Grandparents' Guide to Catalina Island, California

Located off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is a treasure trove of fun for adults and kids alike. The relaxed atmosphere and wealth of enjoyable activities for all ages makes it a great vacation destination for grandparents with their grandkids. Reservations are recommended both for lodging and tours. During the summer months, they are a must. Here are some ideas to get you started on planning your vacation with the grandkids to Catalina Island.

How to Get There
You can depart from Long Beach or San Pedro (seasonally) either by helicopter or by ferry. If you are interested in seeing the fantastic scenery from above but can't afford the round trip helicopter fare, you might take a helicopter going in and catch a ferry going out. Island Express (http://www.islandexpress.com/flights.php) provides 15 min helicopter rides to the island for $86 (one-way) and $164 (round trip). The more traditional and cheaper way of reaching the island is to use a ferry. The Catalina Express (http://www.catalinaexpress.com/index.php ) offers the best senior discount with round trip tickets for $60. Adults are $66.50 and children $51. About one hour after your high speed catamaran has whisked you across the sea, you will arrive at your island vacation base, Avalon.

How to Get Around
Most places are within walking distance and the use of cars on the island is limited by local laws. If you get tired or can't walk too much, you can always call a taxi or as a fun alternative, rent a golf cart.

What to Do
Most of the island belongs to and is managed by the Catalina Island Conservatory. Many of the tours on the island showcase the wildlife found in this island environment. Remember to book your tour early for a stress free vacation. You don't want miss out because the tour is already sold out the day you are planning to go. Many tours can be booked online. There additional sites and activities for you to explore listed here as well.

Seal Rocks Cruise
http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/tour_sealRocks.php
Ride an open deck passenger boat to Seal Rock where you can watch a thriving Sea Lion community in action. The 50 minute tour runs at 2:30 pm from Mid- May to December.
Cost: seniors $15.75, children $13.25, adults $17.50

Glass Bottom Boat Tours
http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/tour_glassBottom.php
Ride in glass bottom boat through Lover's Cove Marine Preserve. At your feet, awaits a spectacular view of the kelp forests and its colorful sea creatures. This year round 40-minute tour runs at 12:30 & 2: 30pm daily.
Cost: seniors $15.75, children $13.25, adults $17.50

Undersea Tour
http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/tour_undersea.php
View the sea from 5 under the water in a semi-submersible boat. As you glide through the water, the fish are fed providing more viewing opportunities. In addition to the fish of the area, you may catch a glimpse of a bat ray. This year round 45 minute tour runs at 12 & 1 pm daily.
Costs: Day Time Tours: seniors $34, children $28.50, adults $37.75
Night Time Tours: seniors $27.50, children $23, adults $30.50

Jeep Eco Tours
http://www.catalinaconservancy.org/index.php?s=visit&p=jeep_eco_tour
Travel in an open jeep through the islands back roads and other areas not open to the public. Your driver is naturalist who will share his or her knowledge of the wildlife and plants of the area as well as the history and geology of the island. You will have a chance to see secluded coves, untouched beaches, bald eagles, bison, Santa Cruz Island fox and Catalina Beechey ground squirrel. The kids must be at least 6 years and/or 60 pounds to participate.

Costs: half day chartered tour for up to 6 people (snack included): $495; full day chartered tour for up to 6 people (lunch included): $795; non-chartered 3 hour tour: $98/person (at least 3 people paid for the tour to push through).

Catalina Island Museum/Avalon Casino
http://www.catalinamuseum.org/
The Casino building, a glorious entertainment palace with its own history, houses the Catalina Island Museum. Take some time to learn the history of this wonderful island and explore the Casino building. The museum offers "History Walks" every Monday, Tuesday & Friday at 11am. As the walks last for 75 minutes, you will need to decide if your grand child will have enough interest to attend. The walks are $10 for general public and $8 for children or museum members. Gallery admission is included. The museum is open daily from 10am to 4pm during April to December (closed for Thanksgiving & Christmas). From January to March, the hours are the same but it is closed on Thursdays.
Costs: Seniors $4, children (5-12) $2, children (0-4) free, adults $5

Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens
http://www.catalina.com/memorial.html
Located ½ mile up Avalon Canyon Road, the beautiful memorial and gardens are dedicated to man who not only founded the Wrigley gum company and owned the Chicago Cubs but to the man who was instrumental in both developing and preserving Catalina Island. He developed public utilities, hotels, the Casino Building and did extensive planting throughout the island.
Costs: Adults $5 Children under 12 free

Beaches
Being on a temperate island, you and the kids will naturally want to spend some on the beach. There are 4 easily accessible main beaches in Avalon: Descanso, South, Middle and Step. All provide excellent swimming. Except for Step, the restrooms are close at hand. South and Middle Beaches have lifeguards during the summer and are walking distance from shopping and restaurants.

Where to Stay
Popular with families, Catalina Island offers many family or kid friendly choices of accommodations. For grandparents, I recommend renting cottages or suites with kitchenettes. Not only will everyone feel more comfortable and better able to relax with the extra space, you can save money by cooking many of your own meals if you choose.

Catalina Beach House
http://www.catalinabeachhousehotel.com/
These are family style suites for up to 5 people and most include a kitchenette. Call them for current rates and availability.

Historic Hermosa Hotel
http://www.hermosahotel.com/
This hotel has cottages with kitchenettes and is walking distance to shops, beaches and restaurants. They do not have air-conditioning but they do provide electric fans. Call them for current rates and availability.

As you prepare for your vacation with the grandkids to Catalina Island, plan ahead so no one will be disappointed and you can take your time to enjoy each other's company as well as all that the island has to offer.