Avalon, Catalina Island

[Krazy Kruizers]

This will be a new port for us.

We know that we tender there.

Where the tenders drop you off, what is in that area?

Or should we sign up for a ship's tour?

[cruiserbryce]

the tenders drop of at what's called the "Mole"...its a short walk into town. There is a lot to do unrelated to the ship's tours. We rented a golf cart and toured around ourselves. Went to a couple of the bars around there and golfed.

[Wineaux]

Avalon is not a very large place. You can walk from one side to the other in less then 20 minutes. Lots of shops and restaurants to choose from. As far as activities go: Renting a golf cart and touring yourself is a good idea. I recommend the submarine tour around the island. Have fun!!

[cruiserbryce]

there are some fun things to do outside of Avalon and tours that take you up into the hills...

[Bruin Steve]

Catalina Island was once owned, virtually in its entirety by Chewing Gum magnate Philip Wrigley...He bequeathed his property to a conservancy which now opwrates most of the island as a nature preserve and for scientific purposes...

 

http://www.catalinaconservancy.org/

 

The only real private ownership is the City of Avalon--which is precisely one square mile...Virtually the entire waterfront is the harbor...as you look at the city from the channel, the tender pier is toward your left...leaving the pier on foot, you are within maybe 100-200 feet from the start of the commercial area, which spans the waterfront for just a few blocks...Here's a good map of Avalon:

 

http://www.catalinachamber.com/pdf/PocketMap2006-07.pdf

 

Note the Mole Pier to your left...That's where you arrive.

 

A lot of folks visit and never leave Avalon. You can visit the Casino (not a gambling casino--never been used as such--but an old ballroom/theater/movie theater...and a landmark building)...you can take a tour on a semisubmersible or glass bottom boat, take a snorkeling tour or whale watching in season...

 

Outside of Avalon is 99% of the island...the Conservancy part. Here's a map:

 

http://www.catalinachamber.com/pdf/Catalina_Map_NEW.pdf

 

If you are interested in seeing the island--the natural beauty and wildlife, take an excursion...You can take the half day island tour and still have plenty of time to spend in Avalon...

 

BTW, there aren't any bargain or alternative tours here...there's a virtual monopoly on most tours to be had...

[cathyz]

Catalina Island was once owned, virtually in its entirety by Chewing Gum magnate Philip Wrigley...He bequeathed his property to a conservancy which now opwrates most of the island as a nature preserve and for scientific purposes...

 

http://www.catalinaconservancy.org/

 

The only real private ownership is the City of Avalon--which is precisely one square mile...Virtually the entire waterfront is the harbor...as you look at the city from the channel, the tender pier is toward your left...leaving the pier on foot, you are within maybe 100-200 feet from the start of the commercial area, which spans the waterfront for just a few blocks...Here's a good map of Avalon:

 

http://www.catalinachamber.com/pdf/PocketMap2006-07.pdf

 

Note the Mole Pier to your left...That's where you arrive.

 

A lot of folks visit and never leave Avalon. You can visit the Casino (not a gambling casino--never been used as such--but an old ballroom/theater/movie theater...and a landmark building)...you can take a tour on a semisubmersible or glass bottom boat, take a snorkeling tour or whale watching in season...

 

Outside of Avalon is 99% of the island...the Conservancy part. Here's a map:

 

http://www.catalinachamber.com/pdf/Catalina_Map_NEW.pdf

 

If you are interested in seeing the island--the natural beauty and wildlife, take an excursion...You can take the half day island tour and still have plenty of time to spend in Avalon...

 

BTW, there aren't any bargain or alternative tours here...there's a virtual monopoly on most tours to be had...

Actually, you don't arrive at the Mole pier, you arrive at the Green Pleasure Pier in the middle of town, been there done that a few times. There are pics of Avalon and the harbor in the latest Paradise pics in my signature. Here's a pic of the pier where the tenders go : http://www.catalinaexpress.com/webcam.php

[Cruisin' Chick]

Yonnie, it's a very quiet area. Lots of little boats (fishing and what not) to look at. Little stores alongside the waterfront, but I imagine you're not interested in those. Many people will end up taking a tour (my mother did that on her one and only cruise).

 

The last time we were there, way back in June 2002, there was an painted buffalo art exhibit. Local artists painted giant models of buffalo -- very interesting. I'll have to see if I have a photo that I can scan into my computer to post here. There's also a concert hall (if you're walking over to check the historic casino), I believe, but that's if you're staying overnight. We didn't venture too far from the waterfront ourselves.

[Putterdude]

The tenders drop you off at what is the main pier. We were there this spring, there are two golf cart rental companies just to the left of the pier and we rented one for $40/ hr or max of $80 and spent the best part of 3 hrs touring Avalon and its immediate surrounds.

[Krazy Kruizers]

WOW -- thanks everyone for all the wonderful information.

Loved the picture!!

We thought that were the tender dropped us off would be handy to town -- we are walkers -- so that sounds great to us.

Definitely will not be signing up for a HAL tour here.

Thanks again everyone!!