Weekend Getaway to #Catalina Island with Kids #SpringBreak @CatalinaChamber #TravelTips

Do you have island fever or have been itching to go on an island excursion? Well look no further than across our waters. On the clearest skies, you will see Catalina Island. It's so close that you can get there in the morning and be back by night.  Here are my top 5 reasons why you should plan a visit:

1. You'll save money on plane tickets.
2. Lots of ways to get there. (By water out of San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Dana Point OR by air).
3. Close enough to go for a day trip or weekend getaway and be back at work on Monday.
4. Lots of activities for all ages.
5. Environmental-friendly. Everything in town is walking distance and they use mostly golf carts to reduce pollution on the island. Lots of island fresh air.  

(c) Let's Play OC!

Here's a sample weekend itinerary for a family with small children out of Newport Beach:

SATURDAY

8:00am*  Arrive in Newport Beach: find parking, check-in, and line-up to board with Catalina Flyer. CatalinaInfo.com (Note: there are two lines so make sure you're in the right line to check-in)

9:00am     Depart Newport Beach

10:15am   Arrive in Avalon

10:30am   Check into hotel or vacation rental; we used Catalina Island Vacation Rentals (CIVR). CatalinaVacations.com

11:00am   Brunch (Hint: Lobster Trap is right across the way from Golf Gardens)

12:30pm   Nap Time or 1st Activity: Golf Gardens by Santa Catalina Island Co. (VisitCatalinaIsland.com)

3:00pm     2nd Activity: Nautilus Semi-Submarine Tour with CatalinaAdventureTours.com

5:00pm     Dinner

SUNDAY

10am        Checkout

10:30am   Store Luggage

11am        Brunch

1pm          Activity #3: Golf Cart Scenic Tour (1-2 hours). CatalinaIslandGolfCart.com have two locations.

3:30pm     Head back to dock to get luggage, change, line-up to board.

4:30pm*    Leave back to Newport Beach; Arrive around 5:15pm

*This time will vary depending on which port you are leaving out of. You'll want to be in that area an hour before departure.

Catalina Island Golf Cart
(c) Let's Play OC!

My kids at Golf Gardens
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Lobster Tacos at Lobster Trap

(c) Let's Play OC!

You might also want to know to:

• Arrive early. You'll need time to find parking and check-in. The lines are usually long and you'll want a good spot for you and your family. 
• Be flexible. Tour schedules may change due to weather. Call ahead.
• Everything in town is in walking distance. You won't need a car but you will want comfortable walking shoes.
• Large Public Restrooms are centrally located at the Green Pier.
• They have two neighborhood grocery stores by Vons. You can get all the supplies you may have forgotten. We also stopped to get ice cream here at one point.
• You can store your luggage at the port after you check out. They charge per luggage depending on size. (S: $2.50, M:$3.50, L: $4.50)
• Overnight Parking is about $45 or $38 with validation. There will be about a 15-30 minute wait. 

One of the many scenic views of Avalon on our Golf Cart Tour. (c) Let's Play OC!

Thanks, Catalina Island, for a picture perfect weekend getaway! We really enjoyed all the family activities, the island fresh air, all the beautiful views, and the charm of your town. We will always look forward to visiting you again with or without our kids and can't wait to try all that the island has to offer. Until next time! 


If you would like to see a full list of activities and what Catalina offers, please visit Catalina Island Visitor Center located near the foot of the Green Pleasure Pier or their website at www.CatalinaChamber.com.


COMING UP:

We'll take a closer look at...

• Our Stay with Catalina Island Vacation Rentals (CIVR)
• Golf Gardens - A Fun Family Tradition
• My Kids on Catalina Adventure Tours: "The Nautilus" Semi-Submarine    
• Why Scenic Catalina Island Golf Cart Tours are a Must!

Super cute souvenir ornament of Sponge Bob and Patrick.

(c) Let's Play OC!

Disclosure: Lets Play OC! aims to provide unbiased editorials. However, I wish to disclose that from time to time I may receive free products from companies for blogger reviews. All opinions are my own. All images copyrighted by Let's Play OC!