Avalon/Catalina On Your Own

The 10 Top Things to do in Avalon

Avalon is a very laid back small town in which most everything is close to the downtown area. It's easy to get around on foot.

1. Take a walking tour of the town. On a good tour, you'll learn a lot about the history of Avalon.


2. Explore the interior of Catalina Island. A trip like this gives you a different perspective on the coastal islands of Southern California.


3. Scuba dive off of Casino Point. Catalina has some of the best diving in Southern California.


4. Experience the vintage thrill of the Glass Bottom Boat. Folks have been taking this ride for over 70 years; now it's your turn.


5. Rent a bike. See the town on a two wheeler. Just beware: there's a $20 charge if you plan on going outside of the city limits.


6. Enjoy the (small) beaches of Avalon. The beaches are indeed small, and you may have to fight for space on the sand. But you can't beat the price.


7. Rent a kayak or a paddleboat. Burn off some extra calories in the cool waters of Catalina. The waves are small, and it's a lot of fun!


8. Take in a round of golf. OK, there are only 9 holes, but this was the first golf course in California, and the views are great.


9. See the museum at the Avalon Casino. Wrigley built the casino as a combination legitimate/movie theater and a ballroom. This tour will give you a sense of what it was like back in its heyday.


10. Take the new Catalina Zipline Eco Tour. If you're looking for a thrill in relatively sedate Avalon, this is a great tour. It's also the only zipline in all of Southern California.

Getting Around

Orientation

Your ship will drop anchor in the harbor and you will be transported to the pier by ship's tender. Your ship's tender will drop you off at the Catalina Island Boat Pier, which is a two block, three minute walk to the Green Pleasure Pier, the center of aquatic activity in Avalon. The Catalina Island Boat Pier is where the ferries from Los Angeles arrive. There are bathroom facilities nearby, and signs will direct you to where you board the ship's tender for your return back to your ship.

Avalon is a small town, and it's easy to get around on foot.

The Catalina Conservancy, owners of Catalina Island, makes it difficult for individuals to access most of the interior of the island. Bicycles and motorized vehicles can only go so far. If you'd like to see some of the interior, there are several options:

The Avalon Trolley has two routes: Pebbly Beach to the Botanical Garden, and Descanso Beach to the Botanical Garden. The Trolley runs daily in summer, on weekends and on cruise ship days during the rest of the year.

The Airport Shuttle travels the five miles between Avalon and the island's "Airport In The Sky," leaving every 2 hours.

Golf Carts are the preferred way to get around town. They generally rent for around $30 per hour. See the listing for golf cart rentals below.

Some people like to bike Catalina. The hourly rates vary, depending on the type of bike you rent. See the listing for bike rentals below.

Taxi service is available through Catalina Cab Co. (310) 510-0025.

The Catalina Safari Bus runs between Avalon and Two Harbors with stops at picnic sites, campgrounds and beaches. (310) 510-2800

Suggested "On Your Own" Itineraries

Here's a few suggestions for fun and different "On Your Own" itineraries in Avalon:

• The newest thing in Catalina is the Zip Line Eco Tour. It's the only zip line in Southern California, and you'll fly over the canyons and learn something about the island as well...
• For divers, there's nothing like Scuba Diving Casino Point. Getting there is a breeze, as it's only a 5 minute walk from the tender pier...
• If you want to get a feel for the sleepy town of Avalon, then you'll enjoy our Walking tour of Avalon tour. This tour will take you through the town, whether on your own, going with a group or using a GPS device with photos, audio and video. Hey, it beats napping in your cabin, and you'll burn off some calories, too...
• Are you a cheap SOB? Then take our Avalon on the Cheap tour, which takes you directly to one of Avalon's three beaches for some sun and fun in the water. Talk about cheap...

Shopping

There are not a lot of unique things to buy in Avalon; I think that you'd probably get better pricing on Avalon pottery on the internet. Souvenirs of the island are the most popular items bought on Catalina.

Restaurants

Avalon is a resort town, so as a rule, the food is geared to tourists.

To see the locations of the restaurants listed below, see our Map of Recommended Avalon Restaurants.

Armstrong's Fish Market & Seafood Restaurant
A local favorite for fresh seafood. Featuring mesquite broiled Seafood, Steaks and Chicken. Fresh Sashimi, Sushi, Clams, Oysters, Mussels and Crab Cakes. Full Bar.
306 Crescent Ave.
Tel: (310) 510-0113

Buffalo Nickel Restaurant
Where the locals eat. Avalon's best Mexican food with specialties like pizza, steaks, seafood & more. Lunch & Dinner.
On Pebbly Beach Road where the helicopters land.
Tel: (310) 510-1323

Catalina Visitors Country Club
The original spring training Clubhouse for the Chicago Cubs. Featuring Free Range and Natural Cuisine. Seafood selections supporting sustainable fisheries. The dining room, fountain terrace and clubhouse bar & grill are open to the public for lunch, dinner and cocktails.
Located next to the golf course.
Tel: (310) 510-7404

Ristorante Villa Portofino
Specializing in regional Italian dishes, along with the best of European & American cuisine. Steaks, veal, lamb, fresh seafood, homemade desserts, espresso, cappuccino, full bar, fine domestic & Italian wines. Avalon's favorite fine dining experience.
101 Crescent Ave.
Tel: 310-510-2009

Sally's Waffle Shop
Specializing in omelets and waffles. Served in a cozy and friendly atmosphere on the beachfront.
Located next to Joe's Place at foot of the Green Pleasure Pier.
Tel: 310-510-0355.

Activities

Bike Rental

If you plan to leave the Avalon area, the Catalina Conservancy assesses a $20 fee.

Brown's Bikes Open year-round, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily with extended hours during the summer. Hourly prices vary, depending on the bike. Located just only 100 yards from the boat dock, on the way to town.

Catalina Auto And Bike Rentals Open year-round. Located at 301 Crescent Ave., in Avalon. (310) 510-0111

Canopy Tour

The new Zip Line Eco Tour, introduced in April 2010, lets you soar through the eucaplyptus tree canopy of rustic Descanso Canyon on 5 separate zip lines suspended 300 feet above the canyon floor. At each platform, you'll learn about the flora and fauna of the canyon, as well as some of the history of Catalina Island. The course departs from the Descanso Beach Club, takes about two hours to complete, and costs $89.00. Make your reservations online, or at (800) 626-1496.

City Tours

Village Walking Tour. The most up close and personal way to see Avalon; this tour lasts 90 minutes. Offered through California Adventure Tours.

GPS Walking Tour This walking tour equips you with an easy-to-use high-tech GPS multimedia device that leads you on a tour of the city, pointing out interesting landmarks and historical points as you approach them utilizing audio, video, and photos. The interactive touchscreen allows you to personalize your tour based on your interests and timeframe. Whether you're a party of one or six, this is a great way to discover Avalon. Offered through Santa Catalina Island Company's Discovery Tours.

Avalon Casino Tour Discovery Tours provides a one hour tour of Catalina's famous landmark. Offered through Santa Catalina Island Company.

City Passport Tour Catalina Adventure Tours provides a 50 minute introduction to Avalon and surrounding areas. Offered through California Adventure Tours.

Avalon Explorer Catalina Adventure Tours provides a 1 hour 45 minute introduction to Avalon and the Avalon Casino. Offered through California Adventure Tours.

Diving Beaches & Operators

Catalina is an ideal place to dive. The following beaches are accessible to Avalon.

Lover's Cove Undersea Gardens Located just a few minutes from the boat landing in Avalon, this cove features giant kelp forests and hundreds of fish.

Descanso Beach Located just north of the Casino. Rental equipment is available.

Casino Point Underwater Park - At Casino Point. Artificial reefs, a kelp forest and shipwrecks provide opportunities to explore.

The following companies provide diving expeditions by ship:

Catalina Scuba Luv A complete scuba outfitter providing rentals, instruction and guided trips from their 65-foot dive boat King Neptune.
126 Catalina Ave. (310) 510-2350.

Catalina Divers Supply In business on Catalina since 1958, Catalina Divers Supply is a complete scuba outfitter providing rentals, instruction and half-day guided trips from their 46-foot Newton fiberglass hull dive boat Scuba Cat.
Located on the Green Pleasure Pier, in the center of town.
Phone: (800) 353-0330.

Eco Tours

Glass-Bottom Boat Tour. The quintessential Catalina Tour. Offered through Santa Catalina Island Company. Reservations: (310) 510-8687

Sea View Tour. California Adventure Tours' glass bottom boat tour. Offered through California Adventure Tours.

Seal Rocks Cruise. Cruise to Seal Rocks aboard the 64-foot Blanche W, an open-deck passenger boat made specifically for Catalina's coastline. Offered through Santa Catalina Island Company. Reservations: (310) 510-8687

Seal Rocks Explorer. California Adventure Tours' cruise to Seal Rocks. Offered through California Adventure Tours.

Undersea Tour. Daytime & nighttime trips aboard the Starlight and Emerald semi-submersible vessels. Offered through Santa Catalina Island Company. Reservations: (310) 510-8687

Flying Fish Boat Trip. Yes, Catalina's flying fish really do fly. Offered through Santa Catalina Island Company. Reservations: (310) 510-8687

SS Nautilus Tour See underwater sights from aboard the semi-submersible SS Nautilus. Offered through California Adventure Tours.

Gardens

The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens is a gentle mile and a half walk up Avalon Canyon Road. Open daily 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission fee: $5 adults, kids under 12 free. You can take a bus to the gardens.

Golf

Your only option is the 9-hole Catalina Island Golf Course. Green fees are $31 midweek for 9 hole play. Golf Packages, including green fees, pull cart, balls and full set of rental clubs, run $56 midweek for 9 hole play.

Golf Cart Rental

This is the way the locals get around in Catalina. There is a limited range the golf carts are allowed to travel; check with the rental agency for details.

Island Rentals 125 Pebbly Beach Road; (310) 510-1456

Cartopia Golf Cart Rentals 615 Crescent Avenue; (310) 510-2493

Catalina Auto And Bike Rentals 301 Crescent Avenue; (310) 510-0111

Museum

The Catalina Island Museum, located on the ground floor of the Avalon Casino. Permanent exhibits display the history of Catalina from the early Gabrielinos through Catalina's heyday as a playground for the rich and famous. Special exhibits change regularly. Adults: $4.00, Seniors: $3.00, Children: $1.00, Children under 5: free Hours: From April through December, open every day 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Scenic Tours

Avalon Scenic Tour. The Perfect introduction to the town of Avalon. Offered by the Santa Catalina Island Company. Reservations: (310) 510-8687.

Cape Canyon Tour. An off-road adventure into the island's beautiful interior; see catalina island wildflowers on this tour (seasonal). Offered by the Santa Catalina Island Company. Reservations: (310) 510-8687.

Skyline Drive Tour. This narrated journey along the scenic "Skyline Drive" takes you ten miles into Santa Catalina Island's protected wilderness area. Offered by the Santa Catalina Island Company. Reservations: (310) 510-8687.

Classic Inland Motor Tour. This comprehensive tour takes you 31 miles through the heart of Catalina's rugged interior. Offered by the Santa Catalina Island Company. Reservations: (310) 510-8687.

Inside Adventure Tour Spectacular canyons, scenic coastline, unspoiled countryside alive with native plants and wildlife. Offered through California Adventure Tours.

City Botanical Tour. California Adventure Tours' takes you on a tour of Avalon and to the Botanical Garden. Offered through California Adventure Tours.

Snorkeling Beaches

Catalina is an ideal place to snorkel. The following beaches are accessible to Avalon:

Lover's Cove Undersea Gardens - Just a few minutes from the boat landing in Avalon, this cove features giant kelp forests and hundreds of fish.

Descanso Beach - Just north of the Casino. Rental equipment is available.

Casino Point Underwater Park - At Casino Point. Artificial reefs, a kelp forest and shipwrecks provide opportunities to explore.

Watersports

Descanso Beach Ocean Sports. Kayak rentals and tours with experienced guides. (310) 510-1226.

Joe's Rent-A-Boat. Joe's rents kayaks by the hour as well as pedal boats, paddle boards and motor boats. (310) 510-0455.

Wet Spot Rental. Kayak and pedal boat rentals. (310) 510-2229.