Start your LA trip with an easy, very doable first stop at The Original Farmers Market in the Fairfax District. It’s one of the best “land and recover” places in the city because everyone can grab exactly what they want without the pressure of a full sit-down meal. For a family with a 12-year-old, this is ideal: Magee’s Kitchen for sandwiches, Du-par’s for pancakes or pie, Trolley Car Diner for classic comfort food, or Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts if you want something quick and fun. Budget around $18–$30 per person, and give yourselves about 1.5 hours to wander the stalls, look at the old-school signs, and ease into the trip without rushing.
From there, it’s a short walk right over to The Grove, which feels like the polished, open-air version of LA shopping and people-watching. The fountain shows, the trolley, and the landscaped paths make it more of a stroll than a “shopping center” stop, so even if you don’t buy anything it still feels like part of the experience. This is a good place to slow down, grab an iced coffee, and let your son burn off some energy. If you want a snack, La Colombe or Erewhon are easy casual options, and the whole area is very stroller- and kid-friendly. Plan about 1.5 hours here, then head a few minutes east by rideshare or car to Miracle Mile.
At LACMA, make your first stop the Urban Light installation outside — it’s the iconic LA photo spot and especially good in the soft late afternoon light. Inside, don’t try to “do the whole museum” on day one; pick a few galleries and keep it moving so the day stays fun. General admission is usually around $25–$35 per person, and it’s worth checking the current special exhibits before you go. After that, walk or take a very short drive to the Petersen Automotive Museum, which is a great choice for a 12-year-old because it feels dramatic and interactive without being babyish. The supercars, movie cars, and rooftop vault-style displays are the headline here, and you’ll want about 1.5 hours. For dinner, go classic at Musso & Frank Grill on Hollywood Boulevard — this is your “gold cart” glamour moment, all red leather booths, old Hollywood energy, and serious history. It’s usually best to reserve ahead, and you’ll spend about $35–$60 per person depending on drinks and entrees.
Finish the night at Griffith Observatory, which is one of the easiest ways to get that big LA view without overcomplicating the day. Parking can be frustrating at sunset, so aim to arrive a little before the sky starts changing, or take a rideshare if you’d rather avoid the lot shuffle. The observatory is free, and even a short stop here pays off with the city lights, the hillside air, and a real “we made it to LA” feeling. If you’re not up for a long stay, just do the terrace, a quick look around, and the view over downtown and the Hollywood Sign before heading back for the night.
Start early and keep it relaxed so the day doesn’t feel like a marathon. Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes is the right kind of first stop: quiet, scenic, and memorable without being time-consuming. Plan about 45 minutes here, and if you arrive around opening, you’ll usually have the best light for the glass chapel and the coastal views. There’s typically a suggested donation rather than a fixed entry fee, and parking is straightforward. It’s a lovely place to reset after the drive and a nice “wow” moment before the busier Newport part of the day.
From there, head to Moulin in Newport Coast for brunch. It feels polished and coastal in the best way, but still comfortable for a family with a 12-year-old. Expect about 1.5 hours here and roughly $25–$45 per person depending on whether you do pastries, crepes, eggs, or a fuller meal. If you can, sit outside or by a window and take your time — this is a good spot to ease into Orange County pace. After brunch, keep a little room in the schedule so nobody feels rushed getting over to the peninsula.
Next, spend your early afternoon at Balboa Fun Zone on the Balboa Peninsula. This is where the day gets playful: arcade energy, old-school rides, harbor views, and the kind of seaside atmosphere that feels especially fun with a kid. Budget about 1.5 hours, and know that the rides and activities are pay-as-you-go, so it’s easy to control spending. Parking on the peninsula can be a little competitive on nice afternoons, so if you see a good spot, take it. From there, it’s an easy transition to the Balboa Island Ferry, which is half the fun — a short, iconic crossing that gives everyone a nice little break while keeping the day moving.
After you land on the Balboa Island side, stop into the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum for a quick, low-effort look at the harbor’s boating history and local maritime culture. It’s small enough not to drain anyone’s energy, and 45 minutes is plenty; admission is usually around $5–$10. Then finish the day with dinner at Cucina Enoteca Newport Beach near Fashion Island. It’s a solid family dinner pick because the menu works well for both adults and kids — think good pasta, pizza, and salads in a lively but not chaotic setting. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours and around $25–$45 per person. If you still have a little daylight after dinner, a short wander around Fashion Island or an easy harbor-side drive is a nice way to close out the day without overplanning it.
Take the Catalina Express from Long Beach to Avalon as early as you can manage, because Catalina really rewards a full day once you’re on island time. If you’re driving in, plan to be at the terminal well before boarding so you’re not rushed with luggage or parking; if you’re using a rideshare, it’s even simpler. The ferry ride is usually about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, and once you pull into Avalon Harbor, the whole mood shifts fast: golf carts, water views, and that laid-back little-island energy you’re after.
When you land, head straight to the Catalina Island Museum in town before the day gets too loose. It’s a smart first stop because it gives your family the backstory on the island—indigenous history, the old resort era, and how Avalon became the place it is now. Expect about an hour here, with tickets usually in the $10–$20 range per person. It’s an easy walk from the harbor area, so you can keep the morning simple and still feel like you’ve actually learned something before the beach part begins.
From there, make your way to Descanso Beach Club, which is one of the best low-stress places to settle in with a 12-year-old because it has the whole package: loungers, clear water, and food right on the sand. Midday can get warm in September, so this is the perfect window to slow down, swim if you want, and let everyone do their own thing for a bit. Food and drinks typically run about $20–$40 per person, depending on how hungry everyone is, and it’s worth lingering here for around two hours instead of rushing. If your son wants to feel like he’s really “doing Catalina,” this is the spot.
After the beach, ease into Antonio’s Pizzeria & Cabaret for a casual harbor-side lunch or early dinner. It’s one of those dependable Avalon favorites where nobody has to dress up, nobody has to overthink it, and you can just sit down and recharge. Pizzas, pasta, and easy family-friendly plates usually land in the $15–$30 per person range, and it’s a nice reset before the late-afternoon water views. If you happen to be craving a little more island atmosphere, ask for a table where you can people-watch and catch the harbor movement.
Once you’ve eaten, head over to Casino Point Dive Park for one of Catalina’s signature experiences. Even if no one in your group is snorkeling, it’s still a fun place to watch the water activity and see why people love this island so much. If you do bring or rent snorkel gear, this is a great beginner-friendly place to try it, and the late-afternoon light makes the whole shoreline look especially good. Plan about 1.5 hours here, and bring towels, water shoes, and a light layer for when the breeze picks up.
Wrap the day with an easy Avalon Bay sunset stroll along the waterfront. No need to overplan this part—just wander the harbor, look for a bench, and let the island do the work. It’s free, low-effort, and exactly the kind of finish that makes a Catalina day feel memorable without being exhausting. If you want, you can browse a few shops near the waterfront afterward, then keep your evening flexible so you’re not trying to squeeze too much into one island night.
Pick up a golf cart from Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals as early as you can—on Catalina, the whole rhythm of the day changes once you’re rolling uphill with the ocean in every direction. In Avalon, rental shops are usually clustered close to the harbor, so it’s an easy walk from most hotels, and getting there right after breakfast helps you avoid the midmorning queue. Expect a quick orientation, a map, and a few steep-but-fun streets as you head into the hills; budget roughly $50–$90+ per cart-hour block depending on how long you keep it. The classic move is to do a scenic loop first, then pause for photos when the harbor opens up behind you.
From there, drive up to Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden in the Avalon hills. It’s one of the best “this is why we came to Catalina” stops: part history, part garden walk, part lookout point. Give yourselves about 1.5 hours so you can actually enjoy the paths, the Memorial, and the views without rushing your 12-year-old through it. Admission is typically around $15–$20 per person, and mornings are best because it’s cooler and less crowded. After that, cruise back down toward the coast and stop at Lover’s Cove for a short stretch of rocky shoreline and clear water—great for photos, tide-pooling vibes, and a quick breather before lunch. If the water is calm, it’s also one of the easier places to get a feel for Catalina’s snorkeling scene without committing to a longer outing.
Head to Bluewater Avalon on the harborfront for lunch. It’s one of the easiest places in town to sit down, cool off, and get something solid after being in and out of the sun all morning. The harbor view is half the experience, so don’t rush it—plan on about 1.5 hours and expect $25–$45 per person depending on what you order. Seafood is the obvious move here, and it’s a good reset before the active part of the day. If you’re going in September, try to sit near the windows or on the patio if there’s a breeze; it keeps the afternoon feeling relaxed instead of packed.
For the afternoon, build in your water time with snorkeling or kayaking near Descanso/Gaffers Cove. This is the kind of Catalina activity that makes the island memorable for a 12-year-old because it’s active, a little adventurous, and still very manageable for a family. Kayak and snorkel rentals or guided options usually run around $30–$80 per person depending on what you choose, and about 2 hours is enough to have fun without turning the day into a slog. If you’re renting gear, ask about current conditions and where the calmer water is that day; September is often good, but Catalina’s coast can change with wind and boat traffic. Bring water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag if you have one.
Wrap up with dinner at Steve’s Steakhouse back in Avalon for a more polished, family-friendly end to the day. It’s a classic island dinner spot with harbor atmosphere, and sunset is the sweet spot if you can time it right—plan for 1.5 to 2 hours so you can settle in, order without watching the clock, and enjoy the view. Expect roughly $35–$70 per person depending on entrée choices, cocktails, and whether your son goes big on dessert. After dinner, take a slow walk along the harborfront; Avalon at night is compact, easy, and very walkable, which is part of the charm.
If you’re staying overnight again in Avalon, you’re already in the right place for a low-stress finish. If not, keep an eye on ferry time and leave enough cushion to get back to your lodging, because island evenings are best when they don’t feel rushed. On the way out the next day, you’ll want the earliest practical departure from Avalon so you can make the ferry back to Long Beach and then the drive home without losing half the morning to logistics.
Take the Catalina Express back to Long Beach as early as you can so you’re not watching the clock all day. The boarding area in Avalon is straightforward, but get there a little early for luggage, lines, and a smooth seat choice if your family wants to sit together. Once you land in Long Beach, it’s an easy reset: the harbor area is walkable, breezy, and a nice way to ease back onto the mainland without jumping straight into traffic.
From the ferry, head to Shoreline Village for a relaxed first stop. It’s the kind of place where you can stretch your legs, browse a few souvenir spots, and let your 12-year-old wander without feeling like you’re “doing an attraction” too fast. Then make your way over to the Aquarium of the Pacific, which is one of the best family picks in the area and usually takes about 2–3 hours if you want to see the big exhibits without rushing. Plan on around $40–$45 per person, and if you go straight through the key galleries, the shark and ray areas are usually the biggest hit with kids. Keep it flexible, though—this is a great place to linger if everyone’s enjoying it.
For lunch, stop at Mendocino Farms in the Long Beach area for something fast but good—salads, sandwiches, and plenty of kid-friendly choices, usually around $15–$25 per person. It’s a smart reset before the drive out, and you won’t lose time sitting through a long meal. Afterward, end your Long Beach time with a calm walk on Naples Island. The canal paths are beautiful, the homes feel very “California coast,” and it’s a nice quieter finish after the aquarium energy. If you’ve got a little extra time, this is also where the trip starts to feel like a real farewell to the beach side of California.
Leave Long Beach for Los Angeles in the mid-to-late afternoon, depending on traffic and whether you’re connecting to LAX. The drive is usually about 45–90 minutes, but I’d pad it a bit because Friday traffic can change fast. If you’re heading to the airport, leave extra cushion; if you’re going to a hotel or home base in LA, this is the kind of day where you’ll be glad you kept the schedule light and gave yourselves one last easy coastal stroll before heading inland.