Cruise Ship leaving Avalon harbor, Catalina Island. Cruise ships anchor outside the harbor and tender passengers to Green Pleasure Pier in the center of Avalon.

South Beach

Very conveniently situated just to the south of Green Pleasure Pier, South Beach is a pleasant place to while-a-way a summer afternoon. The sand shelves gently into the harbor, and is perfect for relaxing, sunbathing and swimming. Facilities include lifeguards and restrooms. If you fancy a change of beach, just walk the other side of the pier to Middle beach.

Golf Gardens Mini Golf

If you’re on a winning streak at cruise ship mini golf, here’s a chance to extend your run onshore. Gold Gardens Mini Golf is a creative and quirky 18 hole course sure to test your skills. The entrance to Golf Gardens is a block behind the beach, on Sumner Avenue across from City Library.

Casino

Gamblers will be disappointed to learn that Avalon’s iconic Casino is a cultural treasure, rather than a gaming emporium. Built in 1929, the Casino houses a spectacular ballroom and movie theater and has a long history of hosting famous entertainers, big bands, and first-show movies. A ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour is a great way to see the magnificent art-deco interior, and hear of the building’s rich history. The Casino is located at the north of Avalon's harbor.

Lover's Cove

Lover’s Cove is a fantastic snorkeling location. The bay is a protected marine sanctuary, and there’s an astonishing variety of sealife to observe. If you’re lucky you’ll spot a Giant Black Sea Bass, a harmless giant that can be over 5ft long. The Cove is a short 10 minute walk from Avalon south along the coast, past the Cabrillo Mole ferry pier.

Wrigley Botanical Garden

When the chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley Jr. died in 1932, his wife Ada commissioned the building of an elaborate memorial. 3 years later she conceived the Wrigley Botanical Garden, a green haven with the memorial as its centerpiece. The garden specializes in plants native to the California Channel Islands. From Avalon it’s a 45 minute walk up Avalon Canyon road to the garden, or you can hire a bicycle or golf cart to make the journey.