Santa Catalina is a rocky island located off the Southern California coast which is approximately 22 miles long, and 8 miles wide. William Wrigley, Junior was instrumental in the development of Catalina Island. Wrigley originally bought the island in 1919 and it was improved with a hotel, services, and the Casino building which still stands today. In 1921, Wrigley sold lots in the city of Avalon. This is the same Wrigley who developed Wrigley chewing gum, and Wrigley also owned the Chicago Cubs. The Chicago ballpark which was originally named Cubs Park, changed it's name to Wrigley Field in 1926 in honor of William Wrigley, Junior.

In Avalon, the Casino is now utilized as a motion picture theater, and the upstairs can be utilized for private events.  The Casino was built with a full circular plan. It is definitely a landmark of Avalon, and it is one of the first things you see as you are arriving in the Harbor of Avalon. As you walk up to the Casino, there is beautiful painting in the foyer, and one of the images is done with mosaic tile.

Catalina is actually located in the county of Los Angeles. However it is a mere 26 miles from Newport Beach across the ocean.

You can take the Catalina Flyer which departs Newport Harbor at 9 am and arrives in Avalon, Catalina 10:15 am. The Catalina Flyer then departs Avalon back to Newport at 4:30 pm and arrives in Newport at 5:45 pm. You can purchase your tickets for the Catalina Flyer from www.tix2fun.com. So it is easy to plan a day trip, however if you want to stay in Avalon for a long weekend - see this attached link for lodging information. Other ways to arrive in Avalon include flying into the Catalina airport which is known as the airport in the sky. After arriving at the airport, then you can take a shuttle bus down into the city of Avalon. You can also arrive in the city of Avalon by taking a helicopter out of Long Beach or San Pedro, California. You can also arrange a private helicopter charter to view the beautiful area from the air.

Catalina is incredibly picturesque with beautiful homes on the cliffs with panoramic ocean views of the Pacific Ocean and the harbor at Avalon.

Once you are in Catalina, there are many activities to do. You can rent a golf cart for a tour of the island, go fishing, Scuba diving and snorkeling, or take the glass bottom boat, or go para-sailing.  There is kayaking, and hiking to keep you physically active during your visit to Catalina Island. There are whale watching boats as well. There is also golfing, and horseback riding. Read this blog about Sport Fishing - because you can sport fish in Catalina as well. There are also many private yachts located in the Harbor at Avalon. These yachts are kept on a mooring which is typically much more secure than anchoring - additionally the yachts that are located in the interior of Avalon do not have as much wave action as the yachts further out.

This photo of the harbor is looking towards the Coast of California, and the fog bank is in the distance.

Downtown Avalon is a pedestrian village that features both shops and dining, and a candy store too. There is no shortage of things to do and enjoy the beautiful area. There is a beautiful fountain as well.

Enjoy your visit to Catalina, and use this information to plan your next trip there. You can be spontaneous and hop on the Catalina Flyer in Newport Harbor for a day trip, or plan to stay a few days or more to enjoy all the sites that are offered in Avalon. It is a unique and beautiful area offering activities for all.

If I can provide you with more information about activities in Newport Beach, or provide you with any real estate related information in the Newport Beach area, please visit my Newport Beach Real Estate website. For information about Newport Beach luxury homes, Corona del Mar luxury homes and property in Newport Coast, please contact me or visit my website at www.sharonintheoc.com

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