Attractions and Places To See around Avalon - Top 9
Best attractions and places to see around Avalon, located on Catalina Island, offer a diverse range of experiences. This harbor town is known for its walkable, colorful, and relaxed atmosphere, often explored by golf cart, boat, or on foot. The area features historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural points of interest. Visitors can explore the island's unique ecology and scenic views.
Best attractions and places to see around Avalon
- The most popular attractions is Lone Tree Point, a viewpoint that offers impressive views. This spot is considered worth the detour from the Trans-Catalina Trail.
- Another must-see spot is Green Pleasure Pier, an other man-made structure and viewpoint. It is a central point in Avalon, offering access to shops and restaurants, and provides views of the harbor, especially at sunset.
- Visitors also love Catalina Airport, a facility with a restaurant and viewpoint. It serves as a shuttle stop for Avalon and offers views of planes landing and taking off from its hilltop location.
- Avalon is known for its historical sites, natural features, and water activities. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from cultural landmarks to scenic viewpoints.
- The attractions around Avalon are appreciated by the komoot community, with 3 upvotes and 10 photos shared.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Catalina Airport
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Green Pleasure Pier
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Lone Tree Point
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Avalon Downtown Shopping District
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Black Jack Campground
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Catalina Airport (KAVX) serves as a shuttle stop, offering access to Avalon. The airport’s restaurant, open from 8 AM to 5 PM, provides a refreshing break for Trans-Catalina Trail hikers, who often stop for a meal, drink, or hot coffee. Perched on top of a hill, the airport offers an impressive view of planes landing and taking off. Privately owned but open to the public, it welcomes general aviation aircraft and sits 6.4 miles northwest of Avalon in the heart of Catalina Island.
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Black Jack Campground is nestled amongst pine and eucalyptus trees, just a mile northeast of Catalina Island’s highest peak, 2,097-foot Mt. Orizaba. This peaceful primitive campground sits in the island’s interior. Black Jack Campground has eleven sites with views of rolling hills leading to the ocean. Campers can find picnic tables, fresh water, and a pit toilet. The trailhead is 9 miles from Avalon and 11.8 miles from Two Harbors. Reservations must be made to camp and can be made online or by phone. Most hikers will skip their packed breakfast the next morning and purchase breakfast at the airport.
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Beautifully located airport with a very tasty restaurant. There is also cell phone reception here.
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Avalon is the main shipping harbor of the island, located at the mouth of Avalon Valley and forming a crescent-shaped bay terminated as either end of the curve by lofty promintories. The city of Avalon extends back from the beach above the harbor.
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Avalon is a nice little town with many shops and restaurants, the only busy place of the Island. But you can find some quite moments along the seashore very early or late. The colors just after the sun set behind the mountains at the back of Avalon create the wonderful atmosphere in the port.
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They made a new big dirty road to go there, very steep from time to time, the view is worth the detour from the trans-Catalina trail.
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The shuttle stop here so you can reach Avalon or start the hike here taking it from Avalon. The restaurent is opened 8-5pm and offers a nice break. It is really impressive as well to see the planes landing and taking off from the runaway on the top of the mountain.
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Wow, what a stunning view! Mindblowing and definitely worth the short detour. Convince yourself: https://youtu.be/x6VJcvCaPTk
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular natural attractions and viewpoints in Avalon?
Avalon offers several stunning natural features and viewpoints. Don't miss Lone Tree Point, which provides breathtaking views and is a worthwhile detour from the Trans-Catalina Trail. Other notable spots include Lover's Cove Scenic Vista, popular for snorkeling, and Casino Point Dive Park, known for its thriving kelp forest and marine life. You can also explore Avalon Canyon, home to the Nature Center, or enjoy the views from the Green Pleasure Pier.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in Avalon?
Yes, Avalon is rich in history and culture. The iconic Catalina Casino, an Art Deco landmark from 1929, is a must-see, housing a movie theater and grand ballroom. You can also visit the Catalina Island Museum for Art & History to learn about the island's past. Other historical points include the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, the Catalina Chimes Tower, and Mount Ada, the former home of William Wrigley Jr.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Avalon?
Avalon is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy a variety of water activities like swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours. For land-based adventures, explore the island's interior with guided tours, horseback rides, or by hiking. There are also options for zip-lining in Descanso Canyon and playing a round at the Catalina Island Golf Course.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Avalon?
Absolutely! Avalon is very family-friendly. The Green Pleasure Pier offers shops and restaurants, while Descanso Beach provides opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Families can also enjoy the Three Palms Avalon Arcade for bowling and arcade games, or take a glass-bottom boat tour to see marine life. The Catalina Airport also has a restaurant and offers views of planes landing and taking off, which can be exciting for children.
Where can I go hiking or walking around Avalon?
Avalon offers numerous trails for hiking and walking. For easy options, consider routes like the Catalina Island Golf Course to Hermit Gulch, the Garden to Sky Trail, or the Avalon Bay Trail. More challenging hikes include sections of the Trans Catalina Trail. You can find detailed routes and guides for various difficulty levels at Hiking around Avalon or Easy hikes around Avalon.
What are the options for camping near Avalon?
There are two notable campgrounds near Avalon. Hermit Gulch Campground is conveniently located just a mile from downtown Avalon, near the Nature Center and Wrigley Memorial. It offers scenic views, tent cabins, traditional tent sites, and amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and coin-operated showers. Further into the island's interior, Black Jack Campground provides a more primitive experience amidst pine and eucalyptus trees, with views of rolling hills.
How can I explore the interior of Catalina Island from Avalon?
To explore the rugged interior of Catalina Island, you can join guided tours, such as 'Inside Adventure Tours,' or opt for horseback rides. These tours offer opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy scenic views of the undeveloped outback. The Trans Catalina Trail, a 38.5-mile path, also traverses the entire island, providing access to rustic areas and unique flora and fauna for experienced hikers.
What are some unique ways to get around and see Avalon?
Avalon is known for its walkable, colorful, and relaxed atmosphere. Due to limited car access, popular ways to explore include walking, golf cart tours, or by boat. Golf cart tours are a fantastic way to see important landmarks like Pebbly Beach and the Inn at Mount Ada. You can also rent bikes to navigate the hilly terrain.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Avalon?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, especially from spots like Lone Tree Point. The charming atmosphere of Avalon town, with its shops and restaurants along the Green Pleasure Pier, is also a highlight, particularly at sunset. Many appreciate the unique experience of seeing planes land and take off from the hilltop Catalina Airport, which also offers a pleasant break for hikers.
Are there any running trails available near Avalon?
Yes, there are several running trails around Avalon, catering to different fitness levels. You can find moderate routes like the Avalon loop or the View from Chimes Tower Road – Hermit Gulch Campground loop. For more challenging runs, consider the East Mountain – Hermit Gulch Campground loop. Detailed information and routes are available in the Running Trails around Avalon guide.
Where can I find beaches in Avalon?
Avalon boasts several convenient beaches. You'll find South Beach, Middle Beach, and Step Beach all centrally located near the town center. Just past the Catalina Casino, Descanso Beach offers a place to relax, swim, snorkel, and enjoy various water activities. Pebbly Beach is another notable option for beachgoers.
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