So this year, on Black Friday, my family did things a little differently and went to Catalina Island. My mom (and everyone else to be honest) wanted to skip the lines this year and go on a mini adventure.
Black Friday is a tough day for me. On one hand, I think it’s the day that we should really be thankful for what we have instead of rushing out to buy more stuff. After all, it’s the day after Thanksgiving. Lately, Black Friday has even been starting “early” – on Thanksgiving day of all days! It’s one of those things that really rubs me the wrong way. I mean, Thanksgiving is a day to spend with families and if you start your Black Friday sale early, it isn’t even technically on Black Friday! Plus, all the poor people have to work. On the other hand, I am a shopping addict, so it can be hard for me when the thing I’ve been eyeing for months finally goes on sale. However, I’m a bit more of a Cyber Monday type of person.
This Black Friday was much different. Like I said, my whole family went to Catalina Island for the day. We spend the day eating, exploring, and we even got to go on a Zipline course! You read me right, a zipline course! There were 5 ziplines, each of a different length, that took you from the top of the mountain all the way to the bottom. I have literally jumped out of a plane, jumped off a platform, jumped off a crane, and yet I have never gone ziplining before. It was so much fun! It was everyone in my family’s first time too, so that made it even better. I was pretty proud to watch my parents ziplining right there with us. We even took our Christmas photo (in helmets).
To get to the island, you have to take a boat there, obviously. We took our boat out of Long Beach, but there are other options. The boat ride was probably about a half hour and I deifnitely recommend getting the upgraded tickets. You get priority boarding, a seat inside a special area, and a free drink included! Plus, the priority boarding and exclusive inside seating area is a real blessing when you’re coming back late at night and it’s cold.
Catalina Island was such a cute getaway and I already can’t wait to go back and see what else there is to do!
I am so with you on the insanity of Black Friday. It is kind of sad. I love that your family got to spend the day together. Really beautiful post!
That lighthouse is so cute! Loving all of your photography
That looks like such a fun and relaxing way to spend the day! and wow that zipline looks crazy!
Wow that sounds so much fun!! I completely agree with you on the insanity of Black Friday but I am guilty of picking up a couple things for Christmas gifts. I have honestly never attempted to join those crazy lines or camping out for the night! Plus the idea of spending all the time away from family and friends does not sound appealing to me at all haha. For now I will stick to my little shopping online or maybe next year I will go on an adventure 😉
Hannah
http://www.ohwhatasighttosee.com
What a beautiful area! I love taking vacations anywhere there are boats or sailing!
I’m dying to go to Catalina! sounds like so much fun x
Sounds like such a good way to spend a holiday! Looks like so much fun!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
What a glorious Christmas picture idea and I agree about the Black Friday thing getting out of hand. We don’t even celebrate thanksgiving in Sweden and the shops still go crazy about it.
It looks like you all had perfect weather, too, for your mini adventure! Looks like so much fun!
I’ve always wanted to visit Cataline! Looks like you guys had so much fun!
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
This looks gorgeous! All your travel photos make me wanderlust!
I love that you skipped the whole Black Friday craziness and spent the day having fun with people who are important to you. It’s so much funner to create memories like that than to spend them trying to save a buck or two. Glad you had an amazing time!
That lighthouse is so pretty. These photos are amazing, it looks like a fun experience!
Cyber Monday all the way baby! But this looks like a tranquil place to spend the holiday!
It looks so nice and like you had a blast!
Silvia
http://www.lovelysilvia.com
This looks like such a fun getaway and hoped you enjoyed the Ziplining! it’s literally one of my favorite outdoor activities
I have ALWAYS wanted to go there! I loved your photos and living through your photos!
I’ve always wanted to go to Catalina island! I haven’t had the chance to make it out there, even though my school is so close! Looks like you had a lot of fun!
xo
Sami
http://www.theclassicbruentte.com