Travel to California

Unless Catalina's changed a lot in the past few years - it's not worth $300. It's cute, and it's kind of fun to ride the ferry, but the last time I was there, there was nothing there except a small street and the Casino, but I don't even remember anything going on in the Casino. Of all the places you can spend $300 in So. Cal, I wouldn't spend it on Catalina.

They've probably added a few more cutesy shops, but I still don't think it's worth all that. It was a good scuba diving spot many years ago, so if you're going to scuba dive, then go.

Otherwise, I'd say no.

There is lots to do in San Diego, if you get that far.

Catalina is ok but I think there are much better things to do in So Cal. If the weather is really warm (hot), you can do water activities in Catalina that are really fun, but otherwise, I think the kids will get bored. How old are they? Here are some great things to do in Orange County:

Disneyland
Knott's Berry Farm
Adventure City (inexpensive amusement park geared towards kids 7 and under)
Pretend City (fantastic children's museum; best for ages 2-8)
Beach
Balboa Fun Zone (Newport Beach)

And some fun LA things:
Getty Museum
Noah's Ark exhibit at the Skirball Center
Santa Monica Pier
Venice Boardwalk
Beach
Griffith Park

And so much more! I have lived in OC and LA almost my entire life. Let me know if you need any info!

What everyone has failed to mention is that the ferry ride is long and really choppy. I am not one to get sea-sick, but it was a rough sailing. I have heard from others that this is pretty standard sailing...always rough. Frankly, I was totally dissapointed with the whole trip. Save your money...there are so many other things to do in Southern California. For that amount of money, I'd take a day trip to Palm Springs.

My husband went for a business day out (like a huge glorified company picnic), and I was so sad I couldn't go but the trip involved a two hour drive each way and the boat ride and I had a newborn. When he was there he called me like three times saying how hot it was and while it was pretty, it was definitely NOT little kid friendly. It's mostly just window/tourist shopping, and pretty sightseeing. I have a friend who goes every year with her whole extended family, but they go for a weeklong camping trip! I'd say skip it and check out all the wonderful stuff in SD :)

Spend the money elseswhere. Catalina is pretty but it doesn't sound like it is for you. The boat ride is truly half of the fun

I live in southern california and have visited Catalina. I recommend it to couples or adventure seeking individuals who plan to stay a couple or more days.

The town, Avalon, is very small and is easily walked. I guess you can bike, but beyond the town the terrain is mountainous (great for hiking). I view Avalon as a nice 2-3 day getaway for relaxation and aimless wandering.

Not in my opinion. There is a lot of shopping. A tour bus to take you areound the island (that costs more) to see island foilage and animals with their descriptions and you can rent bikes and ride around. that is all. Save that $300 to go to Disneyland which I think is now to expensive too. iIf you get down to San Diego there is a Museum of Science. A long time ago it had a hands on museum for kids. That was worth the money. the kids had a wonderful time. But they are now almost 40 and almsot 38 so it has been years since I was there. It may not even be there any more. Try to google museums in Balboa Park or near the zoo.

Not sure which location you were going to leave out of, but if you were leaving from Long Beach, I'd tell you to save your money and visit the Aquarium of the Pacific. It's an awesome Aquarium for the kids! You could also visit the Queen Mary, which is in the same port.

I've been to Catalina a couple of times and would pass on it with a family. Maybe I missed some exciting activities somewhere else on the island, but mostly it's a strip of touristy shops.

My sister lives in Hermosa Beach and last time I was there to visit her I asked about Catalina and she said that it's good for couples or older folks but for a family it's probably too expensive for what it's worth. She also mentioned the boat ride was neat but I'm sure you could find a boat ride for a better price ;) Will you be in the San Diego area at all? If so, there's a Wild Animal park that you should check out! I went there while I was single with no kids and I keep telling myself I need to go back with my family! It has a sarfari feel and the animals seem closer to you than any other zoo I've been to! If you'll be more toward LA maybe Santa Monica may have some family friendly events?