ACTIVITIES
THINGS TO DO UNDER $30
C atalina Island is insightful museum visits to stand-up paddleboarding, there is something to make your trip perfect. Visiting Catalina does not have to break the bank with incredible, affordable tours and adventures. WRITTEN BY ASHLEE POLAREK an island of magic. Home to adventures that range from
STROLL THE GARDEN Nestled in a valley above Avalon, you will find the beautifully curated Botanic Garden and striking memorial honoring William Wrigley. When conceptualizing the Botanic Garden, Ada Wrigley sought to create an oasis of plant life. Now, visitors roam the grounds to see many of the endemic species that make up Catalina’s diverse flora and fauna and the towering memorial. A self- guided walking tour of the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden takes about 1 and 1/2 hours to explore and is perfect for visitors who want a moment of tranquility. EXPLORE ON TWO WHEELS Explore the shores and streets of Avalon on two wheels. With a bike rental, create a hop-on-hop-off tour around the city by heading to the beach to take in the ocean waves, stopping for photos of iconic landmarks, riding up to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden or even enjoying some ice cream near the Green Pleasure Pier. It’s a fun and affordable way to sight-see while also The waters around Catalina are perfect for explorers. Around the Island, you can spot garibaldi, the famous kelp forests and hundreds of species of sea life. Jumping in is the best way for adventurous visitors to see what the Island is all about. Catalina Divers Supply is located next to the Catalina Point Dive Park and offers a variety of diving equipment to rent. If you are looking to kayak or stand-up paddleboard to the nearby coves, Wet Spot Rentals is right by the Avalon ferry terminal on your way into Avalon. Both have friendly staff who offer great advice and rentals at a reasonable fee. getting a light workout in. JUMP IN THE WATER
DISCOVER AVALON For first-time or frequent visitors, the Discover Avalon Tour by Catalina Island Company is a must if you want to learn about the history and sights around town. This guided tour takes you aboard a vintage-inspired bus with a knowledgeable tour guide who offers insights into what makes Avalon so magical. The 50-minute tour is a great way to kick off your visit to the Island and take note of all the places you will want to stop at when you explore on your own. MARVEL AT THE CASINO A trip to the Island is incomplete without a visit to the Catalina Casino . The Casino now allows visitors to explore this landmark at their own pace with an inside look at this historic location. Take a self-guided tour through the theater built in 1929, and up to the large circular ballroom. This experience is a wonderful way to explore a piece of history that is important not only to the Island but to the world. TRAVEL THROUGH TIME Home to artifacts from the people of the Gabrielino/Tongva tribe, Marylin Monroe and more, the Catalina Museum for Art & History offers a look at the Island’s colorful past as a tourist destination, movie-making hub, spring training stop for the Chicago Cubs and WWII base. Enjoy seeing memorabilia, Catalina Island pottery and tiles, and an excellent informative movie. waters of Catalina from the surface, the Glass Bottom Boat Tour is not only an affordable option but treats guests with an exciting view. During the tour, you will spot garibaldi, flourishing kelp forests and hundreds of fish. The tour takes passengers to Lovers Cove, where the knowledgeable captain explains the magical sea below. GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR For visitors looking to explore the
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