What to do and see in Avalon, California (CA): The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

June 6, 2021 Etsuko Causey

Avalon is the only incorporated city on Santa Catalina Island of the California Channel Islands, and the southernmost city in Los Angeles County. The population was 3,728 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Avalon

1. Afishinados Charters

Excellent
93%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 151 reviews

Afishinados Charters

You have seen Avalon, now experience Catalina Island aboard Catallac, our 50' power catamaran, purpose-built to tour the waters surrounding Catalina Island. Our Flying Fish Tour is our most popular tour for families, and the adults enjoy our Catallac Cocktail Cruise. Do you prefer private charters? Catallac is available for sightseeing parties, weddings, family reunions and corporate events (up to 49 passengers). If you prefer a more personal setting our 40' Afishinado and our 30' Gusto are set up for smaller groups (6 max) for private charters to tour and fish Catalina Island. Charter us and enjoy the isle in style.

2. Tour Catalina - Electric Bike Package

Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Tour Catalina - Electric Bike Package

Come ride with us! Our friendly bike tour guides will greet you at our Garden Alley shop located across the street from the new museum and just down the street from the St. Lauren Hotel. We feature several different models of Electric Bikes sure to impress all travelers to our island. This shop is under NEW Management is a member of Tour Catalina, Catalina Island's premier Online Booking Service.

3. Catalina Food Tours

Excellent
91%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 532 reviews

Catalina Food Tours

Suitable for adults and teens, explore Avalon as never before while leisurely walking through downtown with our fun, local guides who will share the inside scoop on just about everything! This one and only, informative 3-hour tasting and cultural walking tour will open your eyes to hidden tidbits of the island's rich history and culture. Satisfy your appetite with our town's award winning cuisines as you indulge your palate for a few hours of Sipping, Sampling & Savoring!

4. Silver Canyon Pottery

22 Pebbly Beach Rd, Avalon, Catalina Island, CA 90704 +1 310-499-8799 [email protected] http://catalinatileexperience.com
Excellent
93%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 123 reviews

Silver Canyon Pottery

Silver Canyon Pottery offers an intimate glimpse into tile production on Catalina Island. Small, all inclusive tours, personally led by the artist, educate guests about the history, geology, artistic traditions, and techniques that created the historic tiles that define Catalina. Most fun of all, guests don an apron, role up their sleeves and create their own tile! Great family activity.

Reviewed By TayChristensen

This was so fun! Even my husband loved it. We each made two tiles. The tile making itself is surprisingly relaxing and so satisfying. I’m excited to take home more than just a random tshirt or mug souvenir like I normally do. These tiles can be hung up, framed or used as actual tiles in a home. Robin was the best, she is full of knowledge and interesting facts about the history of Catalina. We learned so much from her and will definitely be coming back next time we’re there!

5. Catalina Island Company

Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,549 reviews

Catalina Island Company

Catalina Island Company offers land and sea tours including the top-rated Zip Line Eco Tour, brand new Catalina Aerial Adventure, Cape Canyon Expedition, East End Adventure, Inland Expedition, Avalon Scenic Tour, Skyline Drive, Ocean Runner, Flying Fish Tour, Undersea Expedition and Glass Bottom Boat. Other venues include Descanso Beach Club and Island Spa Catalina.

6. Catalina Falconry Experience

Excellent
98%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 46 reviews

Catalina Falconry Experience

Experience the thrill and anticipation, as a trained bird of prey—with wings spread and talons extended—swoops toward you and gently lands on your outstretched hand. Catalina Falconry Experience in picturesque Descanso Canyon is one of the few places in Southern California where you can don the glove and “be the falconer.” Against a backdrop of the beautiful Pacific, you’ll learn the history and basic techniques of falconry, as well as the important role that raptors play in maintaining balance in our natural environment. Get to know our falcons, hawks, and owls as your instructor guides you in the proper way to hold a raptor, cast it from your glove, and then call it back again. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to have your picture taken with one of these majestic birds, so bring your camera. A mix of conservation, education and adventure, this is the experience of a lifetime.

7. Catalina Island Casino

1 Casino Way, Avalon, Catalina Island, CA 90704 +1 800-446-0271 [email protected] http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/activities-adventures/catalina-casino?utm_medium=link&utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_campaign=tripadvisor&utm_content=casino
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 867 reviews

Catalina Island Casino

The iconic Catalina Casino epitomizes everything glamorous about Santa Catalina Island. On the lower level the building features extraordinary Art Deco murals and a classic 1929 pipe organ inside the Avalon Theatre, which still shows movies on its massive screen.The top level of this 12 story high architectural wonder features the beautiful, world-famous Casino Ballroom, a masterpiece of design and a long-standing venue for the world’s best musical performers and big bands. It is also a popular venue for weddings and special events. The only access to the building is through an exclusive Casino Tour offered through Discovery Tours. Once on the tour you’ll soon understand why many call this the most romantic place in Catalina.

Reviewed By volcanogirl - Texas, United States

We took a wonderful tour of the Casino; before we came to the island, we thought this iconic building was a gambling establishment based upon the name. Casino means gathering place in Italian, and this dazzling building is just that; the bottom level contains a beautiful art deco movie theater with amazing architecture and lovely hand-painted murals. Interestingly it was created by the same architect that designed the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood. The upper level contains a grand ballroom that was a gathering place for famous big bands and the upper crust back in the day. You can still see movies in the nearly one hundred year old theater, and there are some nice ocean views from the upper level. Our guide was excellent, and it was wonderful to take a step back in time and learn about the history of this beautiful place.

8. Descanso Beach Ocean Sports

Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Descanso Beach Ocean Sports

Fun at Descanso Beach, Catalina Island with rentals of kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel equipment, tubes & viewboards. Featuring daily paddle tours and discounted rental packages. Support for kayak campers.

9. Catalina Island Tour

Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 115 reviews

Catalina Island Tour

There’s nothing like an exciting journey through Catalina's pristine wilderness aboard an open-air biofuel Hummer. You’ll get an intimate feel for Catalina’s unique topography as you cruise the ridge around rugged canyons up to 1,500-foot East Peak. From there, you'll travel along Divide Road, where you'll enjoy spectacular ocean and canyon views of both sides of the island. You might even spot a bison or two on this unforgettable 4-wheeling adventure.

10. Inland Expedition

Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 74 reviews

Inland Expedition

The Best Of The Island’s Interior. This comprehensive tour takes you 31 miles through the heart of Catalina's rugged interior. You'll travel in a comfortable, '50's Flxible Bus, restored to its original streamlined beauty. This memorable journey follows the 1800's stagecoach route then you will continue through Middle Ranch, where you will enjoy the Native Plant Nursery and the Catalina Island Fox habitat.

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