The island is one of the Channel Islands and has a long history of, first, Indian occupation, discovery and claims by early explorers who brought European diseases which killed most of the indigenous population, and then successive private ownership by developers, gold explorers, ranchers and many others.
The most lasting imprint on the island was the ownership by the Wrigley family of chewing gum fame in Chicago. He owned most of the island in the mid 19th century, built a home there, and was initially buried there. His body was subsequently moved, but the memorial remains. After this ownership, the island's management was transferred to a conservancy which is in effect to this day.
Because the island has very limited resources on its own, supplies have to be transported. Gasoline cars are limited. Most of the island transportation is now via the golf cart. They are numerous and have been adapted for many uses and in various styles, some extremely whimsical. Some even look like VWs. California's first permanent desalination plant opened on the island in 1991.
A large dance hall and multipurpose facility was built early in the 20th century. It has since been razed, and another building was built on the same site, called a casino. Today it houses a museum and a theater. We did not have time to take the tour of the museum, and that is the only way to see it - very disappointing. The building is quite a prominent part of the landscape.
For 10 years (1927-37) there was an active pottery and tile company on the island. This tile can be seen in many places. I took a photo at the Wrigley memorial. It is highly collectible today.
The housing stock is very mixed. Down around the town, it could be described as "funky". Very densely packed cottages in varying states of repair. The homes built on the slopes are larger and vary from nice to very nice. There are many overnight accommodations including several very nice hotels.
Shops are also numerous and mixed. We were surprised at how little local art was available. I could have missed it, but we didn't see a single art gallery.
We hiked up to the botanical garden and to see the Wrigley memorial. The botanical garden is wonderful with both endemic and exotic species. The views from the memorial are great and the tile is beautiful!
We walked around the town, had a nice outdoor lunch overlooking the scenic harbor and poked into some of the shops.
Our overall review is as follows: If you are looking for a beach experience, the island is very limited. Just not very much sand, at least at Avalon. The harbor views are wonderful. For a family, we could not help but compare this to Mackinac Island, which wins hands down for fun and things to do, and wIth equally great scenery. We have been to Mackinac twice and would go back again. (The caveat is that there are a few ocean experiences like diving available at Catalina.) We are glad to have seen Catalina, but would not go back. It was a nice day, though.
Hundreds of brown pelicans on a rock breakwater near Newport Beach
Wrigley Memorial
Views from the memorial
The "Casino"
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