About Avalon
Catalina Island, California
The resort destination of Avalon lies on Santa Catalina Island, one of the California Channel Islands. Once home to Marilyn Monroe, this beautiful island has been a tourist hotspot since the 1920s, and it’s easy to see why.
Find your perfect vacation rental in Avalon with FlipKey today, and you’ll have a stay you’ll never forget!
About Catalina Island
Avalon on Catalina Island was developed into a resort destination by William Wrigley Jr. in 1919, when the Catalina Casino and Avalon Theatre were constructed. By day, it attracts vacationing Angelinos, but stay overnight or for a longer break, and you’ll see a charming, romantic side to this small town.
You can’t rent a car on Catalina Island, which means the only options for getting around are on foot or by bike or golf cart. This adds a certain charm and a more relaxed pace to island life, and a trip here is perfect if you’re looking to get away from it all.
Its coastal location means Avalon is renowned for its fresh fish and seafood, best enjoyed at restaurants near the harbor. You’ll find a wide variety of food served at local restaurants, everything from fast food to pizza and Mediterranean cuisine, making Avalon a popular destination for families.
What to do in Catalina Island, California
Stroll along the pretty waterfront with its galleries, shops and ice cream parlors, then take a glass bottom boat tour or a dolphin watching trip from the Pleasure Pier in the center of the bay. Here you’ll also find vendors renting kayaks—this is a great way to see the island from the water.
Adventurous types might want to head for the Zip Line Eco Tour with its zip lines taking you 500 ft. above sea level, while those looking for something more relaxing can lounge on the sand at Descanso Beach Club.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take a guided tour of Catalina Casino and Avalon Theater. Once host to famous big-band musicians, today this Art Deco building is the focal point for island entertainment. Its movie theater hosts regular screenings and its 20,000-square foot ballroom is home to exciting events throughout the year. Check out the programme before you go to see what’s on!
Top travel tips for Catalina Island, California
The nearest airports are Los Angeles International (39 miles) and John Wayne Airport (38 miles). You can take a ferry to Catalina Island from Long Beach, Dana Point or San Pedro – the journey takes 1-1.5 hours (and you can travel for free on your birthday!).
Thanks to its dry and mild climate, Avalon is warm all year round. Summer is the hottest and busiest season, so for a more relaxed, romantic atmosphere, be sure to visit in late spring where the crowds are less.
Just 22 miles off the Southern Californian coast, Catalina Island feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxing trip, and you’re sure to find your ideal beachfront apartment or Condo in FlipKey’s range of vacation rentals. Start searching, today!
