Avalon on Foot: Discover Catalina Island
Take a scenic, self-paced audio tour through Avalon
What to Expect
Avalon may be the gateway to Catalina Island for nearly every visitor, but there’s more to this island town than just golf carts, boutiques, and bars. This self-guided walking tour invites you to explore Avalon as both a lively harbor and a threshold to the island’s rugged interior. As you make your way past colorful storefronts, quiet overlooks, and iconic landmarks like the Catalina Casino, you’ll hear stories that bring the town’s history, myths, and characters to life, from beloved sea lions to early film stars and conservation pioneers.
Along the way, GPS-triggered audio narration guides your experience, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re here for the day or staying the weekend, this tour adds depth to your visit by connecting Avalon’s festive atmosphere with the vast natural world that surrounds it. It’s the perfect introduction to Catalina, with just enough history, scenery, and steep hills to get your steps in.
Ready to go? Book below or download our app and purchase directly from your phone.
📍 Location: Catalina Island, CA
🚶♂️ Type: Walking tour
⏱ Duration: Approx. 1 hours (flexible)
✅ Includes: App download, GPS-triggered audio, No expiration
📶 Works Offline: Download ahead of time - no cell service required
🎧 Multiple Languages: English, Spanish
Get Ready for Your Avalon Self-Guided Tour
Avalon is the energetic hub of Catalina Island, yet it represents only part of the island’s much deeper story.
This self-guided walking tour traces how a modest harbor evolved into a place of legend, aspiration, and close-knit community, framed by the rugged landscape rising just beyond town.
Along the route, you’ll visit well-known landmarks and lesser-seen spots—from the graceful Catalina Casino to tales of sea lions, soapstone, and the dreamers who left their mark on Avalon.
Each stop connects the town’s layered history to the steady pulse of the island’s natural world.
Avalon’s character lies in its contrast: a lively waterfront filled with docks, shops, and gathering spaces, paired with immediate access to 42,000 acres of protected wilderness.
To explore Avalon is to step into history while standing at the meeting point of spectacle and sanctuary.
What You’ll See on Your Avalon Walking Tour
Descanso Bay
Just outside Avalon Harbor, Descanso Bay offers tranquil waters and broad coastal views. It’s an ideal place to slow down and feel the island’s relaxed pace.
Catalina Casino
Despite its name, this landmark houses a grand ballroom and theater, not gambling. Its striking Art Deco design and harborfront setting make it Avalon’s most recognizable icon.
Avalon Diving History Exhibit & Casino Point Dive Park
This compact exhibit highlights Catalina’s role in the early days of scuba diving. Nearby, Casino Point Dive Park is among the island’s premier underwater sites.
Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel
Once home to famed author Zane Grey, this hillside property reflects Avalon’s early connections to Hollywood. Its pueblo-style architecture stands out on the skyline above the harbor.
Catalina Chimes Tower
Gifted by the Wrigley family in 1925, this tiled tower overlooks Avalon and rings out the hours each day. The bells are a familiar and cherished sound in town.
Metropole Market Place
A vibrant mix of shops, cafés, and island flavors, Metropole Market Place combines contemporary energy with Catalina charm. It’s a great place to browse or grab a bite.
Catalina Island Museum for Art & History
Through exhibits on art, culture, and notable visitors, this museum offers a deeper understanding of Catalina’s past. It’s a meaningful stop for context and reflection.
Green Pleasure Pier
Dating back to 1909, this historic pier has long welcomed visitors to Avalon Bay. Today it offers harbor views, casual eats, and outfitter services.
Catalina Island Conservancy Trailhead
This entrance to the island’s protected interior leads into 42,000 acres of preserved land. Even a brief walk reveals hints of Catalina’s unique ecosystems and wildlife.
Old Ben Park
Named for Avalon’s famous sea lion mascot, this small park celebrates the town’s playful maritime heritage. It’s a lighthearted pause along the waterfront.
Wrigley Stage Avalon Bay Vista
Overlooking the bay, this open-air stage hosts concerts and community events. The surrounding views showcase Avalon’s bustling harbor atmosphere.
Buena Vista Point Scenic Overlook
A short uphill walk delivers expansive views of Avalon and the open Pacific. It’s one of the best spots to see how town, sea, and hills come together.
Lee’s Scenic Overlook
This quieter viewpoint above the bay offers a calm perspective of Avalon below. It’s popular for photos and moments of reflection.
Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden
Dedicated to William Wrigley Jr., this striking memorial is set within a garden of native island plants. It blends history, architecture, and nature into a serene retreat.
Meeting Point
Your Avalon walking tour begins at Old Ben Park.
Old Ben Park can be found at the south of Avalon Bay, near the junction of Pebbly Beach Road and Clarissa Avenue. It is immediately opposite Catalina Cones' ice cream shop.
FAQs About Our Avalon Walking Tour
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Yes, a permit is required to hike on Catalina Island, but permits are free. These can be obtained online or at the Catalina Island Conservancy Trailhead visitor center, Airport in the Sky, and Two Harbors Visitor Information Center.
Visit the Catalina Island Conservancy website for more information.
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General admission to the Catalina Casino costs the following:
Adults (Ages 13–64): $19.50
Children (Ages 12 and Under): $17.50
Senior (Ages 55+): $17.50
Military (With ID): $17.50
Visit the Catalina Island Company website for more information.
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Tickets to the Catalina Island Museum for Art & History cost the following:
Adults: $12
Seniors (60+), Active Military & Veterans, Healthcare Workers & Students: $10
Catalina Island Residents: $7.50
Golden State Advantage Cardholders: Free
Children (15 and under): Free
Visit the Catalina Island Museum for Art & History website for more information.
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Tickets to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden cost the following:
Adults: $13.56
Seniors (55+, With ID): $11.39
Children (5–12): $8.14
Students (With ID): $11.39
Children (0–4): $0.00
Military and Family (With ID): $0.00
Veteran (With ID): $0.00
Conservancy Members (With Proof of Membership): $0.00
Visit the Catalina Island Conservancy website for more information.
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Tours are fully refundable up to 24 hours in advance.
If it’s within 24 hours or you had an issue during your tour, email support@drivesanddetours.com. We review all requests individually and will always do our best to make things right.
Our goal is to ensure every traveler has a great experience exploring with Drives & Detours.
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Our Avalon tour covers approximately 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) and takes about 90–120 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace, with optional detours adding a bit more distance. The route follows waterfront promenades, sidewalks, and gentle streets, with one steeper uphill section to Lee’s Scenic Overlook. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended. Avalon’s terrain includes some stairs and inclines, but the majority of the walk is flat and easy to navigate.
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Yes, downloading the Drives & Detours app will give you full access to the tour you have purchased, as well as many other self-guided tours.
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Download the tour before you go. Some areas have poor signal, which can make downloading the tour difficult. Once the tour is downloaded, it will work without any cell signal
The tour audio plays automatically as you approach each stop
Want to see more? Tap “View Stop” to see photos and bonus content
To return to the map, tap the small down arrow between the “previous” and “next” buttons
Follow the blue line and audio directions to stay on route
Use audio controls to pause, rewind, or skip—just like a podcast
Safety first: Keep your eyes on the road or sidewalk, follow traffic laws, and stay aware of your surroundings
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No—download your Avalon tour before you go, and you won't need a cell signal. Drives & Detours’ tours work without any cell signal once they are downloaded to your device.
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Once you have purchased your Avalon walking tour from Drives & Detours, you can use it whenever you want. You can always take the tour another day if the weather is bad on the day you plan to take it.
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Unfortunately, Dives & Detours cannot guarantee that the Avalon self-guided tour is accessible. People with wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility impairments are very welcome, but we recommend checking the Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority website for detailed information.
Pro Tips for Your Drives & Detours Avalon Self-Guided Tour
Download before you go.
Enable location services—GPS triggers the audio.
Use earbuds, headphones, or your car speakers.
Pause and resume anytime. If you take a break, just reopen the app and head back toward your last stop.
Lost your way? Tap any pin on the map, then tap the right-turn-arrow icon to open your default maps app for turn-by-turn directions to that spot.
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