A Day of Cultural Immersion in Avalon, California

• Catalina Island Museum (9:00am) - Housed in the historic Catalina Casino, the museum showcases the history, art, and culture of the island. From its early Native American inhabitants to its Hollywood heyday, the exhibits offer a comprehensive view of Avalon's past.
• Avalon Theatre (11:00am) - Built in 1929, the art deco theater is a landmark of the island. Take a tour of the building, which includes a screening of a short film about the theater's history, and view the vintage movie posters, costumes, and props on display.
• Lunch at Bluewater Avalon (12:30pm) - Enjoy fresh seafood and stunning ocean views at this restaurant, which sources all of its fish sustainably.
• Mt. Ada (2:00pm) - Visit the former home of William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum magnate who developed Catalina Island into a resort destination. The hilltop mansion offers panoramic views of the island and the Pacific.
• Catalina Island Pottery and Tile (4:00pm) - See the ceramic tiles that adorn many of the island's buildings and purchase souvenirs. Watch artisans at work in the studio and learn about the history of the craft.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Catalina Island Museum (1.5 hours, $17.50)
• Avalon Theatre Tour (1 hour, $15)
• Lunch at Bluewater Avalon (1.5 hours, $30)
• Mt. Ada Tour (1 hour, $20)
• Catalina Island Pottery and Tile (1 hour, varied prices)
Total Estimated Costs: $82.50

Transportation

To get to Avalon, visitors must take a ferry from the mainland. Prices and travel times vary depending on the departure point, but most ferries take about an hour and cost around $75 round-trip. Once on the island, walking is the best way to explore Avalon due to the compact layout. Golf carts and bikes can also be rented for an additional cost.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a hike in the island's interior or going on a snorkeling or glass-bottomed boat excursion. For visitors with less time, skip the Mt. Ada tour and spend more time wandering around the charming streets of Avalon. Consider packing your own food and drinks to save on costs.

Airports

The closest commercial airport to Avalon is Long Beach Airport (LGB), which is about 30 miles away. Catalina Island Conservancy operates a helicopter service from Long Beach Airport to Avalon for an additional fee. Alternatively, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 75 miles away and can be accessed by car or public transportation.