If you haven’t heard of Catalina Island, then you are really missing out! For many of you who don’t know, it is an island just off the coast of LA (about an hour boat ride with Catalina Express). A real hidden gem! To be honest, I haven’t heard of this place until about a couple months ago, and now I wish I have visited it sooner. Though small, the island is incredibly charming. It actually has more a Mediterranean feel rather than Californian to it. There are lot of pastel colored houses with beautiful hand-made tiles, a harbor fulls of yachts, and turquoise and blue colored water. The main ways of transportation on the island are either by foot or with a golf cart. Very few cars are allowed on the island, which made it very peaceful and safe.

During our trip, we stayed at an amazing apartment, located at Hamilton Cove, from Catalina Vacations. Just a short five mins golf-cart drive away from downtown Avalon, Hamilton Cove apartments offer spectacular panorama ocean views. Our apartment (No.46) was spacious! It has two queen-size beds bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room. Each bedroom and living room has its own high-definition TVs. And the best part, it comes with a complimentary six-people golf cart! We had so much fun driving around the island to explore.

We are also happy to inform you that the island doesn’t compromise on food! Although challenging to get produce onto the island, the locals do not compromise their culinary standards, If you want to grab a delicious quick bite in the morning or between your activities, Tonyo Grill offers freshly-made and high-quality “fast food'“. If you are a huge seafood fan, you definitely need to check out Lobster Trap, a local’s absolute favorite. If the family wants some entertainment in the evenings, Three Palms Avalon Arcade is the place to be. If you would like to chill and hang out at the beach, Descanso Beach Club has the most refreshing cocktails and cocktails and a great mixed menu. And finally, if you love fine dining with a breathtaking ocean view (esp. during sunset), you would not find a better choice than Blue Water Grill. Just make sure you will save some space for its “Mud Cake” dessert. It is to die for!!! My recommendation, just try them all like we did, then you won’t miss on anything.

Most people are coming to Catalina Island to have some fun and fun you shall have! There are surprisingly amount of activities you can do on the island to keep yourself very busy, if you want to. Driving around the island in a golf cart is something you should start doing as soon as you arrive on the island. It helps to get yourselves familiar with the surroundings (the view from the top is just fabulous!) Diving just off shore of the island is a truly unforgettable experience. You will see sea kelp forest, giant crabs and a lot of fish. If younger families also want to observe the underwater lives without getting wet, Under Sea Expedition with Semi-Subs can definitely excite the little travelers and their parents. Bison Tour is a great tour not just to observe wild lives, but also learn about the fascinating history of the island. Last, but not the least, parasailing is definitely something you don’t want to miss. “It feels like flying” was the first comment that our kids made when they were up high in the sky with the sail overing looking the entire island. This is an experience of a lifetime!

Can’t believe how quickly three days went when we were on Catalina Island . Even though we have done a lot within a short of period of time, there is still so much more we can explore on the island. A return trip is defintey on the horizon.