The Catalina Island Conservancy offers a fantastic opportunity to get up-close and personal with nature. Take a scenic drive or hike one of the many trails through the island's canyons and ridges, and marvel at specular wildlife such as the bald eagle, bison, and mountain lions.
Take a glass bottom boat tour and experience the diverse marine life of Avalon. Get a clear view of the kelp forests, garibaldi fish, and sea stars, as well as shipwrecks from the seafaring days. The boat tour operates year-round and offers one-hour and two-hour tours.
Get a glimpse of Avalon's history at the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. The Memorial and surrounding grounds commemorate the legacy of William Wrigley Jr., while the Botanic Garden showcases endangered and unique plant species, including the rare Catalina ironwood.
The Hermit Gulch Trail in Avalon Canyon is a beautiful hike and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The trail passes through tall trees and leads you to a small waterfall. Enjoy the scenic view of the canyon, wildlife and the sounds of nature along the way.
Experience snorkeling or scuba diving in the shallow reef at Casino Point Dive Park. The park's crystal clear waters allow visibility up to 80 feet, where you can witness marine life such as the California state fish, the vibrant Garibaldi, and even playful sea lions!
To get around Avalon, visitors can walk or rent a golf cart or a bike. A golf cart costs $60-$80 per day, and bike rentals range from $10-$20 per hour. Avalon also provides a shuttle service to and from the ferry terminal to the town center, for $1 each way. Travel costs and time can vary, so visitors may want to check transportation availability and prices before their visit.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Catalina Island Museum or the Botanical Gardens "Zip Line Eco Tour" for a unique aerial adventure. If you have less time, consider taking a condensed Glass Bottom Boat Tour. Also, remember to bring sunscreen, wear comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather.
The closest airport to Avalon is the Catalina Airport (AVX), located on Santa Catalina Island and only serves domestic flights. Visitors can take a helicopter or a ferry from Long Beach to reach the island. The helicopter ride takes 15 minutes and costs about $150 one way. The ferry takes approximately 1 hour and costs $75 round trip.