A 3-Day Cultural Immersion Itinerary in Avalon, California

• Day 1 - Discovering Catalina Island's History
  Start your cultural immersion in Avalon at the Catalina Island Museum, which showcases the island's fascinating history, art, and culture. From here, head to the Catalina Casino for a behind-the-scenes tour of this iconic art-deco building, which houses a museum and a movie theater. End the day with a glass-bottom boat tour to see the abundant marine life around the island.
• Day 2 - Exploring the Island's Nature and Wildlife
  Begin the day with a bison expedition tour, where you can see the island's herd of wild bison and learn about their history. Next, head to the Catalina Island Conservancy to hike some of the 165 miles of trails on the island, taking in the natural beauty of the flora and fauna. End your day with a visit to the Catalina Island Fox Rehabilitation Center to learn about the island's adorable native fox and their conservation efforts.
• Day 3 - Experiencing the Island's Art and Culture
  Start your day with a visit to the Tivoli Gardens, an arts and crafts village where you can watch artisans at work and purchase unique souvenirs. Next, visit the Avalon Theater, a historic building that showcases the best films and hosts special events. End your cultural immersion with a visit to the Artist Village Gallery, which showcases the works of local artists and offers hands-on art classes.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Catalina Island Museum (2 hours, $17)
• Catalina Casino Tour (1 hour, $15)
• Glass-Bottom Boat Tour (1.5 hours, $39)
• Bison Expedition Tour (2 hours, $69)
• Catalina Island Conservancy Hiking (2-3 hours, free)
• Catalina Island Fox Rehabilitation Center (1 hour, free)
• Tivoli Gardens (1-2 hours, free)
• Avalon Theater (1.5 hours, $15-20)
• Artist Village Gallery (1-2 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: $175-180

Transportation

To get around Avalon, walking is the most convenient and scenic option, as most of the attractions on this itinerary are within walking distance. Taxis and golf carts are also available for hire if you prefer not to walk. The cost of a taxi ride around Avalon ranges from $5-$10, while renting a golf cart costs around $45-$75 per hour. You can rent bikes to explore the island for around $10-$20 per hour. Ferries run daily between Avalon and mainland California, with prices ranging from $75-$150 depending on the type of service and schedule.

Useful tips

If you have more time to spend in Avalon, consider taking a snorkeling or scuba diving tour to see the vibrant marine life around the island. You can also take a sunset cruise to enjoy the picturesque views of the island. If you have less time, consider skipping the bison expedition tour and the Artist Village Gallery. Also, make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable on the island. Finally, be sure to check opening hours and make reservations in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Airports

The closest airport to Avalon is the Long Beach Airport (LGB), located about 23 miles from the city center. The airport hosts flights from various airlines, including JetBlue, Delta, and American Airlines, connecting with major cities like Denver, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. You can take a taxi, shuttle, or rideshare from the airport to downtown Avalon, with prices ranging from $50-$100. Another option is to fly into the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is about a 90-minute drive from the ferry terminal. From there, you can take an Uber, Lyft, or shuttle to the ferry terminal, and then take a ferry to Avalon.