We were so impressed with Avalon the first time we explored it, that we came back twice in the same year to celebrate Elizabeth’s twelfth birthday.
This time we explored it as a family of five and not six. I often hear from parents with young children that they will start traveling when their kids are older. We believe that it is never too early to travel with your baby. You only have them for eighteen short sweet years.
We hold dear in our hearts the past few years when we traveled four months out of the year as a family. We made such sweet memories and grew so much as a family. Yeah, travel will do that to you.
This was the first time we went on vacation as a family of five because our son Peter is working full time and now has adult responsibilities. I wasn’t ready for all the changes that have occurred this year. With our son moving out, I walked around the house crying just thinking of how our life was incomplete without his presence. We had to get used to setting up the table for five instead of six. He was no longer part of our daily adventures and we weren’t part of his. It felt like over night he had become an independent adult. Gosh, I still miss having him here with us daily but when he visits it is always such a sweet time. We are so proud of him and are excited for all the changes that are ahead of him.
Mama, you will never regret going on that trip as a family and making those memories. When you invest time with your children you are telling your children that they matter to you. All those sweet and profound memories will help them navigate adulthood better. On bad and hard days they will know that they have a tribe of people rooting and cheering for them.
Wrigley Memorial and Garden to Sky Trail
We explored the Wrigley Memorial and then we hit the trail. Now, last time we explored Avalon we learned that William Wrigley Jr. made a ton of money by selling gum. He actually made enough to buy majority of Catalina Island in 1919. I know what you might be thinking, why couldn’t you come up with an idea that could earn you enough money to buy an Island? This memorial stands here to honor William Wrigley Jr.
This gorgeous tower can be spotted from miles away and that is because it is 130 feet high and was built out of local materials. How cool is it that the tiles were created at the Catalina Pottery plant?
Once you explore the memorial you’ll want to walk down the steps and turn to your left. You’ll see a gate and a sign. The Sky trail is only 1.2 miles each way. Now the payoff of this steep hike is that it is here that you get to see both sides of the Island.
We didn’t explore the garden, just the memorial this time.
Located at 1400 Avalon Canyon Rd. Avalon, Ca 90704.
Catalina Aerial Adventure
We love adventure courses because they make us get out of our comfort zones. It is also a great way to workout your body as well as mind. This adventure course is unique because it is nested above the Catalina’s Descanso Canyon.
Here you get ninety minutes to zipline, climb on structures, and hold on to your dear life (just kidding: it sure feels like it). There are five courses to choose from with three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. These courses are self guided and self paced. You can start off at advanced level if you feel comfortable with heights. I personally like the courses that require you to start at beginner and go to advanced. You know the ones where you have to do all of them if you want to say that you completed the entire course. To me that feels more like a challenge and an accomplishment. However, I can see how someone who is new might feel safer to stay at the beginner course the entire time.
Our girls had a blast.
Located at 1st Catherine Way Avalon, CA 90704.
Rent a Golf Cart
One of the charming things about Catalina Island is all of the golf carts. When you are here exploring the island on your own, you have two choices : walk by foot or rent a golf cart. Now, we walked plenty and we love walking but walking takes a lot of time and if you have limited time on the island then you’ll want to rent a golf cart. Golf carts can be rented for only two hours at a given time.
You will be given a map when you rent a golf cart and this isn’t because your chances of getting lost on the island is great but because there are areas and streets where golf carts can not enter.
Renting a golf cart is a great way to see the gorgeous views of the island without running out of breath.
Located at 625 Crest Ave, Avalon, 90704
Ice cream at the South Beach
There are so many unique small shops along South Beach. It is a pretty charming place. We love Scoops. It is a great place to get a variety of unique ice cream, coffee, and crepes. It is right across from the beach where you can find a place to sit and enjoy your treats.
Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel
The first time we came to Catalina Island and we walked around the Island we distinctly remember taking pictures of this hotel. We were in awe of how beautiful it was. It stood out from all of the other gorgeous building near by. First, it is on the hillside and the views from every direction of it will take your breath away. Second, it’s full of charm. Third, it is rich with history (established in 1926).
We stayed in the penthouse which sleeps seven people. It has three bedrooms, 4 balconies, a large full kitchen, and a living room filled with Zane Greys books. From the kitchen we were able to step foot outside a small balcony and watch our children swim while hearing someone play classical Christmas music using the huge bell at the Chimes Tower.
Have you ever read, The Lone Star Ranger, Desert Gold, or Riders of the Purple Sage? This hotel is named after the famous American dentist and author known as Pearl Zane Grey. 112 of his books have been converted into films.
After Zane Greys death in 1939, his pueblo was converted into a hotel. It had sixteen rooms. We stayed in the part of the hotel that he lived in and enjoyed. It felt pretty cool knowing that he had seen the same view we were seeing and wrote many of his novels here. In 2011, the hotel did a huge upgrade and added a new addition known as the North Tower.
This is one hotel you will never forget. You’ll spend most of your time sitting outside on the balconies and soaking in all of the views. You’ll wish you could afford renting this room for the rest of your life because it is that magical.
Located at 199 Chimes Tower Rd, Avalon, Ca 90704.
Thank you Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel for hosting our wonderful stay.
Thank you for reading our blog post.