A Week on Catalina Island: Family, Memories & Island Time

Some trips are about checking destinations off a bucket list. Others are about slowing down, reconnecting with the people you love, and creating memories you'll talk about for years to come. Our week on Catalina Island was definitely the latter.

After nearly two years of trying to coordinate schedules, nine of us finally came together at the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal in San Pedro for a week together on Catalina Island. It wasn't just another vacation. It was a chance for my husband's siblings to return to a place that had been woven into their childhoods. Growing up, many of their summers included a week on Catalina Island, so this trip was filled with both excitement and nostalgia from the very beginning.

We boarded the Catalina Express in San Pedro, making a stop in Two Harbors before arriving in Avalon about two and a half hours later. A few of us spent part of the ride keeping our eyes on the horizon and hoping our stomachs would cooperate, but once Avalon came into view, every bump was quickly forgotten.

One of the things we loved most was our Airbnb. Located just three houses from the boardwalk, we were only steps from the beach and within easy walking distance of everything we wanted to do. After dropping off our luggage, several of us made a quick trip to the nearby Vons to pick up groceries for dinner, breakfast, and snacks. It gave us a relaxed first evening together and allowed us to plan meals as the week unfolded.

Our home away from home couldn't have been better. The upstairs apartment, four bedrooms, and three bathrooms gave everyone room to spread out while still making it easy to gather together. Some of our favorite moments weren't planned at all. They happened around the dinner table, during late-night conversations, while watching baseball or movies, playing games, laughing over old family stories, or sharing music together.

Of course, we found plenty of time to explore Avalon. We wandered the boardwalk daily, browsed the local shops, visited the iconic Casino, and enjoyed simply soaking in the relaxed island atmosphere. Some of the group made the walk to the Bell Tower, others spent an afternoon golfing, one couple rented a golf cart to explore the island, and we all enjoyed a one-hour tour, Discover Avalon: Catalina Scenic Tour, by bus. We even squeezed in mini golf during our stay.

Food is always part of the adventure, and Catalina certainly didn't disappoint. We shared homemade dinners at the house but also enjoyed several local favorites throughout the week. The Lobster Trap lived up to its reputation, Bluewater Grill served delicious clam chowder with beautiful harbor views, Antonio's Pizza quickly became a favorite, Topside by NDMK offered the perfect rooftop drinks, Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. served flaky croissants and delicious espresso drinks, and El Encanto Catalina's Avocado Caprese Toast was to die for.

What surprised me most was how familiar the island still felt to my husband's siblings. While a few things had changed over the years, including the arcade moving, new condos being built, and a handful of new shops appearing, the spirit of Avalon hadn't changed at all. The colorful hillside homes, the sparkling blue water, the palm trees swaying along the waterfront, and the slower pace of island life were exactly as they remembered.

Being only a few steps from the beach meant we could start and end each day by the water. Some mornings began with coffee overlooking the harbor, while evenings often ended with another walk along the waterfront as the sun disappeared behind the hills. There was something special about slowing down long enough to simply enjoy being together.

As wonderful as Catalina's scenery is, the greatest part of this trip had nothing to do with the island itself. It was the laughter around the dinner table, the stories shared between siblings, the memories revisited, and the new ones we created together. Those are the moments we'll remember long after the ferry ride home.

Catalina Island reminded us that sometimes the best vacations aren't about seeing more. They're about spending more time with the people who matter most. And for our family, this little island will always feel a bit like coming home.