Historic Icons in Avalon
Catalina Casino: Like a sparkling charm dangling over Avalon Bay, the Catalina Casino has captivated visitors since 1929. With its striking circular design, this Art Deco landmark is not a gambling hall but a cultural treasure housing a grand ballroom and a historic theater. Inside, the Avalon Theatre still screens movies beneath a celestial mural ceiling, while the upper-level ballroom has seen generations dance across its polished floor. It remains a symbol of the Island’s glamorous past and ongoing spirit of celebration.
Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden: Tucked into the canyon above Avalon, the Wrigley Memorial is a timeless tribute to William Wrigley Jr., who once envisioned Catalina as a playground for the people. Reached by a scenic stroll through a garden of endemic plants, the memorial itself is a stunning mosaic of Catalina tilework and quarried stone. It rewards those who climb its steps with panoramic Island views and a peaceful reverence that feels worlds away from the beach below.
Avalon Theatre: Nestled within the iconic Casino, the Avalon Theatre is a vintage marvel where visitors can catch a film under a ceiling painted with twinkling stars. With its original 1929 pipe organ and preserved Art Deco flourishes, stepping into the Avalon Theatre feels like slipping into a bygone era. It’s not just a movie night — it’s a cinematic experience surrounded by the echoes of Catalina’s golden age.
Art, Culture & Local Flair
For those who want to take home a piece of Catalina’s creative spirit, Avalon offers locally owned shops that celebrate the island’s artistic heritage. Catalina Pottery and Tile Co. specializes in handcrafted ceramics that reflect the island’s history as a hub of California pottery design, with patterns and colors inspired by Catalina’s natural beauty. Visitors can browse tiles, plates, and decorative pieces — many reimagined from original Catalina Pottery designs of the 1920s and 30s.
Just down the street, Catalina Souvenir Shop offers an eclectic mix of gifts and keepsakes that showcase Catalina’s artistic personality, from locally themed prints to handcrafted items that evoke the island’s laid-back charm. Together, these shops provide a fun way for visitors to connect with Catalina’s artful side and bring home a bit of island-inspired creativity.
Natural Treasures Around Avalon
Lover’s Cove: Like the sea glass of your Catalina charm bracelet, Lover’s Cove sparkles beneath the surface. This protected marine sanctuary is one of California’s premier snorkeling spots, where orange garibaldi swim past swaying kelp forests and snorkelers can spot rays, eels, and schools of silvery fish. No fishing is allowed here, which keeps the waters teeming with life — a dreamy underwater charm just steps from Avalon.
Descanso Beach Club: If your charm bracelet includes a touch of luxury, then Descanso Beach Club is your cabana charm. Just a short walk past the Casino, this sandy paradise offers private lounges, signature cocktails, and the only beachside bar in California where you can legally sip with your toes in the sand. It’s a place where sun-soaked afternoons drift by to the rhythm of waves and clinking glasses.
Pebbly Beach: For those who like their charms a little rugged, Pebbly Beach offers a more off-the-beaten-path charm. A quick golf cart ride from the center of Avalon, this waterfront stretch is home to the Island’s working harbor, playful sea birds, and a few friendly bison statues. It’s a great place for a morning jog, wildlife watching, or just a quiet moment looking out over the Pacific.
Two Harbors Charms — Catalina’s Rustic Side
Isthmus Cove: The main heartbeat of Two Harbors, Isthmus Cove is the rustic anchor of Catalina’s western side. Boaters tie up to moorings just off the shore, while sandy toes and sun hats drift in from the dinghy dock to grab ice, supplies, or a refreshing drink. It’s simple, charming, and decidedly less crowded than Avalon — a salty, sun-kissed link in the Catalina charm chain.
Catalina Harbor (Cat Harbor): On the leeward side of the isthmus, Cat Harbor is a peaceful retreat beloved by seasoned sailors. It’s where time slows down, the water lies still, and the sunsets stretch endlessly into the horizon. With excellent protection from wind and swell, this is the charm for those who seek solace in a quiet cove, anchored beneath cliffs and silence.
Harbor Reef Restaurant & Saloon: If your bracelet needs a rowdy charm, the Harbor Reef in Two Harbors brings the fun. Famous for its Buffalo Milk cocktails and breezy outdoor dining, this spot is equal parts watering hole and post-adventure hangout. You’ll find barefoot boaters swapping stories over burgers and fish tacos, often with live music and salty air adding rhythm to the evening.
Little Fisherman’s Cove: Tucked around the bend from Isthmus Cove, Little Fisherman’s Cove is a secret worth discovering. Kayakers and snorkelers paddle over for its protected, crystal-clear waters filled with curious marine life. It’s a quiet charm, best appreciated in the morning when the only company might be a leopard shark and a school of sardines.
Parsons Landing: For the explorer in your charm collection, Parsons Landing is a rugged treasure. Accessible only by kayak or a long coastal hike, this primitive beach camping spot rewards the effort with serenity and star-filled skies. It’s one of the Island’s last truly wild places, where the crash of waves is the only soundtrack.
Fourth of July Cove: A favorite among yacht club members, this mooring area just outside of Two Harbors offers privacy and prestige. It’s like the heirloom charm of Catalina — steeped in tradition, with echoes of generations who return each summer to the same perfect spot. Don’t be surprised to see burgee flags fluttering and dinghies full of laughing kids.
Banning House Lodge: Perched high on the isthmus ridge, the Banning House Lodge is Catalina’s most romantic charm. Originally built in 1910 by the Island’s early stewards, this historic lodge offers sweeping views of both harbors from its wraparound porch. It’s the kind of place where time slows, wine glasses clink at sunset, and Catalina’s timeless beauty is always on display.
