Avalon

Avalon, the only incorporated city on Santa Catalina Island, offers a captivating escape approximately 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. This resort community, often described as a bright spot on the ocean, wraps around the crescent-shaped Avalon Bay, its waterfront bustling with tourism-oriented businesses. The city's older sections feature charming small houses and multi-story buildings reflecting various traditional architectural styles. With around 3,460 permanent residents, Avalon welcomes about 1 million visitors annually, many arriving via cruise ships.

Life in Avalon moves at a different pace; with very few private cars permitted, golf carts, bicycles, and walking are the primary modes of transport. This contributes to its relaxed, beach town atmosphere, offering a refreshing contrast to the mainland's hustle. Beyond the immediate town, the majority of Catalina Island's 76 square miles is a protected wilderness, managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy, preserving 88% of the island in its natural state.

From Pimugna to Resort Destination

Before European colonization, the Gabrielino/Tongva tribe inhabited Avalon Bay, referring to the island as Pimu or Pimugna. The Tongva people, known as Pimugnans, utilized the island as a significant source of soapstone for crafting cooking vessels. By the 1830s, the native population had either dwindled or been forcibly relocated to the mainland.

In the 1860s, Augustus William Timms operated a sheep farm on Catalina Island, with his boat, the Rosita, ferrying people to Avalon Bay for recreational activities like swimming and fishing. This early settlement was known as Timms's Landing. The first concerted effort to develop Avalon Bay as a resort began in 1887 when Michigan real estate investor George Shatto purchased the island. He established the town, building its first hotel, the original Hotel Metropole, and a pier. Shatto's sister-in-law, Etta Whitney, is credited with naming the town 'Avalon,' drawing inspiration from Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem 'Idylls of the King,' which features a mythical island of the same name.

Several developers attempted to cultivate Avalon into a resort destination from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, though many faced bankruptcy. A significant fire in 1915 destroyed half of Avalon's buildings. In 1919, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. acquired a controlling interest in the Santa Catalina Island Company. Wrigley invested millions in the island's infrastructure and attractions, including the Catalina Casino, which opened in 1929. He also made Avalon the spring training home for his Chicago Cubs baseball team from 1921 to 1951. During World War II, the island was closed to tourists and repurposed for military training.

Begin your exploration at the Catalina Casino, a grand Art Deco structure that houses a movie theater and a ballroom, offering tours that delve into its history and architectural beauty. Stroll along Crescent Avenue, known to locals as Front Street, a scenic walkway featuring architectural elements like the Serpentine Wall and the Wrigley Fountain, adorned with authentic Catalina tile. The Green Pleasure Pier extends into the harbor and serves as a launching point for many ocean tours, including glass-bottom boat excursions and semi-submarine adventures to Lover's Cove Marine Preserve, a protected ocean habitat where sportfishing is prohibited.

For a glimpse into the island's unique flora, visit the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, located at the top of Avalon Canyon. This site honors William Wrigley Jr. and showcases the island's diverse plant life, offering scenic views. Beyond the immediate town, consider a guided tour into the island's rugged interior to spot the famous American bison herd. Descanso Beach, just beyond the Casino, offers a public-access private beach experience where you can rent cabanas and enjoy drinks with your feet in the sand. Other activities include zip-lining, parasailing, kayaking, and scuba diving at Casino Point Dive Park.

The best time to visit Avalon for warm-weather activities is from mid-June to mid-October, with August being the hottest month. However, travelers often prefer the 'shoulder season' in the fall (September and October) when the weather remains pleasant, crowds begin to thin, and events like the JazzTrax festival take place. Spring also offers verdant hillsides and wildflowers, ideal for exploring the island's wildlands. Winter provides a quieter, more unhurried experience with fewer crowds and potentially better rates for accommodations.

Access to Avalon is primarily by ferry from several Southern California mainland ports, including Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach. The trip typically takes about an hour via high-speed ferry. Reservations for the ferry are highly recommended, especially during summer and holiday weekends. Upon arrival at the Cabrillo Mole boat landing, luggage service is often available for guests of certain hotels.

Getting around Avalon itself is largely done on foot, by bicycle, or via rented golf carts, as private vehicle access is extremely limited. Public transportation is also available within Avalon through COAST (City of Avalon Seaside Transit), offering on-demand, point-to-point rides. A Visitor Center operated by Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority is located at 1 Green Pleasure Pier, providing information on accommodations, transportation, tours, and activities.