I took a round-trip ferry to a stunning island off the coast of California for $122. It was the perfect day trip.

I took a round-trip ferry to a stunning island off the coast of California for $122. It was the perfect day trip. I took a trip to Catalina Island, located off the coast of Los Angeles. Allison Tibaldi When I recently flew out to Southern California to visit my two young-adult children, I had some time to myself while they were both busy working. So, I decided to plan a day trip to Catalina Island, a spot many travelers describe as a stunning locale with a European feel.One of the state's Channel Islands, Catalina is located about 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles and is easy to reach by ferry. So, I decided to book the one-hour journey from Long Beach to Avalon, Catalina's main tourist hub, with Catalina Express.There were four departures scheduled that day, a Wednesday in October. I selected 9:50 a.m., the Goldilocks of departure times — not too early or too late. Luckily, I was even able to use my first-ever senior discount and secure $5 off my ticket.For $61 each way (after the discount), I booked an upgraded ticket with priority boarding, access to a special seating area called the Commodore lounge, a drink, and a snack. This was only about $20 more than I would've paid for a standard adult ticket, which I thought seemed like a solid value.Here's what the experience was like. I started my day at the Catalina Landing in Downtown Long Beach. As a Commodore lounge passenger, I enjoyed priority boarding. Allison Tibaldi I arrived at the Catalina Express terminal in Long Beach an hour early. I gave myself ample time to get there, since I know how awful Los Angeles traffic can be.Luckily, plenty of indoor seating and clean restrooms made the wait pleasant, and I read the Los Angeles Times to pass the time.About 25 minutes before the ferry was set to depart, I heard the announcement that Commodore lounge passengers could go outside and board first. The process was easy and organized. The Commodore lounge wasn't crowded. I thought the padded seats were comfortable. Allison Tibaldi Upon entering the lounge, I saw individual packets of Chex Mix and chocolate-chip cookies in a basket. I took one of each and selected a padded window seat; I had the row to myself. The seats were wider than those offered in the standard class of tickets, and I thought they were comfortable. Then, a crew member came by with a drink menu. There were plenty of choices included in the price of the ticket, like beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks.I had a cup of coffee and was able to select from a variety of milks or half-and-half. I also went outside to enjoy the fresh air. I spent some time sightseeing outside. Allison Tibaldi I wanted to get some fresh air, so I left the Commodore lounge and sat on the spacious outdoor deck for about 20 minutes. The sea breeze and autumn sunshine felt great. I kept an eye out for sea life, but only saw gorgeous blue water.Before I knew it, the smooth, one-hour trip was over, and we arrived on Catalina Island. After disembarking, I took some time to explore Avalon. The Avalon Harbor is absolutely beautiful. Ryan Tishken/Getty Images/iStockphoto After getting off the boat, I gazed out at the fishing boats in the harbor and at the pastel-colored buildings that lined the mountainside.I followed my fellow passengers toward Avalon's main shopping street, Crescent Avenue. There were souvenir shops and a candy store, Lloyd's of Avalon, selling a tempting array of confections.I quickly learned how walkable Avalon is. In fact, most residents don't even have cars and use golf carts to get around. Then, I rested on the beach for a bit. I spent some time at Descanso Beach Club. Allison Tibaldi I strolled under palm trees along the seaside promenade to the Descanso Beach Club. Although I could've paid for a daybed or cabana rental, I was happy to lay my towel down on the sand for free. I even decided to join a guided kayaking tour. I joined a guided kayaking tour with another solo passenger. Allison Tibaldi Then, I spotted a kiosk for Descanso Beach Ocean Sports, which rents out paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment.I was interested in kayaking and was told I could rent one on my own or join the 90-minute guided tour that was leaving in a few minutes. I chose the latter and was placed in a double kayak with another solo traveler.As we paddled, our guide shared tidbits of island history, and we saw dozens of colorful fish swimming in the clear water. After grabbing a bite to eat, I headed back to the ferry. I'd definitely take the ferry to Catalina Island again. Allison Tibaldi After the tour, I had something to eat at the Descanso Beach Club, and made my way back to the ferry.My Commodore lounge ticket once again allowed me to board first, and I soaked up the final views of Catalina Island.Overall, for $61 each way, my ferry trip wasn't inexpensive, but it was so worth it. I felt relaxed and refreshed, as if I'd taken a real vacation rather than just a day trip. I'm already looking forward to the next time I can head back to this beautiful island. Read next Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Allison Tibaldi has been a full-time freelance travel and food writer for 15 years. Her beats include Italy, New England, and the Caribbean.She writes for CNN, USA TODAY 10 Best, USA TODAY Go Escape, Travel Channel, HGTV, Shermans Travel, Travel Squire, Emirates Open Skies Magazine and numerous other publications.She is a native New Yorker who has lived in Italy, Australia, Canada, and California. She speaks fluent Italian. Her graduate work in early childhood education gives her an edge when it comes to understanding the nuances of family travel.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. California