Located at the entrance of the Green Pleasure Pier on Catalina Island, the visitor center was…read moremanned by two friendly guides during our day visit to the island. Since we were part of the 4,000 people coming onshore from the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas, it was quite busy inside (assuming for the whole day) but the ladies seemed to be handling it with no problem. There are self-serve pamphlets for all the various attractions on the island. My brother's particular question was around getting info for the jet ski tour from Long Beach to Catalina. The guide explained that those originate from Long Beach, and that the jet ski tour guides here in Avalon provide one hour tours around the island. That was enough info to point us in the right direction, and we continued on our way.

I was slightly inconvenienced by the fact that I waited for 15 minutes at the small visitor center…read morewithout being acknowledged by the woman who was on the phone. A simple gesture of acknowledgement would have been appreciated, as I was in need of assistance. I understand that she may have been busy, but it would have been more professional to acknowledge my presence. I visited on October 10, 2024, between 10 and 11 a.m. I was surprised to find that the person working there was not providing any assistance. I picked up a few brochures and left.

This is a great place to come to, to sit and relax while watching the boats go by and see the…read morepeople fishing with makeshift fishing equipment. Along the pier there is bathrooms, places to rent a motor boat and do some shore explorations at the entrance of the pier.

The main 'pleasure' (i.e. not working) pier in Avalon, it is also known as the Avalon Harbor…read morePleasure Pier. It has restrooms and a visitor center and shops selling bait (fishing is allowed off the pier, even without a fishing license, though one must throw back Garabaldis). Like many pedestrian piers, there is space for a restaurant at the very end of the pier. In this case, it's the Avalon Seafood and Fish Market.

June 26 & July 5, 2025 | Catalina Island Avalon | The Catalina Island Museum is a great way to know…read moremore about the beautiful island, including its history! Experience | It was amazing learning more about Catalina Island: history, the famous people on the island, including Marilyn Monroe, as well as well-known Writers/Authors, incredible art pieces, sculptures, pottery, photography & even the blueprint of the spectacular Casino... and so much more! Lights, Camera, Action | There is also a sit down Theater inside the museum where you can watch a 15 minute movie about the history of Catalina Island! Tickets | $12 | Admission throughout the two-level museum, both indoor and outdoor! Stairs and elevator accessible! Gift Shop | Fun books, postcards, beautiful tiles, souvenirs, jewelry, figurines, Bath & body products ... The gift shop has it all! Overall | I enjoyed every moment at the museum, as Catalina Island Avalon is one of my favorite places! Exploring the museum is a great way to know more about the island and it's history!

Beautiful museum in Avalon surveying its history, from Native American settlements to the Civil War…read more(!), the great fire, the Wrigleys, WWII, the Beach Boys, and beyond! Has a nice gift shop with quality souvenirs, a theater with an enjoyable movie that gives you a great overview of the island's history, well laid-out exhibits, and galleries with local art and pottery. There is a large rooftop patio with a nice view, and one of my favorite plaques (by the elevator), which lists some of the local slang! (Eg, non-islanders live "overtown" on the mainland) A visit here will enrich your visit tenfold, giving you context to the paradise around you.

Finally took the time and additional funds to see the inside of the Catalina Casino in Avalon…read moreCalifornia during a shore stop aboard the Quantum of the Sea from Los Angeles. It was a great stop, well worth the money and time. My wife and I have been to Avalon before and the outline of the Catalina Casino dominates the view from the harbor when looking North. I made the obvious mistake of thinking it was a place of gambling and didn't bother going, but later learned that during the 19th and early 20th century, the term 'casino' was used to mean 'a gathering place'. That was the goal of the original owner (William Wrigley, founder of the gum company that bears his name), when he built it in 1929, right during the times when 'talkies' started taking over the movie industry. A massive restoration occurred in 1994. It's walkable from where we got dropped off by the cruise port tender, so I bought two adult tickets online for $21.51 each, for the self-guided tour. There is also a guided tour available that takes a group back behind the stage. We got there right when it opened and the ticket taker already had our names to let us in. The first stop was the main theater on the ground floor, and as we entered it, I couldn't help by saying a long 'Wowwww'. There are 1164 original seats (reupholstered) and we sat in the very back row, admiring the theater and watching a bit of the silent movie that was playing. Cell reception did not work inside, and the free WiFi didn't work well in here either. A little while later, the guided tour came in, and we were able to listen to the guide explain the theater. Some fun facts: -- this was the first theater designed for 'talkies'. However, because it wasn't a sure thing that they would replace the old style silent movies, a Page Theatre Pipe Organ was also installed (which is now one of only three still in its original location...the others being in Indiana). It was broken for a while, but has recently been fixed. -- entire ceiling was covered in silver leaf. -- the acoustics are incredible. As the guided group talked in normal loudness near the orchestral pit in front, I could hear each conversation from the back, just as if the person was right next to me. -- the wall murals was designed by the same artist who did the mural at the Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood. -- architects responsible for the building of Radio City Music Hall in NYC, came for a visit to examine the acoustics, as it was that good. The guided tour ended up going backstage. We then took a winding ramp (there is no public elevator) up to the 2nd floor. Here there was one room where a TV show was on, explaining the history of the island. Another ramp took us to the top floor where the 20,000 square foot grand ballroom is. (The ramps reminded me of a ballparks, and later I learned that it was intentional: Wrigley had requested it based on something similar that he liked from his namesake ballpark). The ballroom has been beautifully restored, with wooden floors and a rotating chandelier. One can roller skate on the floor with rented skates, though nobody was doing it when we were there, thus the floor was empty. There is also a concession stand selling snacks. The height of the casino is equal to a 12-story building, and provides some really great views of Avalon, specifically the bay, from the Romance Promenade that surrounds the ballroom. My wife and I slowly circled it, admiring the views. We did notice the small cove where many snorkelers were admiring the plentiful orange-colored garibaldi. The entire stay lasted about 75 minutes which we felt was about the right amount of time. Would highly recommend if not been there before.

This image is the main thing you notice when you first dock here. The architecture is just…read moregorgeous. We were so looking forward to tour and see this historic spot. We didn't have any luck on Christmas Day as you would expect as most of the town was closed up. But on Friday we were able to get the self tour option. $20, the guided was $40. Wow they have really kept the place up in pristine condition. This place was purchased by the Wrigley/ Family Dynasty, actually they bought the entire island back in 1929. The reason it is called a casino is not because of gambling but for the Italian meaning for a gathering place. This location was one of the first theaters to have "talkie" films. I was very impressed with the way the caretakers have kept the original fixtures, seating, bars and even the restrooms are all kept in the 20's style. The seating on the first level has over 1800 seats. There is an original organ for when they hosted silent film festivals here. This was a place where all the rich and famous celebrities would gather for all sorts of festivals and events. This is a Must visit if you head over to the island. Impressive!

Catalina island gives us Californians another reason why it's such a incredible state to live in,…read moreminus the politics, homelessness, crime, fuel costs and the cost of living here, lol! My mom took me to Catalina for the first time when I was a child. In those days, there were flying fish jumping out of the water next to the boat ride from Long Beach to Avalon which are not as prevalent these days. I've made multiple trips since. Catalina sits about 25 miles (approximately an hour) off the California coast. There's multiple ferry services to Avalon from 3 or 4 ports in Southern California. Avalon is the primary destination for most travelers. It has a Mediterranean vibe and feels completely removed from California. The water is crystal clear which makes it awesome for snorkeling and diving. It gets extremely packed with tourist on the weekends, especially in the summer time. It's also a stop for the cruise ships coming from San Pedro on the 3-4 day Mexico cruises so when they all roll off the ship, the town doubles in population. Avalon has a large selection of hotels ranging from divey to high end, a good selection of restaurants from fast food to gourmet and tons of bars. If you want a slower pace, you can go to 2 harbors which has 1 restaurant/bar and a couple of campgrounds. You can also backpack across the island on the Trans-Catalina trail which takes 3-5 days. Overall, Catalina is a California gem worth visiting. It's hard to believe that there's so many people that were born and raised in Southern California and have never taken the short trip. Get out and explore!

Why fly to a tropical island when a beautiful getaway is just an hour boat ride away? I recently…read moretook the Catalina Express out of Long Beach--though they also have ports in San Pedro--& the transition from the mainland to the island is seamless. The moment you arrive in Avalon, you'll notice how incredibly crisp, clear, & clean the water is. The harbor is filled with boats, & the hillsides are dotted with charming, colorful houses that feel reminiscent of the Bahamas. You can even spot the famous Wrigley Mansion overlooking the town from the cliffs. Getting around is part of the adventure. You have a few solid options: * Golf Carts: Rentable for around $60/hour for self-guided exploring. * Guided Tours: A more premium $140 hour-long tour that takes you up to the airport and provides a chance to see the island's famous bison up close. * On Foot: We chose to walk, which is perfect for exploring the restaurants, bars, and shops in the main tourist area. While the island is famous for its Bison Burgers, we trekked out to the restaurant near the helicopter landing point to try one. It was a cool experience watching the helicopters come and go, but the burger itself was just okay--honestly, you're better off sticking to the fresh seafood. If you're looking for more than just sightseeing, there is plenty to do~~~ Scuba diving and kayaking Zip lining & horseback riding Glass-bottom boat tours It is a perfect escape from the heat. While the Valley was roasting at 90°F, the island was a crisp and refreshing 70°F. Keep in mind that everything on the island is very overpriced, from the food to the hotels and Airbnbs. Whether you want to camp under the stars or splurge on a pricey hotel, it makes for a fantastic day trip or a weekend retreat.

Zoom zoom partystarter…read more This was way fun! My husband and I did the 45-minute "Casino Tour" which takes you from the miniature golf parking lot on Sumner Ave to the famed casino along the bay. It was super scenic, and our guide Joe was very informative. He was patient when we first started (we were segway newbies), and gave us helpful instruction. He was also very willing to help us take fun pictures! They have a variety of more extensive (and expensive) tours. I wish we had more time to spend on the segway! It was a blast. What I didn't like was how Joe kept answering his cell phone while we were on the tour to schedule tours with his clients, and at one point this resulted in us "standing" around for nearly 15 minutes (which ended up extending our tour time, since he didn't count his cell phone time as part of our tour). This seemed rather unprofessional.

When you are stuck on a tiny island with 5 hours to kill you'll find you're willing to do things…read moreyou told yourself you would never do! I never understood why people use Segways. I mean, how lazy can we Americans get? Now we can't even be bothered to pedal on a bike or drag our legs on a skateboard or scooter? Our sedentary lives aren't enough? Now we need to STAND STILL on a motorized mechanism to get ourselves from point A to point B? All this being said, I did see that movie with Kevin James where he plays Paul Blart the Mall Cop (don't judge me it was a free movie on a flight). He had some pretty nifty moves on that segway of his so in the spirit of Paul Blart and needing to kill some time we decided to rent segways. Since it was our first time, we opted for the 1 hour package to the casino and back. I believe it was around $42 for the hour? The employees were very friendly and spent time with each of us teaching us how to operate the segway in a safe gated area. I have to say this was the funnest part of our experience. Each of struggled for a couple minutes before we figured out the machine. I think it took me the longest to figure things out. It took me a hot minute to figure out how to stop. I almost drove into a tree but seriously the instructor is so on top of it he doesn't let anything bad happen to you. He stopped me right in time. They took all the necessary safety precautions and once we all gained confidence in how to operate the segways, we were off! I felt safe with the employee leading us through the streets and down the paths. On our way back I realized that even though we looked like complete dorks, it was a great way to zip around and cover more ground. Would I use a segway ever again? Probably not.... I'd rather do Stand up Paddle boarding and use more of my core, paddle and have the added adrenaline of potentially falling into the water. Am I glad I did it? I sure am!

This is a member only club for preservation. You pass by this piece of history that was started…read morearound 1898 and learn a little history on your trip down Via Casino on the boardwalk. The jumping/leaping tuna is the significance of Catalina island. Lots of history to learn without becoming a member.

Very easy to take the ferry from Long Beach. Its quiet, very instagrammable place. Plenty of…read moreseating area close to the water, plenty of bathrooms along the road as well which was nice, area looks like its very well taken care of. Prices in the shops and restaurants are very decent, not overpriced. Day trip honestly is enough if you don't plan on doing water activities, we arrived at 9:15 am and we were done walking around by 3pm and was just waiting around for the ferry to go back.

Day 3 of my Royal Caribbean cruise. Catalina Island day…read more Ive been here maybe 8 or 9 times since 2009 so nothing really unique for me to see. I got off the boat to walk around a bit in Catalina. Spent about an hour before heading back to the tender boat back to the Cruise ship.

Definitely a place to visit when touring Avalon, Catalina Island. From the port, it's about a 15…read moreminute ride, 40 for walking. We downloaded the Ride Circuit app and it's a $2 fee per ride, which you can't really beat! The place also does student discounts, which is a nice touch. Walking through the first part was nice. Reading information on the little cards about the plants and taking different routes. We actually got to see a tiny fox! It is uphill, nothing too crazy, just bring some water. The memorial at the top of the hill is worth your time. It is a climb up the stairs, so be prepared. Once you get to the top and oversee the garden and have a view of the port, you'll for sure gasp in surprise of the view. Pretty cool seeing a structure preserved! If you take the left path when you get to the memorial, you'll come across a little area called Little Fox Hollow. I'd recommend visiting and walking through. For little ones, but you can make it fun as an adult too! On the right path, there is a hiking trail about a mile long. A lot steeper than when you start from the entrance to the memorial. We didn't get fully to the top due to exhaustion. It gives a higher view than the memorial structure. Overall, I'd definitely come back when I visit Avalon, Catalina Island!

I haven't been here in years and it's just as great as I remember. Definitely worth taking a trip…read moreup when if visiting Catalina Island. The Catalina Island Conservancy group maintains this modest sized botanical garden and the Wrigley Memorial. If you gut a ticket for entry you can take their Jurassic Park type shuttle ride up to the gardens. I didn't know that so we hiked up and took the ride down. You can also rent a bike or golf cart and ride up. There are numerous trails to hike once up there and the beautiful Garden to Skyline hike is worth the effort. We didn't have time for it this trip which was a bummer, but it was a great visit nonetheless. The memorial reminds me of one of my favorite childhood movies- Labyrinth with David Bowie, and offers many neat opportunities for cool pictures. I hope to come back again and do the hike to the skyline where you get an epic view of the ocean.

Captain John was amazing, he knew all the spots. We caught our limit of rockfish within an hour. We…read morewent back to dock to drop someone off because of motion sickness. John was super accommodating and he managed to acquire live squid for us to use for halibut/bass fishing. We caught 3 massive halibut, White Sea bass(wasn't a keeper), and white fish (also threw back). John cleaned our fish and bagged them for us. Amazing trip will definitely come back for yellow tail!

Our tour was AMAZING. Captain promised no dolphins because of how strong the current was but we got…read moreto see many. I pointed out that I saw something in the distance and without a doubt started driving that way.