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Avalon – Top 25 Things to Do in Catalina Island’s Popular Destination

by Michele Whiteaker

We gave you the basics on how to get to Avalon on Catalina Island. As a family, we brainstormed 50 things to do on the island, split between Avalon and Two Harbors. This is only meant to give you some general ideas. You can consult the visitor websites to get a more in-depth look at each activity.

Avalon

#1 Visit the Wrigley Mansion and see excellent views of Avalon.

#2 Lick a Big Olaf ice cream cone.

#3 Snorkel in Lover’s Cove.

#4 Ride a Glass Bottom Boat.

#5 Visit the Botanic Gardens and hike to the ridge to see the other side of the island.

#6 Order Mamma Mia’s Day Old Spaghetti and dine outside at Antonio’s Pizzeria.

#7 Visit the historic Catalina Island Museum in the Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building on Metropole Avenue.

#8 Take a submarine tour (snorkeling without getting wet).

#9 Hear the bells chime from the Chimes Tower across from the Zane Grey Pueblo.

#10 See a movie at the historic Casino.

#11 Play golf at the Catalina Golf Course.

#12 Walk the pier.

#13 Ride the zip line at Descanso Beach.

#14 Dodge golf carts – the most prevalent vehicle on the road.

#15 Rent a bike and get a workout on the hills.

#16 See the California state marine fish – the Garibaldi – or eat a cupcake decorated with one from Old Ben’s Bakery.

#17 Buy a shirt with a Jimmy Buffet song lyric on it.

#18 Scuba dive off Casino Point in the underwater dive park.

#19 See flying fish on a nighttime boat trip.

#20 Go parasailing, jet-skiing or kayaking.

#21 Hear a band.

#22 Browse gift shops with ocean artwork and famous Catalina tiles.

#23 Go fishing.

#24 Take a walking tour and visit a playground or play miniature golf.

#25 Hang out at the beach and people watch.

Sample Day Trip: Mr. Play Parks and I took the ferry over in the morning and had breakfast at one of the restaurants. We stored our snorkel gear in a locker at the ferry terminal. Then we headed up to the Botanic Gardens and hiked up the trail to the ridge. We hiked back down and snorkeled in Lover’s Cove. Then, off to the coin-operated showers near the Tuna Club to clean up for a nice dinner out before catching the ferry home. [This would be a great “date day” – but you can customize your trip for the family.]

Best Online Resources:

  • The Catalina Island Conservancy
  • The Santa Catalina Island Company
  • Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
  • Catalina Island Vacation Rentals
  • Trekaroo shares info from a press tour (the Chief Editor is a friend and I thought it was an excellent post)

See my post for info about how to get to the island and where to stay. And try reading this post all about Two Harbors: the “other” Catalina destination.

At the time of writing in 2010, NO compensation received from any of the companies or websites mentioned. However, I updated this post in 2016 resulting from press trip where we received Catalina Express transportation to/from the island and tried a number of activities offered by tour companies without charge. 

Originally published in August 2010.

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize nature time since 2008. UNOFFICIAL information provided as a FREE community resource to over 300,000 OC families each year. Subscribe to my FREE email inspiring you with creative play ideas.

Comments

  1. Peter says

    June 26, 2017 at 10:20 pm

    Me and my wife are planning a trip out there for our anniversary. We’ve never been out there and we would like to know what fun activities to do. We appreciate your feedback!

  2. Elke says

    July 28, 2011 at 12:30 pm

    I have no idea when this question was posted..but at the Descanso Beach Club

  3. Michele says

    June 7, 2011 at 7:05 am

    I’m always “unplugged” when I go out there! So I don’t have a firsthand experience answer for you, Judy.

    However, I did find this website that might be of use? I have absolutely no experience with it – but it’s a start:
    http://catalinabb.com

    I bet the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau will also have an answer to your question.
    http://www.catalinachamber.com/
    310-510-1520 (310-FIVE-TEN-FIFTEEN-TWENTY)

  4. Judy levor says

    June 6, 2011 at 11:43 am

    Is there wi/fi for my new IPAD anywhere on the island?

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michele profile photoWriter mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize nature time since 2008. UNOFFICIAL information provided as a FREE community resource to over 300,000 OC families each year. Click to subscribe to my FREE email inspiring you with creative play ideas.

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