Discover Avalon’s Must-See Attractions: 5 Iconic Things to Do on Catalina Island
From Art Deco Landmarks to Ocean Adventures and Scenic Gardens, These Are Drives & Detours’ Can’t-Miss Experiences in Avalon
Avalon is one of Southern California’s most enchanting seaside towns — Venti Views / Unsplash
Nestled on the southeastern tip of Catalina Island, Avalon is one of Southern California’s most enchanting seaside towns—a place where palm-lined streets, turquoise water, and old-Hollywood charm come together in one irresistible package.
Though the town covers just one square mile, it offers an impressive range of sights and experiences, from historic landmarks to outdoor adventures.
Drives & Detours tours are all about uncovering hidden gems, but we know it’s worth taking time to visit Avalon’s signature attractions. These are the iconic stops that define the island’s identity.
Here are our six can’t-miss highlights that capture Avalon’s character, history, and scenic beauty.
1. Catalina Casino: Avalon’s Crown Jewel
The Art Deco masterpiece of the Catalina Casino rises above Avalon Harbor — Michael McGarry / Pexels
Nothing says Catalina Island quite like the Catalina Casino. Rising majestically at the edge of Avalon Harbor, this circular Art Deco masterpiece is the island’s most recognizable landmark—and one of California’s architectural treasures.
Despite its name, there’s no gambling here. The Casino was built in 1929 by chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. and was designed as a social and cultural hub, housing a 1,200-seat movie theater and the world’s largest circular ballroom.
The exterior’s sweeping curves and red-tiled dome are visible from nearly anywhere in Avalon, while the interior glows with murals, intricate woodwork, and the glamour of another era.
Today, visitors can explore the building on guided tours that share stories of Hollywood stars, Big Band dances, and the island’s golden age of leisure.
The Catalina Casino remains Avalon’s heart and soul—an unmissable introduction to the island—whether you catch a film in the theater, attend a festival, or simply admire the building from the waterfront.
2. Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden: Where Nature and History Meet
The Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden is one of Avalon’s most peaceful spots — Michael Glazier / Unsplash
A short golf-cart ride or uphill walk from town leads to one of Avalon’s most peaceful spots: the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden.
This 38-acre sanctuary is both a tribute to William Wrigley Jr.—who helped shape Catalina into a resort destination—and a celebration of the island’s natural ecology.
The garden is filled with succulents, cacti, and rare plants native to the Channel Islands, arranged along stone pathways that gradually climb toward the memorial.
The centerpiece, the Wrigley Memorial, is built from island materials—local stone, crushed tile, and native blue flagstone—and its hilltop setting offers sweeping views of Avalon Canyon below.
This garden perfectly balances serenity and spectacle, whether you’re a plant enthusiast, photographer, or casual explorer. It’s also a great way to experience Catalina’s wild side without venturing far from town.
3. Catalina Island Museum: A Deep Dive into Island Culture
The Catlina Island Museum is found on the harbor and has an impressive collection of exhibits — Erick Morales / Unsplash
For a glimpse into the stories behind Avalon’s charm, the Catalina Island Museum delivers far more than you’d expect from a small-town institution.
Located just beyond the Casino in the Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building, the museum weaves together art, history, and island lore with an impressive collection of exhibits.
You’ll find displays on the island’s indigenous Tongva people, early explorers, Hollywood’s love affair with Catalina, and the Wrigley family’s transformative impact.
Rotating art installations and film memorabilia give the space a contemporary feel, while archival photos and maps transport visitors to the island’s early days as a glamorous getaway.
The museum’s modern architecture and open design make it a relaxing stop—and an ideal starting point before exploring Avalon on foot. It’s an attraction that rewards curiosity and deepens your appreciation for everything you’ll see around town.
4. Descanso Beach Club & Lover’s Cove: Avalon’s Ocean Playground
Descanso Beach Club has clear, turquoise water that laps against the shore as you enjoy a cocktail — Vlad D / Unsplash
If Avalon’s waterfront is its heartbeat, Descanso Beach Club and nearby Lover’s Cove are where that pulse quickens.
Just beyond the Casino, Descanso Beach Club offers the quintessential Catalina experience—palm trees, beachfront cabanas, cocktails in the sand, and turquoise water so clear it seems unreal.
Visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or snorkeling gear, or simply relax with a drink at the oceanfront bar and watch boats drift in and out of the bay.
A short walk away, Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve offers some of the best snorkeling on the West Coast. Protected from heavy surf, the cove teems with garibaldi fish, bright sea stars, and swaying kelp forests that give snorkelers a window into Catalina’s underwater world.
These beaches combine relaxation and adventure in perfect balance—whether you’re sunbathing or swimming among schools of orange fish—and they’re just steps from Avalon’s center.
5. Mount Ada: The Wrigley Summer Estate
Mount Ada looks out over Avalon Harbor from the hills and offers panoramic views — Perry Merrity / Unsplash
Towering above Avalon Bay is Mount Ada, the former summer home of William and Ada Wrigley.
Built in 1921, the estate offers the best panoramic view of Avalon—the harbor glimmering below, the Casino dome gleaming in the sun, and the Pacific stretching endlessly beyond.
Today, Mount Ada operates as an exclusive inn, but visitors who stay there or dine on the terrace are treated to one of the most breathtaking vantage points on Catalina Island.
Even if you’re not checking in, the drive or hike up the hill is worth it for the view alone. The estate stands as a historic landmark and a reminder of Avalon’s glamorous past.
Why These Stops Matter
Avalon packs history, nature, and adventure into one compact, unforgettable experience — Steve Iverson / Unsplash
Each of these attractions tells a piece of Avalon’s story—the vision of the Wrigley family, the artistry of the Casino, the island’s natural diversity, and the enduring appeal of seaside leisure.
Together, they define what makes Catalina Island more than just a day trip—it’s a destination that captures the imagination, rewards exploration, and lingers in memory long after the ferry ride home.
From sunrise to sunset, Avalon manages to pack history, nature, and adventure into one compact, unforgettable experience.
So whether you’re visiting for a day or a weekend, make time for Avalon’s must-see sights.
They’re iconic for a reason—and they’re the perfect complement to the hidden corners you’ll uncover with Drives & Detours.
Discover Avalon on Your Own Schedule With Drives & Detours
Drives & Detours guides you through Avalon’s must-see landmarks as well as lesser-known spots — Vidhan Modi / Pexels
Experience Avalon at your own pace with Drives & Detours’ self-guided tours. Designed for convenience and full offline access, these tours are packed with insider insights and allow you to explore the city on your terms.
Purchase your tour ahead of time or start it directly through the app whenever it fits your schedule. Each route guides you through Avalon’s must-see landmarks as well as lesser-known spots, giving you a full picture of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
With Drives & Detours, you’ll find the hidden gems, neighborhood favorites, and local experiences that make Avalon a city worth exploring again and again.
