A 3-Day Arts & Culture Plan for Catalina Island

Catalina Island offers much more than beaches. Avalon brings together Art Deco landmarks, active artist studios, and layers of history spanning the island's original inhabitants, the glamour of the Wrigley era, and beyond. This three-day itinerary combines museums, galleries, historic places, and evening experiences, with time to enjoy the beach and take in the island's creative character.

Day 1: Discover Avalon's History and Scenic Sights

Morning

Ride through the island's story aboard Gary the Garibaldi, Avalon's bright orange electric trolley named after California's state fish. Choose a Scenic Avalon Tour or Avalon History Tour to see indigenous roots, the Hollywood era, renowned landmarks, and notable architectural gems.

Browse for authentic and reproduction Catalina tiles at shops such as Catalina Pottery & Tile Co. in the Shopping & Retail district.

Afternoon

Visit the Catalina Museum for Art & History to learn about early inhabitants, Hollywood connections, and local artists. Rotating special exhibitions mean the displays change throughout the year.

Inside the Casino Building, find the Avalon Diving History Exhibit, which explores Catalina's part in the development of diving.

Evening

Take the Haunted Catalina Ghost Tour through historic areas of Avalon while listening to unsettling stories from Catalina's past.

Day 2: Experience Art, Nature, and Signature Landmarks

Morning

Begin with the Catalina Art Association Gallery, where local artists and island-inspired pieces are featured.

Continue through Avalon's independent galleries and jewelry stores. Afishinados Gallery offers hand-crafted marine-inspired art, apparel and jewelry; Bay of the Seven Moons presents sterling jewelry and ethnic art and takes its name from the native islanders' original moniker for Avalon; and Two's Company features one-of-a-kind jewelry, art tile and blown glass.

Afternoon

Stroll through the native plant gardens at Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and see the grand memorial dedicated to William Wrigley Jr.

The VIP Behind-the-Scenes Casino Tour provides special access to the historic Catalina Casino, including the Avalon Theatre, ballroom, and secret areas.

Evening

On weekend nights, when scheduled, explore the Catalina Casino after dark on Haunting Tales & Mysterious Melodies. The guided experience combines the building's haunted history with live music and offers an atmospheric close to an arts-and-culture day.

Day 3: See Catalina's Interior and Lesser-Known Highlights

Morning

Join the Catalina Island Conservancy Eco Tour for a guided look at Catalina's preserved landscapes.

Afternoon

Take Catalina Food Tours for bites, desserts and beverages while guides share knowledge about local food and history.

Use the remaining time for additional shopping and exploration: find distinctive Catalina souvenirs, stop by the pier, or unwind on the beach.

Time It Right

If your schedule permits, coordinate the trip with a signature event from the Catalina Art Association: the Catalina Spring Arts & Crafts Festival on Mother's Day weekend or the Catalina Festival of Art each September. Both events bring local and regional artists' booths to Crescent Avenue and complement a morning spent visiting galleries.