What You'll Learn On A Tour of Avalon

One of the most special things about Catalina Island is how much of it is conserved. About 88% of the 22-mile-long island is permanently protected from development. That means the majority of the island’s terrain remains beautifully rugged and untouched. It’s a wonderful thing! The interior of Catalina is home to a special collection of native species, including the adorable Catalina Island fox and some rare endemic plants like the Catalina cherry tree. Most visitors tend to spend the majority of their time on the island in the charming town–enjoying local beaches, shops, restaurants, and more. However, if you really want to get to know Catalina, take a tour of the city of Avalon–the heart and soul of the island. Read on to discover all the cool things you’ll learn on a tour of Avalon. 

Island history: Like so much of North America, Catalina Island was originally inhabited by a population of Native Americans. Long before European explorers and American developers came to Avalon, an indigenous population known as the Tongva thrived on the island’s unique ecosystem. Catalina was called Pimu during that time. Based on artifacts and research, it is believed that the natives dwelled on the island for thousands of years, establishing both permanent settlements and seasonal villages in different bays and harbors. 

An ideal location: It makes sense that Avalon was chosen as a main village on the island. The u-shaped bay offers protection from big surf, and the canyon that sits just inland allowed for fresh water access. In addition, the waters around Avalon were teeming with sea life which served as the main diet for the Tongvan people; spiny lobster, sea urchins, abalone, seals, sea lions, and a variety of fish were bountiful. 

Masters of maritime: It is a wonder why–with such proximity to Disneyland–there hasn’t been a movie made about the original inhabitants of this Southern California isle. The Tongva people managed to maintain a busy trade network across the ocean to the mainland. Much like the people of Disney’s Moana, the Tongvans built large boats to cross the channel and reach other civilizations. These ocean-proof wooden canoes were known as ti-ats, and some could hold more than two dozen people. 

Exploration and evolution: When your ferry boat arrives in Avalon, you dock at a spot called Cabrillo Mole. This is named for Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, an explorer who first landed on the island in 1542. Sebastian Vizcaino came soon after Cabrillo in 1602, and he re-named the island for Saint Catherine: Santa Catalina. With so much change and the effects of colonization, the last of the Tongva people left the island by the 1830s. 

An island paradise: What the Tongvans had known all along, developers and investors soon capitalized on: Catalina was a very special place. Slowly but surely, the island transformed from a quiet trading town to a premier resort destination by the 1920s. Perhaps one of the most influential people in Avalon’s history has been chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. His vision and his investment absolutely helped to turn Avalon into the bustling vacation destination and special city it is today.

Lovely landmarks: The world famous Catalina Casino was built in 1929 with an iconic art deco style, a round ballroom, a beautiful theater, and a promenade with panoramic views of the harbor. The hillsides are dotted with famous residences like the Wrigley mansion and the Holly Hill House. There’s the prominent Green Pleasure Pier at the center of town, and the many walkable streets of the city to explore. 

Make a memory: A tour of Avalon will provide you with a narrative drive to some spectacular summits and overlooks–the perfect place to take some memorable photos.  

Daily life on the island: On a tour of Avalon, a friendly local guide will lead you around town, sharing some stories of Catalina’s history, culture, and day-to-day living. Guides are also great at giving recommendations for dining and activities during your stay. You will learn a lot about what makes the island so special to its residents. 

Are you ready to book a tour of Avalon? Catalina Taxi and Tours would love to take you! From private transportation to your hotel or rental to a private tour of the town, to a custom tour of the island’s interior, Catalina’s transportation service can help get you where you want to go. There’s so much to explore on Catalina. You can visit the paradise-found town of Two Harbors, the island’s isthmus. Catalina Taxi and Tours can help you to see many parts of Catalina Island–from private eco-tours to the Airport in the Sky and the Nature Center all the way to Two Harbors, Little Harbor, and Shark Harbor. Our Toyota Sienna vans can seat up to 7 passengers for your tour. Check out all of our tour offerings on our website, or reach out to us with questions at 310-510-0342.