Riding a bike all the way out to the end of Pebbly Beach Rd. on Catalina Island and stopped to…read moredrink some water. Then I noticed the Catalina Laundry service with it's front doors overlooking the most beautiful, scenic overlook along Catalina Island. A Carnival Cruise Line was offshore and the sun sparkled off the azure Pacific waters like diamonds. Then I realized the small botique hotel I was staying at there used this laundry service. I had seen their pick-up van in front of the place when I left that morning. What I like about Catalina Laundry, beyond their great spot along the shoreline is that I believe they recycle their water that they use. There were big giant containers full of stored water with signs waning: DO NOT DRINK! Being that Catalina Island is also experiencing the same drought as the rest of California, this makes sense that they recycle precious H20. 4 YELP STARS for Catalina Laundry.

A full service post office still manned by USPS employees, the US Post Office Avalon on St Catalina…read moreIsland is located inside the recently renovated Shops at Atwater. My brother bought a sheet of stamps to commemorate the 250th birthday of the USMC, coming up this November. He told me that the counter postal employee was friendly and there wasn't much of a wait. In the building, there are a series of PO Boxes and passport services are provided here. This is the biggest post office on Catalina Island, starting as a Fourth Class office, being upgraded to a Second Class office in 1920, and then being moved to the Atwater Arcade in 1927. The arcade was renamed 'The Shops at Atwater' after a major renovation in 2019. The post office maintained its location even during the renovation. Side note: When the US Post Office was the main way to get correspondences and packages delivered across our country, each area needed physical post offices. These post offices were each led by a postmaster, and the amount of commission income each postmaster received from selling postage stamps. The vast majority of offices were in rural areas, designated as fourth class. If a particular area grew, the corresponding post office would rise in rank, ultimately to be a first class office, receiving the most revenue from the sale of stamps. Thus, the history of the Avalon post office moving from 4th class to rise to 2nd class, signifies the growth of Avalon and the island of Catalina itself.

I wanted an international stamp to send a letter to someone, and I came here. I was expecting the…read moregrumpy postmaster service I am used to back home, but to my shock, the postmaster was very friendly. She told me they were out of international stamps but 3 forever stamps equals 1 international stamp. She was very helpful. So I bought a little stamp sheet with manatees because I thought they were cute. And I mailed my letter. Thank you so much.

Address: 1 Casino Wy - The "Scuba Diving History Exhibit & Marine Animal Rescue" is located @ the…read moreworld-famous Casino building. You do not enter from the front lobby; the center is located around & to the right of the Casino. "You are here!" - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/marine-animal-rescue-avalon?select=E9CmXoRs1FYXKmANiwO8vw When I originally added the location, yelp* moderators altered the name to "Marine Animal Rescue," along with the address & category. This particular location is not just Marine Animal Rescue (MAR) but also houses a very impressive exhibit of scuba memorabilia, rich in history. Yelp* originally changed the address to Main St... Why? I do not know. After all, there is no Main St on Avalon. I notified yelp* about the error and now the address is simply, Avalon, CA. Again, the exhibit/rescue is located @ 1 Casino Wy. It is attached to the historical, Casino building. LA County based Marine Animal Rescue program added the Catalina location in December, 2012. Since then, the rescue has responded to over 1,000 calls on the island. Rescues range from whales, sea birds & turtles, seals & sea lions, island foxes, to snakes & deer. We walked passed the Casino and circled around the backside, just enjoying the day & making the best of being on the island. As we came up around the right side, headed back toward the front, there was a small, unassuming shop. We walked in since we had most of the afternoon to explore. What I originally thought was going to be a quick "pop-in," ended up being a 30 minute visit. I give credit to the very interesting gentleman who was sitting behind a desk in the far right corner of the shop. Say hello to Jon Council, the Lead Field Officer. I learned that over the years, Jon has amassed one of the most diverse collections of dive gear in the country. It really is something to see. It was his idea to bring to the diving history exhibit & MAR together. Jon - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/marine-animal-rescue-avalon?select=1g2xUBHrxraFZBz_Cpf3uQ The exhibit's goals are: - Educational - Family attraction in the history of diving - Unique, one-of-a-kind, diving gear - The pioneers that helped lay the groundwork for diving - Raising awareness of Marine Animal Rescue as well as funds for the program Have you even seen a home-made dive helmet? - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/marine-animal-rescue-avalon?select=yPi5Cwnuu7qP-S-zaNg-sQ As our group listened to the fascinating adventures about some of the people in the photos on the wall, we were joined by the skipper & crew of our 2nd boat, "Fox Sea." She came across from Dana Point with us the morning before. Jon had a captive audience and made the most of it by sharing the rich history of scuba, including famous celebrities and some of the local "legends." Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/marine-animal-rescue-avalon?select=mMocWWXETzwlgeSpiOYQJw The center is made possible from the numerous supporters to help protect & preserve the natural resources of this beautiful island, a mere 32 miles from Dana Point. (Ferry/powerboat: 45 min; Sailboat: 5-6 hrs) Sponsors: The Catalina Island Foundation; Avalon Freight Services; Catalina Laundry; Catalina Tech Shack; Café Metropole; CC Gallagher; Avalon Grille; Bluewater Avalon & Catalina residents including the entire dive community. Jon's first dive was in 1974, Dutch Harbor Alaska and since has dived in most every sea in the world doing scientific research for NOAA, US EPA, Natl Geographic, Institute for Nautical Biology, NASA, and numerous educational programs. In 2013, Jon even helped create a book, "Catalina Dive Buddies." It's beautifully illustrated & offers a fun approach in learning the local SoCal fish species. "Catalina Dive Buddies" - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=R6hygOf1Qz7VPrX02p72_A&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ Jon Council - Submersible pilot, diver, and historian. Also, a great story teller! Be sure to ask him about: Cap Perkins, Zale Perry, the Meistrell brothers, or Bev Morgan; just to name just a few of the intriguing people adorning the center's walls. Cap Perkins - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/marine-animal-rescue-avalon?select=bo0qQanU5reEUC_EUPH_Eg It was a great meeting Jon and thankful for him sharing a bit of his story; rich & thick with amazing experiences and adventures. Jon holds a single dive world record for completing a 52 mile circumnavigation around Catalina Island in 23 1/2 hours. - Big Aloha! **The "Scuba Diving History Exhibit & Marine Animal Rescue," opened its doors in May, 2017. For more info, email: sealab1@catalinabb.net Food: n/a Ambiance: 5 Service: 5+ Value: Priceless Sources: ecatalina.com; scubaboard.com; diverwire.com

PLEASE VISIT THIS PLACE!!! It's "free" with a donation box but you will want to give them all the…read moremoney you have on you and feel bad for not carrying more cash on you! It's hard to find because the easy route is fenced off, but please go! You will see the work of many wonderful volunteers. This place rescues ANY marine mammal that washes ashore in any coast of Los Angeles county!!! This includes annals such as baby fur seals that get orphaned and list in currents. This is not a zoo or aquarium. The animals you will see are recuperating and prepped to be return to the wild. It will restore your faith mankind: ok that's dramatic, but if it gets you to go then believe it!!! HELPFUL: * Restroom: yes * Changing table: no * Visit lasts about 1 hour at most if you have small children

We were in Catalina for the Thanksgiving week. We had to check out of our vacation rental Friday at…read more10am. We headed down to the dock and put our luggage in the XL lockers because the Catalina Flyer wasn't boarding until 4pm to take us back to Newport Beach. One of the workers told us the prices as he walked by. He wasn't rude, but wasn't overly friendly either. Once we determined we only needed two XL lockers, I walked around the corner to pay the the two lockers. Handed them my card and was told cash only. I was also notified by the same gentleman the ATM machine on site wasn't working. Luckily my hubs tried it and it was. We paid the $25 x 2 locker fee plus a $10 key deposit. (should have been $20 per key, but he let us do just the $10 since I literally only had $60 cash in hand). Unfortunately, one of the lockers we put our stuff in, he told us was not going to be available that day. So we had to change the locker. Fine. Around 3pm we went back grabbed our stuff, and turned in our keys to reclaim our deposit. Honestly, for the most part it was easy peasy this way rather than lugging our stuff around all day all over the island. Was it costly? Yes unfortunately. Could I have asked CIVR to help? Yes. But having our stuff right at the dock was essential. While I think the cost is a bit high... I don't have any issue paying it. I was tho, highly disappointed in the attitudes of the employees. The woman didn't seem to care or offer assistance in anyway even as multiple people were confused. The man, he at least talked. He answered questions. He explained how it worked. Not overly friendly, but he seemed more approachable then she did. Is it worth the peace of mind? Yes! Is it the best choice? The cheapest choice? The stress-free choice? I have no idea. Lol. But if money isn't an issue and ease of accessing or getting your luggage is of importance to you, don't hesitate and just do it.

Little known place that makes your stay on Catalina all the better. A place that will store and…read morecare for your luggage until you need it. They will even bring it to your hotel if you wish!! Great place and service!!

I love finding unique off-the-beaten path places to visit... this is definitely it. What a cool…read moreplace for locals to be able to memorialize their beloved furry friends and to be able to sit and visit. There are so many beautiful tributes. I loved seeing all of the special ways that each pet was remembered