Avalon’s defining building is not a gambling casino but a 1929 Art Deco movie palace and ballroom, with an unusually cinematic waterfront setting. Take the guided interior tour if you want the architecture and island history; otherwise admire it from the harbor and use the time for the adjacent beach or marine park.
1.3h Book aheadBook an early tour, then continue to Descanso before the beach crowds build.
Tours run at set times; reserve ahead for summer weekends or a short island visit.
Pairs with: Descanso Beach Club · Catalina Museum For Art & History · Casino Point Marine Park
This is Avalon’s easiest beach day: a small cove immediately north of the Casino with swimming, food, rentals, and a social beach-club atmosphere. Use it for a relaxed few hours rather than expecting a secluded natural beach.
2.5h FreeArrive near opening for the best choice of chairs and a quieter swim.
Pairs with: Catalina Casino · Casino Point Marine Park · Lover’s Cove Undersea Gardens
The memorial is Avalon’s best short escape from the waterfront, combining a striking monument to William Wrigley Jr. with a garden focused on Catalina and California-island plants. It is a worthwhile walk or quick ride up Avalon Canyon, especially for visitors who want more than harbor-side sightseeing.
1.3h Walk upGo in the morning, before the canyon warms up and after-arrival crowds reach the garden.
Pay admission at the garden; no advance reservation is normally needed.
Pairs with: Catalina Museum For Art & History · Saint Catherine of Alexandria Roman Catholic Church · Catalina Island Golf Course
The island’s essential cultural stop gives useful context for Avalon’s Wrigley era, film glamour, indigenous history, and changing relationship with the mainland. It is compact enough to fit into an arrival or departure day and makes the Casino feel more meaningful afterward.
1.3h Walk upVisit at opening or in mid-afternoon, when most day-trippers are at the beach.
Walk-up admission is usually practical; check exhibition hours if visiting late in the day.
Pairs with: Catalina Casino · Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden · Saint Catherine of Alexandria Roman Catholic Church
Just beyond Avalon’s boat landing, this protected cove is the most accessible place to experience Catalina’s clear water, kelp, and abundant fish. Snorkel if conditions and confidence allow, or pair it with the submarine tour if you would rather stay dry.
1.5h FreeGo in the morning for calmer water and before boat traffic increases.
Pairs with: Green Pleasure Pier · Submarine & Land Tours -Catalina Adventure Tours · Descanso Beach Club
#6Casino Point Marine ParkMust
Casino Point is Avalon’s signature shore-entry marine site, known for kelp forests, fish, and serious snorkeling and diving conditions right beside the Casino. It rewards capable swimmers and divers most; everyone else can still enjoy the setting from shore and use Descanso for an easier beach break.
2h FreeEnter early, when the water is generally calmer and dive traffic is lighter.
Pairs with: Catalina Casino · Descanso Beach Club · Lover’s Cove Undersea Gardens
This central pier is part of the working rhythm of Avalon Harbor, with boats, rentals, and broad views back to the Casino and town. Treat it as a scenic stroll and a practical launch point for water activities, not a lengthy attraction on its own.
25m FreeWalk it early or around dusk, after the busiest boat activity has eased.
Pairs with: Lover’s Cove Undersea Gardens · Submarine & Land Tours -Catalina Adventure Tours · Catalina Casino
The zip line is one of Avalon’s strongest active splurges, pairing a guided descent with expansive views over the canyon and harbor. Choose it if adventure matters more than museum time; it is fun but not a substitute for seeing Catalina’s marine environment.
2h Book aheadAn early departure is cooler and leaves the afternoon free for the water.
Reserve several days ahead in summer and on holiday weekends, when preferred departures can fill.
Pairs with: Catalina Island Horseback Adventures · Descanso Beach Club · Catalina Casino
For non-swimmers, a submarine-style underwater tour is the simplest way to see Catalina’s kelp-forest life without snorkeling or diving. It is especially useful for families and short-stay visitors, though confident swimmers will get a more immersive experience at Lover’s Cove or Casino Point.
1h Book aheadTake an earlier sailing, when water and visibility are often calmer.
Book a departure in advance during busy periods; sea conditions can affect operations.
Pairs with: Green Pleasure Pier · Lover’s Cove Undersea Gardens · Catalina Casino
A guided ride offers access to Catalina’s dry interior scenery that waterfront-only visitors never see. It is a good splurge for riders or families, but it is less essential than seeing the Casino, harbor, and underwater coast on a first short visit.
2h Book aheadChoose an earlier departure for cooler conditions and better animal availability.
Reserve in advance, particularly for weekend and holiday departures.
Pairs with: Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden · Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour
This small working-pottery stop is a more personal alternative to generic souvenir shopping, with locally made ceramics and the chance to browse at a human scale. Pop in while walking Avalon rather than making a special trip across town.
20m FreeGo outside the main ferry-arrival rush, when the central streets are calmer.
Pairs with: Catalina Museum For Art & History · Green Pleasure Pier · Saint Catherine of Alexandria Roman Catholic Church
This handsome hilltop church is a quiet architectural counterpoint to Avalon’s busy waterfront, with views and a close connection to the town’s Wrigley-era development. Stop briefly while walking between central Avalon and the canyon attractions; attend services only if that is your purpose.
20m FreeVisit outside service times if you want to look around quietly.
Pairs with: Catalina Museum For Art & History · Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden · Silver Canyon Pottery
Hermit Gulch is useful chiefly as Avalon’s convenient base for campers and for access to inland hiking rather than as a standalone sightseeing stop. Choose it if an overnight outdoors stay is part of the trip; ordinary day visitors can skip it in favor of the gardens or water.
Book aheadCheck in early, then hike before afternoon heat.
Reserve campsites well ahead for weekends and warmer-season dates.
Pairs with: Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden · Catalina Island Golf Course
The arcade is a handy rainy-day or post-dinner diversion, especially with children and teens, rather than a reason to choose Avalon. Keep it as flexible filler time near the harbor.
45m Walk upIt is most useful during a midday heat break or after day-trippers leave.
Pay per game or card at the venue; no reservation is needed.
Pairs with: Green Pleasure Pier · Escape Room Catalina · Catalina Museum For Art & History
This is a polished group activity for visitors who have a few hours ashore but poor beach weather, or who want an evening alternative to bars. It is not a Catalina essential, but it works well for families and mixed-age groups.
1h Book aheadBook a late-afternoon or evening slot so it does not displace beach time.
Reserve a time slot in advance for evenings, weekends, and larger groups.
Pairs with: Three Palms Avalon Arcade · Catalina Museum For Art & History
This short nine-hole course is more about playing golf in an unusual island setting than championship design. It suits golfers with a spare half-day, while most first-timers should prioritize the coast and Avalon’s historic sights.
2.5h Book aheadMorning tee times are cooler and generally less affected by afternoon wind.
Call or reserve a tee time ahead, especially on weekend mornings.
Pairs with: Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden · Hermit Gulch Campground