Things to do in Avalon, California (CA): The Best Sights & Landmarks

Nestled in a small valley nearly 12 miles outside of Avalon is El Rancho Escondido, "the hidden ranch." Still a working ranch, it was originally started as the Wrigley family's Arabian Horse Ranch. The facility's prizewinning horses, historic memorabilia, and entertaining exhibits make it a favorite stop on Discovery Tours Inland Motor Tour.

The Airport in the Sky occupies a 1,602-foot-tall mountaintop at the center of the Catalina Island, 10 miles from the city of Avalon. It's a great destination by tour or shuttle bus, bicycle, on foot whether hiking the Trans Catalina Trail or walking over from Black Jack, or of course, via private or chartered small plane. Its single 3,250-foot-long runway was constructed by blasting and leveling two adjacent peaks, then using the resulting debris to fill in the gaps.The image is of a T-34 Beechcraft that flew in to participate in one of the Airport in the Sky's monthly Aeroclub Fly-In Days.

Few words can describe the ambiance of the Catalina Casino: it epitomizes everything glamorous and romantic about Catalina Island. The one-of-a-kind venue is simply stunning inside, outside, and all around. If the meticulously decorated walls could talk, they’d tell countless stories of romance and celebration gathered from decades of memorable events. The immense, Deco-themed ballroom is large enough to contain weddings, large meetings or lectures or musical events. The Casino has retained its signature lavish style: a stunning medley of rose-hued walls, an arching, 50-foot ceiling with five Tiffany chandeliers, an elevated stage, raised seating areas surrounding the wooden dance floor, and a vintage full-service bar anchoring the back. A sweeping veranda surrounds the ballroom with stunning 360-degree views of Avalon Bay.

The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden is located at the top of Avalon Canyon - just a short 30 minute stroll up from town! The Garden features a collection of native plants from both Catalina Island, and the surrounding Channel Islands. The Garden also features a collection of succulents from around the world. The park is also home to the Wrigley Memorial. This iconic island landmark was built in 1934 in honor of Catalina Island patron William Wrigley Jr. The unique structure incorporates a variety of native rock and stone, as well as the famed "Catalina tile."