What do you think about Catalina Island?

[twinmommyks]

Can you give me some info on Catalina Island?

We are going to DL and CA for 3 days, Legoland for 1 day and have one day to do something else. My children (10,5,5) have never seen the ocean and haven't been on a boat before; plus we want to do a day that involves beach time/swimming/etc.

I have read a little about Catalina Island. Can anyone give me any info on this? Would it be fun for a family? What company do you recommend to get to catalina? Any particular things to do/see?

Any info/opinions would be great!!

Bren
___________________
WDW - AKL - June 05
DL - Offsite - July 1986 (honeymoon)

 

[Tink33]

I have been a few times. We left out of Newport Beach on Catalina Flyers. It is an all day trip. The boat leaves early in the morning and does not come back until the evening. The trip out is about 75 - 90 minutes and the return is a little longer. The seas can be rough depending upon the time of your visit.

We have been on some tours including the inland tour to the airport, a city tram tour, a glass bottom boat trip to the underwater reserve, a boat trip to seal rock and a trip to Two Harbors. The main beach near the harbor is not great. You can go to Descanso Beach Club and rent beach chairs and kayaks and have restaurant facilities for a fee. Not too much sand, mostly rocks.

If you want a great beach with nice sand and waves, Catalina is not the place to go. If you want to experience a quaint town with wildlife (animals not people) and good snorkeling/diving it is a nice place to see.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I agree with Tink33, I love the diving around the island and the harbor. Reminds me of some of the small islands off Greece. Used to be a very laid back place, but as with everywhere you go, it get very busy spring and summer.

Jack

 

[twinmommyks]

Thanks for the information. Catalina Island sounds like something that my dh and I would really enjoy, but not too sure about the kiddos. I appreciate your input. Any beach recommendations that are great for children; nice water, clean sandy beaches, etc.?

Bren

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I agree with Tink33, too.

Check the top of the boards for a sticky thread with "other things to do" - there are links with info on beaches, etc.

Personally, I like Newport Beach. The waves are small, you can rent boogie boards for a nominal fee and the kids can splash around and "ride" them on the waves. There are restaurants nearby, and is generally a nice area. You can also rent bikes, and ride to the Fun Zone & take the ferry to Balboa Island ($1 when we went) - it makes a fun family adventure.

A lot of people like Huntington Beach, and it is really nice, especially the long stretch of beach and the fire pits, but the waves are rougher - my kids didn't enjoy it so much when they were little.

 

[NancyIL]

After a weekend at Disneyland in March, I'll be on a 4-day cruise out of San Pedro that stops in San Diego, Catalina, and Ensenada. For Catalina, I'm leaning towards a tour of the island and Botanical Gardens, and also a Casino tour. Planning to take the Old Town Trolley around San Diego, and going on a winery tour in Ensenada. (Don't ask me why - I don't drink!)

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hi Nancy,

You might consider the submarine tour - you'll get to see the kelp beds and the animals that live down below, including garibaldi, seals, mantas, groupers, etc - it's a pretty cool tour.

 

[NancyIL]

Hi Nancy,

You might consider the submarine tour - you'll get to see the kelp beds and the animals that live down below, including garibaldi, seals, mantas, groupers, etc - it's a pretty cool tour.

Thanks, Mary Jo. Is that the same as a "semi-submersible"?

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Huntington Beach is a gorgeous beach...an eight mile uninterrupted stretch of golden sand. The Hyatt and Hilton Waterfront are across from it with nice bridges straight to the beaches. There are some touristy areas on Main street and a lot of decent restaurants in the vicinity. The long pier is fun to walk. It's the quinessential Californian beach experience

 

[IndestructibleMushu]

Thanks for the information. Catalina Island sounds like something that my dh and I would really enjoy, but not too sure about the kiddos. I appreciate your input. Any beach recommendations that are great for children; nice water, clean sandy beaches, etc.?

Bren

Since you're going to Legoland, you may want to consider Coronado in San Diego. The beach next to the Hotel del Coronado is wide, white sand, uncrowded, and the waves are small with a long shelf of sand into the water so it's great for kids. The Hotel del Coronado is historic and beautiful. It's the hotel Disney used as it's inspiration for their Grand Floridian.

You may also want to consider the time of year you are going to be here. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't always beach weather here. In fact, some days that are hot inland can be cold and foggy on the coast.

So there are other things to do in LA. La Brea Tar Pits is fun for kids and I can't think of a place like this anywhere else in the world. Or Sea World in San Diego. Just a thought.