Knabe park is pretty much the first thing you pass by once getting off the ferry to Catalina…read moreIsland. It's a nice little park that offers a place to sit, swings, a slide, a playground area, a volleyball court as well as a basketball court. It's small, it's clean, It's fun and the kiddos enjoyed themselves.

We get off the boat and all the kids rush to this park. Don't we have parks at home? Yea but this…read moreone is super cool with its pirate ship. The kids are having a blast while all the parents are on the side telling them to go explore the rest of Catalina lol

The good: This is a great and spacious playground park that…read morefeels safe because it's across the street from the fire station! There's a fitness area, a stage, picnic tables, bbq grills, lots of slides, side bench areas to watch the kids on the playground, and nice shady trees. There was also a restroom. The picnic area looked clean and The bad: We didn't have enough time to fully enjoy the park because we came during the evening. The interesting: There were two older metal playground cars on the side that were a little lopsided. One was a police car and the other was a fire truck.

This was one of favorite Kid's Park in the island. The playground has three different slides, rock…read moreclimbing wall, monkey bars, a tunnel, a fire truck, bathrooms and even work out machines for adults. The park was clean and well maintained. Some of the workout machines included bikes, weights, and elliptical machines.

The good: This park was great for my toddler. She loved the…read moregiant jungle gym. This park is located near where the rental golf carts are toward where the boats are. There are picnic benches around and and some play drums. It wasn't crowded when we came. There were lots of spots on the side to park our golf cart. The bad: There wasn't much shade so it was pretty hot when we came. There aren't too many playgrond pieces outside of the large jungle gym climbing thing in the middle. This isn't the best playground for kids under 2. The interesting: There's another playground here about half a block away.

Such a cool hidden playground on the Island. Very interactive with climbing and running, or sitting…read moreand enjoying the scenery. It is located off the main strip tucked away near the golf cart rentals and retail shopping center near the Conservation store. Great spot for a picnic with the little ones allowing them to run around and get put their energy!

We booked several items through the conservancy. First I will let you know that we are members,…read moreand it has some nice benefits. One day we went to the botanical gardens and the Wrigley Memorial. With the level of membership we have, we saved ourselves the entrance fee to the botanical gardens and memorial and our shuttle up to the gardens was complimentary. If you aren't a member the fees are nominal and it helps the conservancy. John was our driver and he gave some great information and history of the island on our way up and back. We didn't know what to expect from the botanical gardens and we loved it. We walked up to the memorial which was really interesting. There are plaques that explain the history of the memorial to Wrigley. As we walked back down we took all the various trails throughout the garden and some some interesting plants, insects and ended at the little amphitheater where we watched a couple of the films they have on the island and the gardens. I have read that others found the gardens to be boring and they only spent a short time. Everyone is different, and the time you spend is dependent on your interests. We took the 10:15 am shuttle and came back at 11:45 am. We found that to be plenty of time, but not too much time, it worked out well for us. It was fun! We also booked our shuttle up to the Airport in the Sky for a hike and lunch through the conservancy. It was great. Our driver was so friendly and explained so much about Catalina's backcountry.

We went to Catalina to do a bike packing trip accross the island. I was naively thinking we would…read moreget information in addition to the bike permits at the conservancy. But no, this is mostly just another overpriced gift shop. They don't really have much information, no informative displays, maps or handouts. there are some flimsy flyers for $11.95 plus tax each and a subpar map for $5 or 6. The employees are not knowledgeable or helpful. They just want you to do everything online. Which is a joke given that many people won't have cell coverage in most parts of the island and even if you had coverage eventually on a multi-day camping trip the phone's battery will fail. And if we do everything online then what's the point of this physical location? Or of the employees? Also, I contacted the conservancy before my trip and never got a response. This island is so amazing, what a shame the conservancy can't do a better job sharing information.

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.

It is on the Pebbly Beach road and a short distance east from the city, walkable distance to this…read morecove from town and even shorter from the ferry landing dock. There isn't much of a beach between the road and the water here, where the rocky shoreline is mostly a snorkeling destination.

Great place to swim not too much of crowd ! Would come back again for another trip i always tell…read morepeople this spot

This is a nice and clean little pirate themed park. It was small, but everything's small on…read moreCatalina island. But it was more than enough for the kiddos a.k.a. swashbuckling Buccaneers to play at and have a little fun before hopping back on the ferry.

I love that their is a memorial here for our veterans. After doing some research, Catalina Island…read morewas transformed into a military base during World War Two. It makes sense, considering its location. I am so grateful for our military and veterans and all they do, so that we can live free. Thank you!

Rocks rocks and more rocks. We had a blast in the water but know that if you plan to frolic in the…read moresand there is minimal sandy frolicking space available. The beach has lots of rocks and you have to walk across them to get into the water. Clean area and there are cabanas and lounge chairs but you must reserve those ahead of time. Otherwise, spread a towel or blanket and enjoy the beautiful breeze and beautiful scenery.

Descanso Beach is within walking-distance from the town of Avalon on Catalina Island, and the…read moreprivate beach charges a small entrance fee and is located in front of the bar and restaurant. It's one of the last places in SoCal where you can legally have a drink in your hand while on the beach. The beach is overwhelmed during the weekend, so packed on the rocky beach, and I wouldn't suggest it if you're looking for a quiet place.

This is a cute little park right along the water. The seal statue and story is so cute and can…read moremake for fun photos while on the island. It is a very small "park." It seems like more of a memorial, than an actual park. The only negative was that there were parents allowing their small children run all over the place; hanging all over the seal statue and jumping on and off the bench here.

Statue of old Ben on Catalina Island, old Ben was a sea lion that lived in Avalon and was somewhat…read moreof a local celebrity in the late 19th and early 20th century.