to riding in glass-bottom boats , kayaking , snorkeling , scuba diving , raptor experiences and more .
There are trips in an open-air Hummer to see the island ’ s wild backcountry and possibly spot some free-roaming bison . Stroll through the botanical garden or take in the exhibits at Catalina Museum for Art & History . Of course , there ’ s plenty of time to lounge on the beach , peruse the shops — Lloyd ’ s of Avalon is a must-visit destination for ice cream , salt water taffy and other nostalgic candies — and dine at the vast array of impressive restaurants , too .
OPPOSITE PAGE : PERRY MERRITY II / UNSPLASH ; THIS PAGE , TOP : COURTESY OF CATALINA EXPRESS ; BOTTOM TWO PHOTOS : COURTESY OF CATALINA MUSEUM FOR ART & HISTORY
HISTORIC HOSPITALITY When it comes to choosing a place to stay , Hotel Atwater provides a great home base in Avalon . Fully renovated in 2019 and originally opened in 1920 , it was the first hotel built under the direction of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr ., after he purchased the Catalina Island Co . more than a century ago . He named the establishment after Helen Atwater Wrigley , the wife of his son , Philip Knight Wrigley .
Guests receive luggage service from the ferry terminal so they may stroll along the waterfront unencumbered and have their bags delivered to the hotel , which is centrally located a block from the beach , across the street from the Tour Plaza and just steps from many shops and restaurants .
Fresh , contemporary decor features nods to the past and island life . The airy lobby offers fun tropical-print chairs amid the refined yet comfortable furniture , lush greenery and vases of fresh flowers , with two grand staircases leading to the upper levels . This welcoming space also includes an old Wrigley Building vault filled with games from checkers to dominoes and Clue to play while relaxing after a full day of adventures . A nook in the back displays glass cabinets of Catalina memorabilia .
Upon arrival , guests receive two splits of sparkling wine in their well-appointed room as well as a $ 20 per room food and beverage credit to use at Bistro at the Atwater , which offers grab-and-go coffee , breakfast items and baked goods adjacent to the hotel , or at Avalon Grille , Antonio ’ s pizzeria or Descanso Beach Club . Overnight guests also receive a 15 % discount on Catalina Island Co . activities and tours plus complimentary beach towels .
FUN-FILLED DAYS When it comes to choosing activities , there ’ s too many to do them all in one visit . But among the highlights is the Undersea Sub Expedition .
Photos at Catalina Museum for Art & History , including , clockwise from top , aquaplaning , Mickey Rooney ( right ) and Johnny Weismiller playing golf , and John Wayne ( at left )
Step down into the Sea Wolf Semi-Submersible , which cruises 5 feet below the surface . In this climate-controlled cabin , each passenger has their own seat and porthole to look through , but there ’ s plenty of space to get up and move around to try other vantage points . You ’ ll see an array of fish , such as spotted calico bass , opaleye , California sheephead and the state fish , the bright orange Garibaldi , in this vibrant marine environment . Keep your eyes peeled because bat rays and sea lions might also be spotted in between the swaying swaths of kelp .
If you prefer to stay on dry land , but still want to see the marine life , a unique opportunity has popped up at the Tour Plaza . “ Immersed : Ocean Wonders ” is a 30-minute film presented in a custom-made dome theater for a virtual dive into the world ’ s oceans — including Catalina ’ s kelp forests . Footage was shot underwater in 360 degrees to capture every angle . Choose a traditional theater seat ( or a beanbag chair up front ) and get ready for a tranquil experience that provides up-close encounters with manta rays , sea lions , whale
sharks , dolphins and more , with narration and contemporary music . Audience members can feel good about buying a ticket as 10 % of profits are donated to conservation groups .
This same plaza is where participants meet for the Bison Expedition . A heavy-duty , fourwheel-drive Hummer vehicle will whisk you on a two-hour tour of the backcountry , past rolling hills , fields , ponds and majestic coastal views from blufftop overlooks . Feel the wind in your hair as your guide shares stories about the island ’ s history , flora and fauna . While not guaranteed , passengers might encounter California quail ; a Catalina subspecies of the Channel Island fox ; bald eagles ; and American bison roaming the area . Bison were brought to the island by a 1920s film crew , and the remaining herd of about 150 are descendants of those animals . An icon of the American West , these stately creatures were named the nation ’ s official mammal in 2016 . After a stop at Airport in the Sky , a cafe and gift shop at the summit , the return route follows an original 19th-century stagecoach trail back to Avalon .
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