We hate to break this to you, but dad really doesn’t want another tie for Father’s Day. What he’d really like is the promise of spending some time with you. This Father’s Day make dad happy with plans for a Catalina family vacation.
Here are our nine favorite things to do on Catalina Island with dad.
Golf: Catalina Island’s scenic golf course offers nine holes that can be played with two sets of tees for 18 holes of great golf. Or – if dad prefers a little more whimsy – the Avalon Golf Gardens is a shaded oasis in the middle of town featuring 18 holes of mini-golf fun.
Fish: For more than a century, Catalina Island’s waters have been renowned for sports fishing. Marlin, tuna, halibut and seabass are regularly hooked around the island. While marlin are mostly released, other sport fish make a tasty catch.
Eat and Drink: From fine dining to dive bars and from food tours to dessert shops, this Southern California island destination offers myriad ways to eat, drink and be merry while hanging out with dad.
Hike: You and dad will both enjoy getting out of town and exploring the rest of Catalina Island. With rugged terrain and spectacular views, the Garden to the Sky Trail is popular or – for a multi-day challenge – take on the TransCatalina Trail. Visit the Catalina Conservancy for hiking maps and permits.
Swim: No Catalina vacation is complete without a dip in the sea. Take the plunge with your dad.
Relax: Relaxing on Catalina Island is easy to do. It doesn’t matter if dad’s idea of an ideal day is a nap on the beach, a deep-tissue massage or a beer on a comfortable bar stool, Catalina has it covered.
Rent a boat: Whether it’s a pedal boat in Avalon Harbor, a kayak along the coast or a Joe’s Rent A Boat for a Catalina coastal cruise, renting a boat on Catalina will be an adventure that you and your dad won’t forget. Prefer to let someone else be the captain? Several boat charters are available to take you on an ocean expedition.
Camp: There are plenty of great opportunities for camping on Catalina Island. High in the interior is Blackjack Campground and on the wild windward side of the island is Little Harbor. Campgrounds – complete with comfortable tent cabins -- are also available in Avalon and Two Harbors.
