Santa Catalina Island Things to Do

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Perhaps the most important part of the botanical gardens show cases species found only on the California Channel Islands. There is a video that explains how each island has plant species unique to it's own environment. Since visitors rarely visit the other islands, this garden show cases much of the beauty of all the islands.

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The Catalina Island Botanical Gardens were a Wrigley inspiration, where the section just past the entrance displays unique cactus and succulent species from all over the world, some planted at a time when these plants were not widely appreciated elsewhere. Spiny cacti are unique to the western hemisphere, whereas succulents are found in dry regions throughout the world. These plants are well acclimated to the Catalina Island climate within the sunny and protected canyon where the garden is located.

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The Wrigley's bought the island, but apparently some properties were nevertheless wrested from their control. Some of these are properties the family itself donated or sold to a devoted worker, such as was the situation for the relative of our host--who was a beloved accountant for Wrigley. Thus, Avalon is an incorporated town separate from the Wrigley holdings, while a large proportion of the commercial property that is nevertheless leased out by the family. Anyway, a block off the beach on the flats are several blocks of small beach houses, some with considerable heritage, and all with considerable real-estate value. Some of these can be rented or leased for vacation purposes, as the owners visit them only occasionally. We staying in such a place, a small one bedroom home with living room, bathroom, and kitchen, which I found adorable and quite suitable for a life of retirement in this island paradise. The only thing was I would have to sell my half acre waterfront property, four bedroom, 3 bath house in Stockton before I could move in. And then, I would still need to finance an additional five hundred thousand or so. Some homes are particularly noteworthy--check out the place one 3rd and Descanso, which is made from the remains of a ferry boat. We carried baggies to clean up after our dogs as we walked the neighborhood several times a day--a favorite activity here.

The Inn on Mt. Ada is one of the nicest places to stay on Catalina Island. Even if you choose not to stay there, you should still pay it a visit and check out its lovely details and fantastic view.

The Inn is the former of of William Wrigley Jr., the man who owned and developed most of the island in the 1920s. Mr. Wrigley was the heir to the chewing gum fortune and the owner of the Chicago Cubs.

The Inn stands 350 feet above the town of Avalon and the harbor. It was finished in 1921 and served as Wrigley's private home for may years. The hilltop was named Mt. Ada after Mr. Wrigley's wife, Ada. In the seventies, the home was given to USC to be used as a conference center. USC and the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy now own it and renamed the property The Inn on Mt. Ada.

The Inn is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

The Casino is one of Catalina Island's major landmarks. Built in 1929, the Casino is located on Sugar Loaf Point, just a short walking distance north of Avalon Harbor. This casino was never used for gambling, but rather a place for dancing and entertainment. It houses an enormous ballroom where famous swing bands used to play and an grand theatre complete with pipe organ. The Casino is filled with art deco charm and detail. Two major events that take place in the Casino these days are the Silent Film Festival and the Swing Camp Catalina, both held in the summer and dedicated to reviving the old pleasures of the Casino. If you visit Catalina, a trip to the Casino is a must!

The Wrigley Memorial was built in honor of William Wrigley Jr. (of the chewing gum company), who lived on Catalina for many years and was critical to its development. The monument is a vision of elegant simplicity. Built largely of flagstone and local stones and decorated with gorgeous tile, the monument is a quiet, meditative refuge. It overlooks the botanical gardens and a gurgling stream. The gardens started with a collection of desert plants, but grew to emcompass plants from many regions. It isn't a huge garden, but it is interesting and well-tended. The momument and gardens are a must-see on Catalina Island!

This trail opened in April of 2009, and is a must do for any SoCal weekend hiker. From start to finish, the trail is 37 miles long and takes you from one end of the island to the other. Its a well marked, well maintained trail that takes you through the hills of Catalina and allows you to see the ocean nearly the entire hike. 37 miles was too long of a hike for us in two days so we chose to not take the southern loop of the trail. Rather, we started in Avalon, hiked (a LONG DAY) to Blackjack campground where we camped, then finished the hike on Sunday to Two Harbors. It was a gorgeous hike! During the two days, we passed less than 10 hikers and found very friendly locals at Blackjack campground. The best part of the hike was definitely walking among the buffalo who like to hang out on the trail.

There is a boat tour on the island that allows you to view whales. I believe you can dive as well. They say that March is a good time to see them because this is when they are migrating.
Due to time I was unable to fit this into the schedule because the last tour is at 2pm.

http://www.catalinaoceanrafting.com/