Overview
Avalon is a resort city on Catalina Island, just off the coast of Southern California. Avalon is the main settlement on Catalina, and home to the majority of the island's permanent population. Avalon serves as the center of activity for most visitors as well as the jumping off point for exploration elsewhere on Catalina.
4 sights · 21 things to do · 6 places to eat · 5 bars & cafés · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Avalon
Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden
1.5 miles (2.4 km) up Avalon Canyon Road from Avalon. Daily from 8AM to 5PM, year round. A memorial to William Wriggley, Jr., founder of the WM Wriggley Jr. Company, renowned for its chewing gum. Mr. Wriggley was also a …
The Casino
Art Museum - Casino Point, northwest end of Avalon Harbor. The Casino is an Art-Deco movie palace and ballroom built in 1929 that was once the place to be for the Los Angeles elite. The tour will take you into the movie …
Descanso Beach Club
On the north side of the casino. A beach front bar and restaurant. Showers, chair and umbrealla rentals and restrooms are available.
Catalina Island Museum
Avalon’s only institution devoted to art, culture and the rich history of Santa Catalina Island. The newly renovated Catalina Island Museum includes an expanded museum store, a digital theater, a number of galleries dedi…
Catalina Island Golf Course
A 2,100 yard, nine-hole golf course with two sets of tees to provide 18-hole play. Call for current prices.
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.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Nov. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 48°F. Wettest: Feb and Jan. (climate data from nearby Catalina Island)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LGB Long Beach International Airport, Long Beach — 34 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SNA John Wayne Orange County International Airport, Santa Ana — 35 mi away (major hub). Directions
Most visitors reach Avalon on the ferry from either Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point or Newport Beach; note that the ferry from Marina del Rey is no longer in operation. The trip takes about an hour via high-speed ferry. Perhaps the best way to reach the island is by private sailboat or powerboat, about a half-day from the Los Angeles harbors. The seas in the channel are generally calm, though there are swells; dolphins, flying fish, and other sea life are often sighted.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $125–$650 a night (typical $175), from 5 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$170, mid-range ~$250, comfortable ~$820.
Options are grouped as Vacation rentals in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden, Catalina Island Museum, Descanso Beach
- Lunch Catalina Visitors Country Club
- Afternoon Descanso Beach Ocean Sports, Avalon Benefit 50 Mile Run
- Dinner The Sandtrap Restaurant and Bar
- Evening The Locker Room
Day 2
- Morning The Casino, Catalina Island Golf Course, Casino Point Marine Park
- Lunch Bluewater Grill Avalon
- Afternoon Joe's Rent-A-Boat, Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup
- Dinner Lloyd's of Avalon Confectionary
- Evening Descanso Beach Club
Day 3
- Morning Descanso Beach Club, Catalina Divers Supply, Lover’s Cove Undersea Gardens
- Lunch Avalon Grille
- Afternoon Wet Spot Rental, Catalina Marathon
- Dinner Steve's Steakhouse
- Evening Catalina Island Brew House
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There is a variety of places to eat on the pier, serving things like hot dogs and fish and chips. There is also a small Vons supermarket at 123 Metropole Avenue which may be helpful if you need a candy bar, soft drink or such.
Santa Catalina Island has no chain restaurants except for Vons, and is full of local, unique, independent, and well-acclaimed restaurants.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By boat
Most visitors reach Avalon on the ferry from either Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point or Newport Beach; note that the ferry from Marina del Rey is no longer in operation. The trip takes about an hour via high-speed ferry. Perhaps the best way to reach the island is by private sailboat or powerboat, about a half-day from the Los Angeles harbors. The seas in the channel are generally calm, though there are swells; dolphins, flying fish, and other sea life are often sighted.
By plane
Get around
Around Avalon, the primary mode of transportation is by golf cart. The streets are very narrow and the town is crowded and small so this works out very well. Upon arrival to Avalon by sea you will see signs for golf cart rentals.
You may also rent bicycles (or bring your own from the mainland for an extra fee).
See
See Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden
1.5 miles (2.4 km) up Avalon Canyon Road from Avalon. Daily from 8AM to 5PM, year round. A memorial to William Wriggley, Jr., founder of the WM Wriggley Jr. Company, renowned for its chewing gum. Mr. Wriggley was also a long-time benefactor of Catalina and was key in assuring that it was protected for future generations. The Botanical Garden features plants that are native to California islands, especially species only found on Catalina Island. Adults: $12, Children under 12: $7.
See The Casino
Art Museum - Casino Point, northwest end of Avalon Harbor. The Casino is an Art-Deco movie palace and ballroom built in 1929 that was once the place to be for the Los Angeles elite. The tour will take you into the movie theater and up the ramps to the ballroom while the tour guide gives information about the history and unique construction of the casino. Adults: $14.50, Children: $7.25, Seniors: $13
See Catalina Island Museum
Avalon’s only institution devoted to art, culture and the rich history of Santa Catalina Island. The newly renovated Catalina Island Museum includes an expanded museum store, a digital theater, a number of galleries dedicated to the history of the Catalina Island and a new traveling exhibitions gallery. Open daily 10AM - 5PM.
Do
Do Catalina Island Golf Course
A 2,100 yard, nine-hole golf course with two sets of tees to provide 18-hole play. Call for current prices.
- Hiking - Catalina Island has miles of backroads and trails but a permit is required. A permit can be obtained the day of your hike at the following locations:
- Conservancy House in Avalon, at 125 Claressa Ave.
- Airport-in-the-Sky
- Two Harbors Visitor Information Center
- Fishing - The ocean waters around Catalina are teeming with fish. Rent a boat or join an organized fishing trip on a commercial boat.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Multiple locations. With warm temperatures and clear waters with visibility from 40-100 feet (12 to 30 m), Catalina is a prime location for snorkeling and scuba diving. Several vendors rent equipment or provide guided trips.
Do 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.
Do Casino Point Marine Park (Casino Point Dive Park)
At the edge of Casino Point. At the breakwater with stairs access to a kelp forest and a shipwreck starting at 60'. Lots of Garibaldi's, Calico Bass, Moray Eels and the occasions Black Sea Bass sightings make this a favorite dive destination for many.
Kayaking
One way to explore the island is to kayak around it, finding coves inaccessible from land and peering up at massive cliffs. Several vendors on the island rent kayaks or provide guided tours.
Events
January
February
March
June
Do Silent Film Benefit
A silent film screening featuring live musical accompaniment on the historic Page organ in the Avalon Casino's Theatre.
August
Do Church Mouse Marlin Invitational
A non-profit marlin fishing tournament to benefit Cataline youth.
September
Do Pottery & Tile Extravaganza
A month long exhibition of locally made Catalina tile including walking tours of examples of installed tile.
October
November
December
Do New Year's Eve Celebration
December 31 - Ring in the New Year in the Casino Ballroom. Reservations are accepted beginning in July.
Eat
There is a variety of places to eat on the pier, serving things like hot dogs and fish and chips. There is also a small Vons supermarket at 123 Metropole Avenue which may be helpful if you need a candy bar, soft drink or such.
Santa Catalina Island has no chain restaurants except for Vons, and is full of local, unique, independent, and well-acclaimed restaurants.
Eat Catalina Visitors Country Club
The clubhouse of the Catalina Country Club golf course. Nice, quiet ambiance on the patio, but the food is pricey and can be lacking in flavor and creativity.
Eat Avalon Grille
Upscale steakhouse with a full bar just across the promenade from the water. Large patio, low, ambient lighting, not too noisy.
Eat Bluewater Grill Avalon
Hip waterfront eatery with fantastic fresh seafood. The baked crab and artichoke dip is outstanding, and the seared scalloped with jalapeño aioli is the perfect mix of savory and spice, with chopped crispy bacon to balance the soft scallops.
Eat Lloyd's of Avalon Confectionary
Lloyd's is an absolute Avalon classic. They've got all sorts of handmade chocolates and pastries, but are most famous for their creative candied apples, which come in dozens of flavors. Kids enjoy watching the saltwater taffy machine in the window, whirling the homemade taffy to perfection.
Drink
Drink Luau Larry's
Tiki bar and grill with a menu to match. Serves the buffalo milk cocktail. Good spot to watch the waves in the harbor and with live music, too.
Drink Catalina Island Brew House
Brewpub that serves coffee, beers, and bar food in a cool setting.
Drink Descanso Beach Club
Beach restaurant and bar. The strawberry daiquiris are made with real strawberry pulp and are thick, sweet and refreshing. Worth visiting just for the daiquiri. Nachos are tasty and a generous portion.
Drink The Locker Room
Sports bar with games like pool and darts with a casual atmosphere.
Drink Marlin Club
Longstanding nautical themed bar with live music, pool, and darts. Great service and a cool atmosphere and decor.
Sleep
Stay Pavilion Hotel
The 71-room, 2-story Pavilion Hotel, formerly the Pavilion Lodge, is 14 steps from the beach. The new design takes advantage of the garden courtyard area by creating semi-private lanais, or outdoor living areas for most of the ground level rooms. The landscaped garden includes a large fire ring and an open air ocean-view lounge area near the front lobby. There is also an indoor lounge area and hospitality room where guests will find their complimentary continental breakfast in the morning and the complimentary wine and cheese pairing in the afternoon.
Vacation rentals
In addition to hotels and campsites, visitors to Avalon can rent private homes, townhouses and condominiums on a short-term basis.
Go next
If you are coming from the mainland you probably want to see a bit more of Catalina Island, such as Two Harbors or the interior of the island (home of the buffalo). Unfortunately, golf carts are not allowed outside of Avalon; all roads leading away from the town hold "no golf cart" signs. So, if you are interested in visiting other parts of the island, another mode of transportation (such as bicycle, small motorscooter, or guided tour) must be found. Note that the island is hilly so you might find yourself pushing your bike up the roads in the island's interior.
Nearby
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