The Tiny Island with Bisons, Phenomenal Beaches & No-Gambling Casino Just an Hour from LA

Catalina Island

A tiny California island where bison roam free and golf carts replace cars sounds made up. But that’s Catalina for you. One hour from LA’s busy streets, you’ll find clear water, hidden coves, and a town that feels frozen in time. Here’s the scoop on California’s island escape.

Rare Endemic Plants Fill 38-Acre Botanic Garden

Take a peaceful walk through the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, honoring William Wrigley Jr. who shaped modern Catalina Island.

This 38-acre space showcases plants found nowhere else on Earth, including the rare Catalina Island Mountain Mahogany.

The memorial began taking shape in 1933, built mainly with materials from the island itself, like crushed Catalina tiles and local stones.

Many visitors think Wrigley was buried here, but his tomb was moved to Forest Lawn Memorial Park on the mainland – though the confusion continues today.

William Wrigley Jr. Built The Casino In 1929

The Catalina Casino towers over Avalon Bay as a magnificent art deco landmark but here’s the catch, there’s no gambling here.

This grand venue was built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. for $2 million which includes 20,000-square-foot circular ballroom.

Inside, sits the Avalon Theater with its stunning Art Deco murals by John Beckman and rare 1929 Page pipe organ that still works today.

The annual Avalon Ball happens each May with period-correct clothes and performances, going strong for over 22 years now.

The Museum Displays 60 Years Of Island Heritage

For more than six decades, the Catalina Museum for Art & History has narrated the stories about the indigenous Tongva people.

Originally started in 1953 by Philip K. Wrigley inside the Casino building, the museum moved to its own space in 2016.

The collection includes many pieces of Catalina pottery made between 1927-1937, now considered valuable collectibles.

Fishermen Started Glass Bottom Boat Tours In 1900s

Look through the glass and watch sea life swim right beneath your feet.

Today, the Moonstone vessel takes guests through Avalon Harbor into Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve, one of the healthiest marine spots in the world.

During the 45-minute tour, keep an eye out for colorful garibaldi, kelp bass, leopard sharks, and moray eels hiding among kelp forests.

Modern boats now include semi-submersibles where your seat drops below the water for an even better view of the underwater world.

52 Miles Of Coastline Welcomes Kayakers

Nothing beats paddling on a bright summer day on the eastern shore (facing the mainland) which is perfect for beginners.

Popular kayaking routes like Avalon to Long Point and Parson’s Landing offer stunning coastal scenery and calm waters.

Check out Wet Spot Rentals, around since 1991, with options starting at just $22 for two hours from their booth at Avalon Boat Landing.

Don’t miss the Journey to Frog Rock tour where they provide you with dry pants, jackets, and special gear to keep your stuff dry.

Underwater Visibility Often Reaches 50 Feet

Catalina offers both guided and self-guided snorkeling options. The water temperatures here range from 55°F in winter to 72°F in late summer.

Casino Point Dive Park (started in 1962), the first non-reserve dive park in California, features giant kelp forests that grow up to 60 feet tall.

Rental shops all over town provide masks, fins, snorkels, and wetsuits year-round, making it easy to jump in and start exploring.

Wild Bison Roam The Island Since 1920s

Jump into an open-air Hummer and head into the rugged interiors of Catalina. Along the way, keep an eye out for bald eagles and the island fox.

Today, around 100–150 bison roam the unpaved paths of the island, all descended from a small herd left behind by a 1920s movie crew.

The off-road tour reaches remote viewpoints few visitors access, with expert guides sharing insights on bison biology and their impact.

Trained Peregrine Falcons Dive At 200 MPH

Watch in awe as a trained bird of prey soars through the air, then swoops down to land gently on your gloved hand.

The falconry experience brings you face-to-face with these amazing hunters, as expert handlers demonstrate hunting techniques.

Each participant gets a specialized leather glove that protects them from the birds’ strong talons during handling.

This seasonal activity runs March to October, with sessions lasting 60–90 minutes.

First Zipline Built in LA County

California’s most scenic zip course, a 3,671-foot route takes you across five separate ziplines high above Descanso Canyon.

You’ll hop on a shuttle to the ridge top above Descanso Beach Club. You’ll even zoom between platforms at speeds up to 35 mph during this two-hour adventure.

Trained guides share facts about native plants, animals, and conservation work as you catch your breath between zips.

Long-Running Restaurants Serve Island Specialties

Local favorites include fresh seafood dishes like Catalina Lobster Mac & Cheese and Catalina Swordfish. Try these at Eric’s on the Pier (over 76 years old).

The Original Jack’s Country Kitchen at 118 Catalina Ave has served classic American breakfasts with island twists since 1949.

The Buffalo Nickel Restaurant, running since the 1980s, offers a mix of Mexican and American in its historic building.

Don’t miss the annual Taste Around Avalon event on the first Thursday after Memorial Day, a tradition that lets you sample all parts of the island.

Golf Carts Replace Cars In One-Square-Mile Avalon

The main town covers just one square mile, with a 15 mph maximum speed limit for golf carts that sets a relaxed pace for sightseeing.

A standard rental gives you 2-3 hours. Most routes take you up Avalon Canyon Road for fantastic views overlooking the harbor from higher points.

Many locals use them as their main transportation since Avalon has a 25-year waiting list for bringing regular vehicles to the island.

The Isthmus Separates Two Different Harbors

Head to the west end of Catalina to find Two Harbors, a rustic, laid-back area completely different from bustling Avalon.

This tiny village sits on an isthmus just 0.25 miles wide, with Catalina Harbor on the south side and Isthmus Cove on the north.

Between both harbors, Two Harbors provides 720 moorings, making it popular with private boats and sailors who stop by for a break.

For overnight stays, check out the historic Banning House Lodge, built in 1910 as a hunting lodge and now serving as the main place to stay.

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