Cresent Avenue, Hotel Atwater was the first hotel built under the direction of William Wrigley Jr. (the chewing gum industrialist and Chicago Cub’s baseball field namesake) after he purchased the Catalina Island Company more than a century ago. Completely renovated in 2019, this historic hotel with modern amenities stays true to the Wrigley family legacy with nostalgic elements like two splits of sparkling wine on arrival day—a tribute to the bubbly his daughter-in-law enjoyed every evening before bed. And, if your kids need extra entertainment there’s a cabinet filled with board games in the hotel lobby.
Tip: Take advantage of the Best of Winter package and enjoy discounts at Bellanca Hotel through March 25th.
Catalina Canyon Resort and Spa
This hotel is more inland, bigger, and not as picturesque, but still one of our favorite spots to stay when we bring the kids, because, well, the pool. As in, they have one. And while it’s a bit more removed, they have a shuttle to and from town. Plus it’s a little easier on the wallet, allows pets and you can walk to a little park nearby. All key points for happy overnight stays.
How to Get to Catalina
The Catalina Express offers daily trips to Avalon and Two Harbors (only from San Pedro), leaving Long Beach, Dana Point, and San Pedro. Book ferry tickets in advance and arrive early so you can park in the dedicated spot and still have plenty of time to usher your entire crew to the ferry. The 23-mile ferry ride takes less than 90 minutes, with available indoor and outdoor seating and restrooms. There are also snacks and drinks available on the boat.
Cost: Roundtrip from Long Beach and San Pedro to Avalon: Adults, $92; kids (2-11), $73; children under 2, $8
Cost: Roundtrip from Dana Point to Avalon: Adults, $96 roundtrip; kids (2-11), $77 roundtrip; children under 2, $8
Online: catalinaexpress.com
If you want to save a few dollars on the ferry price, check out Goldstar—they frequently offer discounts on tickets, or if you want to book a last-minute trip, take advantage of the Best of Winter deals and enjoy package discounts on boat and participating hotels.
—Additional reporting by Aimee Della Bitta
