AVALON
A MILE OF ISLAND FUN
The most visited tourist destination on Catalina Island is the city of Avalon, which is the ideal destination to take a break from the demands of the “real world.” With so many activities to choose from, your visit to Avalon can be adventure-packed or filled with rest and relaxation. With its year round Mediterranean climate, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy ocean air and sunshine.
While in Avalon, visitors enjoy swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, golfing, hiking, biking, shopping, strolling the museum and art galleries, a day at a spa, guided sightseeing tours or renting golf carts to explore the city on their own.
You can also venture outside the city gate to the beautiful interior of Catalina Island. One of the unique guided tours will provide you with history and amazing views of the undeveloped outback of the Island. Or explore the isolated coves, secluded beaches, miles of hiking trails, beautiful plants and native animals that abound just outside of Avalon.
Adventure enthusiasts can check out the Zip Line Eco Tour, the only zip line in LA or Orange County that provides visitors a spectacular new view of the island. The Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour features five separate runs and drops a total of 440 feet while soaring you through Descanso Canyon toward the Pacific Ocean with heart-pounding speed.
If you’re looking for serenity in your getaway, a glass-bottom boat tour of the harbor is relaxing and informative, giving you an up-close look at the native marine life.
If you want tour takes you to the rugged West End of the island. Starting at sea level and climbing to 1,802 feet in elevation, experience unforgettable panoramic views while learning about Catalina’s natural history and conservation programs. The driver’s crazy (yet safe) antics are a white-knuckle rollercoaster ride but the views are more than worth it.
A popular event every year is the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival, which takes place every October. JazzTrax is a three-day, three-weekend showcase of contemporary jazz entertainment, featuring the newest and best in smooth jazz. The Festival, which starts the first weekend in October and continues until the third weekend, is held in the legendary Casino Ballroom on Catalina Island, with special Thursday performances held at the ocean-side setting of Descanso Beach (another great place to soak up sun, get lost in beautiful scenery and enjoy a drink or two—reservations for beach chairs are highly recommended).
Another favorite yearly attraction is the Catalina Air show, which also takes place every October. The purpose of the Catalina Air Show is to continue the tradition of an aeronautic themed weekend festival on an annual basis to educate the Avalon youth and the general public about Catalina’s unique aviation history. It aims to spread the passion for flying that helped make Santa Catalina Island a local paradise over one hundred years ago.
If you’re spending the night on the island, you may want to catch a movie at the
The Avalon Theatre, located in the lower level of the Catalina Casino. The theater features first-run movies and seats an impressive 1,184 people. Art deco murals by John Gabriel Beckman adorn the walls and create a stunning ambiance. You’ll really be amazed by the wonderful acoustic offered inside. Movies are shown nightly at 7:30 pm. Matinees start at 4:30 pm and are shown on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Make sure to register online for free travel to Catalina on your birthday.
