Avalon, California: A 3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary

• Day 1: Explore Avalon - Begin your trip by exploring the island's historical hub of Avalon. There are several tour companies that offer narrated tours around the city, such as the Catalina Island Tour or for a more unique experience, the UnderSea Expedition, which takes you to the ocean's depth while staying dry in a semi-submersible. Descanso Beach is perfect for families, where little ones can run and play along the sandy shore while adults can enjoy a few cocktails.
• Day 2: Get Active in the Great Outdoors - Catalina Island's beautiful landscapes offer many hiking trails overlooking stunning views. Climb to the island's highest point on the Hermit Gulch Trail or explore the beautiful flora and fauna on the Trans Catalina Trail. For the sea-loving families there is the "Sea Trek Undersea Adventure," where you walk underwater alongside fish and other marine animals, just as Atlantis.
• Day 3: Enjoy water Sports - Get a taste of the ocean adventure on your last day by renting kayaks or paddleboards at Descanso Beach. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving to see Catalina's vivid marine life.

Estimated Time and Costs

• Avalon Tour (2 hours, $100)
• UnderSea Expedition (1.5 hours, $70)
• Descanso Beach (3 hours, $50)
• Hermit Gulch Trail (5 hours, free)
• Trans Catalina Trail (8 hours, free)
• Sea Trek Undersea Adventure (1 hour, $80)
• Kayak or Paddleboard rentals (2 hours, $40)
• Snorkeling or Scuba Diving (2-5 hours, $60-$200)
Total Estimated Costs: $500

Transportation

To access Avalon, visitors can choose between flying in using a private helicopter or a dashingly remarkable cruise from the pier, the boat nearly takes an hour, or even rent a private speedboat that is available to travel to and from the island. Within Avalon, walking is the best way to travel around the town.

Useful Tips

If you have more time to spare, you may include other outdoor activities to your itinerary, such as camping (on the approved sites), mountain biking in the hills or ziplining adventures offering fantastic birdseye views over the island. Visitors who want to experience the nightlife and relax, there are several fine dining spots and bars to stop by. For those with less time CatalinaExpress.com offers a day trip package that includes a return ferry ride, downtown Avalon walking tour, and admission to the William Wrigley Jr. Memorial and Botanic Garden.

Airports

The Catalina Island Conservancy has a heliport that is available only for transfers, private landings are not permitted. The nearest airports to Avalon is the Long Beach Airport (LGB / KLGB) – it is 32 miles/52 kilometers from Avalon or the John Wayne Airport (SNA / KSNA) – 37 miles/60 kilometers from Avalon.