Avalon, California: 5 Day City Experience Itinerary

• Day 1 - Catalina Island Museum: Immerse yourself in the history of Catalina Island with exhibits that showcase art, culture, and artifacts. Don't miss the interactive displays and unique film screenings.
  
  
• Day 2 - Descanso Beach Club: Spend the day lounging on the private beach, sipping cocktails, and paddleboarding in crystal clear waters. Rent a private cabana for ultimate relaxation.
  
  
• Day 3 - Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden: Explore the stunning botanical gardens and hike to the top of the memorial for breathtaking views of the island.
  
  
• Day 4 - Zip Line Eco Tour: Experience the thrill of soaring through the air on a zip line tour that takes you over canyons and through groves of eucalyptus trees.
  
  
• Day 5 - Avalon Scenic Drive: Rent a golf cart or take a guided tour to drive around the city and see all the sights, including the iconic Casino Building and Lover's Cove.
  
  

Time and Costs Estimates

• Catalina Island Museum (2 hours, $17)
• Descanso Beach Club (all day, $115 for cabana rental)
• Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden (3 hours, $10)
• Zip Line Eco Tour (2 hours, $120)
• Avalon Scenic Drive (2 hours, $60 golf cart rental)

Total Estimated Costs: $322

Transportation

While Avalon is a walkable city, some of the attractions on this itinerary require additional transportation. The Catalina Express ferry is the most popular way to get to Avalon from the mainland and costs $76 round-trip from Long Beach. Golf carts can be rented for the Avalon Scenic Drive, which takes approximately two hours. Taxis and shuttles are also available for transportation around the island.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tour to see the diverse marine life surrounding the island. A visit to the Flying Fish Museum is also a unique experience. If you have less time, consider skipping the zip line tour, which takes up a significant portion of the day. Additionally, be mindful that many attractions on the island have limited hours or are closed on certain days.

Airports

The closest airport to Avalon is the Catalina Island Airport (AVX), which is located in the city center. It services flights from the mainland via helicopter or small plane. The John Wayne Airport (SNA) and the Long Beach Airport (LGB) are the closest options for travelers flying in from out of state. John Wayne is located 46 miles from Avalon, while Long Beach is 22 miles away.