Catalina Island

Best Age Range: All
Pace Level: Slow
Accessibility Notes: some potential challenges with boat access to the island, rocky beaches, and strong waves in some areas.
Budget Tier: Moderate – High
Overall Multi-Gen Rating: 3 Generations Approved

Trip Details

One of our earliest family trips also turned out to be one of our best! Catalina Island surprised us in all the right ways. From the excitement of arriving by boat to the ease of a walkable town, incredible restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops, and a beach club everyone could enjoy, Catalina checked every box. It’s the kind of destination that feels special without being complicated, and memorable without being exhausting—exactly what multi-generational travel should be.

The Grandparent Take

Boat ride is comfortable and part of the fun
- Arriving to any destination by boat is an incredible way to be introduced to a new town. The fun hustle and bustle in the marina and the fresh sea air sets the tone for what is sure to be a fun and memorable day. One thing to note: if you have mobility issues or struggle with motion sickness, take this into account while selecting your arrival method. Getting on and off the boat at the marina shouldn’t present issues for most, but something to be mindful of.
Walkable town minimizes transportation stress
- Having a wide variety of options that are reachable by walking (or golf cart!) makes it easy for everyone. The unique shops and boutiques, gorgeous architecture, and one of a kind galleries proved to have something to offer for everyone. We were always steps away from something that caught the eye, and there are plenty of benches, beautiful landscaping, and picturesque views for those who prefer to sit and soak it all in.
Great dining options for all
- We truly had some of the best meals here. There is an incredible amount of variety to choose from, and service felt relaxed but attentive most places we went to. Unlike some “touristy” beach towns, everything tasted fresh and of high quality.
Descanso Beach Club offers comfort, views, and relaxation
- This was my highlight of our visit. An easy walk past the Casino lead us to the luxurious private beach club, complete with classic white cabanas and pristine sandy beaches. From the moment we arrived, I was thrilled with the beautiful ocean views and the scenic Catalina coast line. Our host checked us in and escorted us to our private cabana, which we had pre-selected before arrival. The day is enhanced with a private server, dedicated to bringing you selections from their fantastic food and beverage menu.
  - The only thing to note that could be a negative here is that the area where the waves meet the shore can be rocky (I would advise wearing water shoes or sandals) and the waves were particularly intense while we were visiting.

The Parent Take

Wonderful family atmosphere
- Catalina Island has a way of making families feel instantly at ease. From the moment you arrive by boat, the pace slows down and the focus shifts to enjoying time together. The town of Avalon is compact and walkable, which makes it easy to explore with kids, parents, and grandparents without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Built-in fun without overplanning at Descanso Beach Club
- This was the ultimate “everyone’s happy” solution. The cabana provided a home base, the food and drinks were genuinely excellent, and having everything handled on-site removed the need to juggle logistics. Worth every dollar. We also were able to pre-select our cabana, which was helpful knowing what to expect and reduced our rush to get there. For larger groups, they do offer larger cabana options, but for our party of 4, the regular cabana proved perfect for our needs. Onsite showers were clean and convenient for getting refreshed and ready for the journey back.
Feels like a “real getaway” without a long travel day
- The blend of the marina, charming Avalon village, the iconic historic Casino, and the luxurious beach club creates an experience that feels like a European seaside escape—without the complicated logistics or long travel time. It’s polished yet relaxed, special but easy, and delivers all the charm of an overseas vacation in a much more accessible way.

🔥 Dad’s Hot Take: Catalina is great – but can feel a little *too* slow paced if you are only staying in Avalon. If you are active and adventure-seeking, explore the rest of the island – there’s zip lining, snorkeling – even 4×4 bison tours to observe the island’s famous wild bison.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent tip: bring a collapsible travel stroller. From getting on and off the boat and popping into busy restaurants, you’ll appreciate a lightweight option that folds out of the way easily. We always recommend this option: gb Pockit All-Terrain Stroller

The Kid Take

Boat = instant adventure
- As the name would imply, Captain Go Go has never met a boat he doesn’t love. Sailing into the small area of Avalon brings a fun pirate or exploring energy to the mix, and he loved all the colors, sounds, and smells of the marina.
Beach club held nonstop highlights
- Bring your beach toys! The Captain made good use out of the sand toys we packed, and the shade provided by our beach club cabana and palm trees meant he could dig and play for much longer than if he was in a less protected area. While we would not recommend swimming due to the wave intensity, the Captain was able to dip his toes and had plenty of fun looking for special rocks. The cabana came stocked with waters, fruit, and a comfy couch that proved the perfect spot for a mid-afternoon nap. The menu had lots of kid-approved choices, and the staff treated him wonderfully. No feelings like he didn’t belong – although this may be different on a weekend, which likely would have more of an adult, “party” vibe.
Shops, snacks, and freedom to explore safely
- Stuffed dolphins dressed as pirates, unique candy options, and wide sidewalks with little traffic meant a shopping and exploration paradise for little ones.
Just enough excitement without burnout
- The Captain found plenty to keep him engaged and entertained, while being supported by quiet areas to rest and recharge when needing a break.

What Made This Trip Stand Out

Descanso Beach Club. Renting a private cabana turned an already great day into a truly luxurious, pampered, and fun experience for every generation. With a dedicated sandy beach area, plenty of shade, and comfortable spaces for lounging – or sneaking in a nap – Descanso made it easy to relax without sacrificing excitement. Add in amazing food, delicious drinks, and attentive service, and it felt like a resort-style escape without the stress. It’s well worth the admission price and remains one of our top Catalina splurges.