Things to do in Catalina Island
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Discovery Tours
The easiest way to see Catalina is on an organized tour, such as those offered by Discovery Tours and Catalina Adventure Tours, both with locations at the boat terminal and on the Green Pier. Scenic tours of Avalon offer postcard views and a quick introduction to the island's landmarks, history, flora, fauna and infrastructure. Other options include explorations of the canyons, coastline and countryside of the interior and of the fish-rich underwater gardens seen from a glass-bottom boat.
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nature preserve
Catalina's hilly interior is a protected nature preserve and may only be explored on foot or mountain-bike (permit required) or on an organized tour. Although the landscape appears to be barren, it actually teems with plant life and animals, and you'll enjoy plenty of memorable views of the rugged coast and sandy coves. If you're lucky, you'll even run into the resident herd of bison, who are descended from those left behind from a 1924 movie shoot.
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Casino
Avalon's most recognizable landmark is the art deco Casino, which has great murals, a theater with a twinkling domed ceiling and a giant ballroom where, throughout the 1930s and '40s, ladies and gents jived and jitterbugged to big-band music. The theater now shows first-run Hollywood movies, but to see the upstairs dance hall you must join an amusing one-hour tour. Tour tickets also include admission to the Catalina Island Museum.
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Snorkeling
Snorkeling is pretty good at Descanso as well, but other spots include Lovers' Cove, just south of the Avalon boat terminal, and the Casino Point Marine Park behind the Casino, which is also the best shore dive. Both are protected marine preserves where schools of sardines flit through thick kelp beds and majestic golden garibaldi cruise serenely.
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Descanso Beach Ocean Sports
Descanso Beach Ocean Sports rents snorkeling gear and kayaks, and also runs guided kayaking tours and kayak camping trips. Paddling out from here quickly gets you away from the sun-worshipping hordes and to the quiet coves of Catalina's rocky coastline. This is some of the finest kayaking anywhere in Southern California.
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Catalina Adventure Tours
On the Inside Adventure by Catalina Adventure Tours, you'll enjoy memorable views of the rugged coast and sandy coves and may even run into a herd of bison. The only other way to access the inland areas is by foot, boat or mountain bike (free pass required; call [tel] 310-510-1421).
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Café Prego
Avalon has a number of good Italian restaurants (Antonio's and Villa Portofino, both on Crescent Ave, are also recommended), but this one fits as comfortably as your favorite pair of flip-flops. No culinary flights of fancy here - just soul-sustaining pasta, crispy calamari, fresh seafood and steak.
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Hiking and Mountain-Biking
Escape Avalon's stifling crowds by hitting the trails. The trailheads closest to town are above Hermit Gulch campground and behind the Wrigley Memorial. Pick up maps and free but compulsory permits at the Catalina Island Conservancy. Permits are also available at Two Harbors and the airport.
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Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden
About 1.5 miles inland from Avalon harbor is the peaceful Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden, which has sweeping views, a monument awash with handmade local tile and impressive gardens showcasing cacti, succulents and several plants unique to the island.
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Pancake Cottage
Fans of big American breakfasts regularly crowd the counter and pink Formica tables at this local favorite. The menu, with its gazillion variations of waffles, omelettes, pancakes and egg dishes, will make your head spin.
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Rosie's Avalon Seafood
Rosie, who reigned over this beloved fish shack for over three decades, has retired, but her successor still feeds loyal locals with dock-fresh fish tacos, fried calamari, halibut sandwiches and other simple, fishy fare.
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Catalina Dive Shop
Outfitters offering equipment, guided snorkeling trips and off-shore dives include Catalina Divers Supply, on the Green Pier, and Catalina Dive Shop , near the boat terminal.
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Catalina Divers Supply
Outfitters offering equipment, guided snorkeling trips and off-shore dives include Catalina Divers Supply, on the Green Pier, and Catalina Dive Shop, near the boat terminal.
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Catalina Island Museum
The Catalina Island Museum has modest exhibits about milestones in the island's history, including its role during WWII and the Chicago Cubs era.
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